Sauna vs. Jacuzzi® – Are they the same thing?

11 Minute Read

When you are thinking about a sauna or a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, you might think they are the same thing. After all, both are associated with wellness, relaxation, and luxury. However, while the two are often mentioned in the same breath, they are not the same.

A sauna is a type of product, while the name “Jacuzzi” refers to the family that created the world-renowned premium brand that has been a pioneer in the wellness space for nearly 70 years. The Jacuzzi® brand manufactures not only hot tubs, swim spas, and jetted baths, but also industry-leading infrared saunas.

Much like the way many people often use the term “Jacuzzi” when referring to any hot tub, the same can happen with saunas. In reality, the Jacuzzi name represents a specific brand of excellence, not just the product category itself. To understand the difference, read on.

This article is designed to help you understand the difference between a sauna and a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, which is the pinnacle of saunas on the market. By the time you reach the end of this brief article, you will have a better understanding of the key differences, as well as the benefits that Jacuzzi® infrared saunas can provide.

Is a sauna and a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna the same?

The short answer is no. A sauna refers to the product itself: an enclosed room or cabin designed to produce dry or infrared heat that raises your body temperature and offers a relaxing environment in which to relax and recuperate. A Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, on the other hand, refers to a product manufactured by the Jacuzzi Group—the same brand that pioneered modern hydrotherapy and set the global standard for hot tubs.

Just as not every hot tub is a Jacuzzi® hot tub, not every sauna is a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna. When you choose a Jacuzzi® wellness product, you are choosing a product that is backed by decades of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and wellness engineering that elevate your sauna experience far beyond the basics.

What is a sauna?

A sauna is an enclosed space designed to use heat therapy to promote relaxation, circulation, and rejuvenation. Traditional saunas heat the air around you using a stove or heater, while infrared saunas use infrared light to warm your body directly without raising the surrounding air temperature as much.

People seek the use of saunas for many reasons and to reap the benefits they offer. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, time in a sauna may help improve circulation, relax muscles, reduce tension, and even provide temporary relief from joint pain. Some studies even suggest that regular sauna use may support cardiovascular health and stress reduction. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

The Cleveland Clinic also notes that sauna bathing can encourage relaxation, temporarily help with muscle recovery, and promote better sleep. However, the organization notes it’s essential to stay hydrated, limit time spent in the sauna, and consult your healthcare provider if you have underlying heart or blood pressure concerns.

In short, a sauna is a time-honored wellness tool. But not all saunas are created equal—this is where the Jacuzzi® brand raises the bar.

What is a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna?

A Jacuzzi® infrared sauna is not just any sauna—it’s a premium wellness product engineered with the same attention to detail, craftsmanship, and innovation that have defined the Jacuzzi® name for nearly seven decades (yes, decades).

When you step inside a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, you’re not just experiencing heat. You’re stepping into a carefully designed environment that combines style, technology, and therapeutic benefits. From compact one-person models perfect for urban homes to spacious two-person and three-person saunas designed for couples or families, Jacuzzi® infrared saunas deliver versatility without sacrificing luxury.

What makes a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna different?

So what truly sets a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna apart from other saunas on the market? Here are some of the defining features:

1. Brand reputation and legacy—When you choose a Jacuzzi® wellness product, you’re choosing a brand that has been synonymous with wellness innovation for decades. Just as the Jacuzzi® brand pioneered hydrotherapy in hot tubs, it has now redefined the sauna experience with premium features and advanced engineering.

2. Craftsmanship and materials—Jacuzzi® infrared saunas are built with high-quality certified Mahogany wood, hearty tongue-and-groove construction, and durable materials that not only enhance the sauna’s appearance but also ensure longevity. The interiors are designed to retain heat effectively while remaining comfortable and visually stunning.

3. Infrared and red light technology—Select Jacuzzi® infrared saunas integrate the incredible combination of infrared heat and red light therapy, two proven wellness modalities, into a single experience. Research supports the fact that infrared heat temporarily helps relax muscles, soothe joints, and encourage circulation, while red light therapy may support skin health, energy, and recovery. Together, they create a comprehensive rejuvenation system that goes beyond traditional sauna use.

