Sauna vs. Jacuzzi — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
A sauna is a room where heat and steam are used for health benefits or relaxation. A Jacuzzi is a brand name that has become synonymous with hot tubs featuring water jets for hydrotherapy or relaxation.
Difference Between Sauna and Jacuzzi
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sauna is a Finnish-origin term describing a heated room or enclosure where people go to experience dry or wet heat. Jacuzzi, on the other hand, is actually a brand name that has been generalized to describe hot tubs with water jets.
In a sauna, the heat typically comes from hot stones or an electric heater, creating a high-temperature environment. A Jacuzzi uses water and jets to create a massaging effect, and the water is generally warm but not hot.
The primary purpose of a sauna is to make people sweat, thus opening up pores and offering a form of detoxification. Jacuzzis are often used for hydrotherapy, providing relaxation and relief from muscle soreness through water jets.
Saunas are usually made of wood and have a simple, enclosed design. Jacuzzis are often open-air and made from various materials like acrylic or concrete, featuring built-in seats and jets.
While saunas are generally considered to be dry environments, there are also "wet saunas" where steam is used. Jacuzzis, in contrast, are inherently wet and often include features like lighting and sometimes even music systems.
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Comparison Chart
Origin of Term
Finnish
Brand name
Primary Element
Heat/Steam
Water
Purpose
Detoxification
Hydrotherapy
Material
Usually wood
Various
Additional Features
Few, if any
Jets, lights, etc
Compare with Definitions
Sauna
Enclosed space.
The sauna was a small, enclosed room.
Jacuzzi
A hot tub with water jets.
The Jacuzzi was so relaxing after a long day.
Sauna
Often constructed from wood.
The cedarwood sauna smelled amazing.
Jacuzzi
Used for hydrotherapy.
The Jacuzzi provides excellent hydrotherapy for sore muscles.
Sauna
May use dry or wet heat.
I prefer a wet sauna because it uses steam.
Jacuzzi
Features built-in seats.
The Jacuzzi had comfortable built-in seats.
Sauna
A room heated for the purpose of sweating and relaxation.
I spent 20 minutes in the sauna to detoxify.
Jacuzzi
May include lighting and music.
The Jacuzzi had mood lighting and built-in speakers.
Sauna
Originates from Finland.
The concept of the sauna is Finnish in origin.
Jacuzzi
Brand name, often generalized.
Though it's a brand, many people refer to all hot tubs as Jacuzzis.
Sauna
A sauna (, Finnish: [ˈsɑu̯nɑ]), or sudatory, is a small room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these facilities. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi Brands LLC (; Italian: [jaˈkuttsi]), through its subsidiaries, is a global manufacturer and distributor of branded baths, hot tubs, pools and saunas. Jacuzzi is a federally registered trademark of Jacuzzi Inc.
Sauna
A small room or structure that provides dry heat or steam for bathing or refreshing the body.
Jacuzzi
A hot tub or whirlpool bath with underwater jets that massage the body.
Sauna
A bath or period of time spent in a sauna.
Jacuzzi
(transitive) To equip with a jacuzzi.
The suite was jacuzzied.
Sauna
A room or a house designed for heat sessions.
The hotel has a sauna in the basement.
Jacuzzi
(intransitive) To use a jacuzzi.
They jacuzzied after a late dinner.
Sauna
The act of using a sauna.
John had a sauna after his swim.
Joanne went for a sauna after her swim.
Jacuzzi
(transitive) To treat with a jacuzzi.
He jacuzzied his sore muscles.
Sauna
A public sauna.
Jacuzzi
A large whirlpool bathtub with underwater jets that massage the body
Sauna
In some countries, a business with bath-like facilities that is actually a brothel or a place for (non-commercial) sexual encounters; a bathhouse.
Sauna
A very hot place or room.
Sauna
To use a sauna.
Sauna
A Finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
Common Curiosities
What is a sauna?
A room or enclosure heated for sweating and relaxation.
Is Jacuzzi a general term?
No, it's a brand name but is often generalized to mean any hot tub with jets.
How do saunas and Jacuzzis differ?
Saunas use heat or steam for detoxification, while Jacuzzis use water jets for relaxation.
Where did the term 'sauna' originate?
It originated in Finland.
What is a Jacuzzi?
A hot tub with built-in water jets, often used for hydrotherapy.
What is the purpose of a Jacuzzi?
To provide hydrotherapy and relaxation through water jets.
Do Jacuzzis have additional features?
Yes, they often have built-in seats, lights, and sometimes music systems.
Is it safe to stay in a sauna for a long time?
It's recommended to limit your time to 15-20 minutes.
Can children use saunas or Jacuzzis?
It's generally not recommended for young children to use either.
What is the purpose of a sauna?
To make you sweat, thereby aiding in detoxification.
Are saunas always made of wood?
Mostly, but materials can vary.
Are saunas and Jacuzzis good for your health?
Both can have health benefits but should be used in moderation and under consultation with a healthcare provider.
Are saunas always dry?
No, there are also wet saunas that use steam.
What materials are Jacuzzis made from?
They can be made from various materials like acrylic or concrete.
How long can I stay in a Jacuzzi?
20-30 minutes is generally safe, but it depends on the individual.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