4. Design and aesthetic—Your sauna is not only a wellness space but also part of your home’s design. Jacuzzi® infrared saunas offer sleek, modern styling with customizable options, from wood finishes to interior lighting. The result is a wellness sanctuary that blends seamlessly into your lifestyle and your decor.

5. Ergonomics and comfort—Just as Jacuzzi® hot tubs are known for ergonomic seating, Jacuzzi® infrared saunas are designed with comfort in mind. Benches and layouts are carefully crafted to allow you to relax fully while enjoying the benefits of infrared heat and red light therapy.

6. Wellness innovation—The Jacuzzi® brand continues to lead the industry with one-of-a-kind advancements. By integrating vibrational resonance therapy, chromotherapy, red light therapy, and infrared heat, Jacuzzi® infrared saunas provide a multi-sensory experience that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Vibrational resonance therapy allows you to enhance your session with sound and vibration. Meanwhile, chromotherapy helps you boost your mood with the option of 12 different light settings. Alternatively, you can also cycle through them all during your sauna session.

Jacuzzi® infrared sauna models

When choosing your sauna, you’ll find multiple Jacuzzi® infrared sauna options to match your lifestyle:

1-person saunas—Ideal if you live in a smaller home or apartment, these compact and efficient models deliver a personal wellness retreat in minimal space.
2-person saunas—Perfect for couples or shared use, two-person models offer slightly more space and comfort without requiring a much larger footprint.
3-person saunas—Spacious and family-friendly, three-person models are designed for those who want to share the sauna experience with friends or loved ones.

Each size offers the same quality, technology, and innovation that you’ve come to expect from the Jacuzzi® brand, each scaled to fit your needs.

Beyond saunas: A complete line of Jacuzzi® wellness products

One of the defining qualities of the Jacuzzi® brand is that it goes far beyond one type of product. When you invest in a Jacuzzi® wellness product, you’re entering an entire ecosystem of wellness experiences, including:

Jacuzzi® hot tubs—The industry standard for hydrotherapy, featuring ergonomic seating, specialty Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets, advanced water care systems, such as True Water™, and innovations in Infrared and Red Light therapy incorporated into your hydromassage.
Jacuzzi® swim spas—Combining the best of swimming pools, exercise trainers, and hot tubs for fitness and relaxation in one, plus the best innovations the Jacuzzi® brand is known for.
Jacuzzi® jetted bathtubs—Elegant in-home baths with hydrotherapy jets that lull you into luxurious bliss.
Jacuzzi® massage chairs—Designed to bring professional-level massage into your living room for next-level regenerative relaxation.

This holistic approach means that if you love your Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, you can seamlessly expand your wellness experience with other Jacuzzi® products designed with the same commitment to excellence—and your well-being.

Sauna vs. Jacuzzi® infrared sauna—Making your choice

When you’re deciding between a standard sauna and a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, consider what matters most to you. A traditional sauna provides heat therapy and relaxation, but a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna takes the experience to another level with superior craftsmanship, wellness technologies, and design innovations.

Just as not every hot tub is a Jacuzzi® hot tub, not every sauna can be called a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna. The difference comes down to more than just a name—it’s about a legacy of quality, innovation, and dedication to helping you feel your best.

By now, the difference between a sauna and a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna should be clear. A sauna is the product category itself, but a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna is a premium wellness solution created by a brand that has set the standard for hydrotherapy and home wellness for nearly 70 years.

When you choose a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna, you’re not just purchasing a sauna—you’re investing in a sanctuary of relaxation, rejuvenation, and style. Whether you select a compact one-person model or a spacious three-person design, you’ll experience the craftsmanship, technology, and innovation that only the Jacuzzi® brand can deliver.

Your well-being deserves more than ordinary—it deserves extraordinary. It deserves a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.

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