Jacuzzi — brand, history, alternatives and where to buy in Germany & Austria
Looking for a jacuzzi? Many people use the word "jacuzzi" as a general term for a hot tub or whirlpool — but Jacuzzi is actually a specific brand name. At TwoRelax we sell Wellis hot tubs: high-quality outdoor whirlpools from the leading European manufacturer, with free delivery across Germany and Austria.
Many people use "Jacuzzi" as a general term for a hot tub. Jacuzzi® is a third-party brand. We are not affiliated with or authorized by Jacuzzi, and we do not sell Jacuzzi® products. We sell Wellis hot tubs.
Free delivery DE + AT
Up to 10-year warranty
Klarna financing
14-day right of withdrawal
TÜV certified
Terminology
Jacuzzi, hot tub, whirlpool — what's the difference?
Jacuzzi
Technically a brand name. Jacuzzi Inc. is an American manufacturer founded in 1956 by the Jacuzzi brothers, who invented the first hydrotherapy pump. The brand is so established that many people use "jacuzzi" generically — similar to how "Kleenex" is used for any tissue.
Hot tub
The correct generic English term. A self-contained heated bath with hydrotherapy jets, designed for multiple people. "Hot tub" is the preferred term across the industry.
Whirlpool
The term commonly used in Germany and Austria. Technically interchangeable with "hot tub" and often used on German product pages. Outdoor-whirlpool = outdoor hot tub.
Practical takeaway: If you searched for "jacuzzi" you likely want a premium outdoor hot tub. Jacuzzi® is a third-party brand — we are not affiliated with or authorized by Jacuzzi, and we do not sell Jacuzzi® products. At TwoRelax we sell Wellis hot tubs: a leading European manufacturer producing in Hungary since 2003, with free delivery to DE & AT and up to 10-year warranty.
Quality markers
What makes a good hot tub?
Whatever the brand, a good jacuzzi shares the same quality markers:
Shell material
Acrylic is the standard for outdoor hot tubs — durable and easy to clean. Quality shells are multi-layer reinforced and UV-resistant.
Insulation
Good full-foam insulation (known as "Scandinavian insulation") significantly reduces heating costs, especially in winter.
Number of pumps
Two or more pumps allow simultaneous massage sessions and distribute jet power more evenly.
Jet count
Between 30 and 90 jets — more is not automatically better. Variety matters (shoulder, back, feet) and targeted placement.
Control system
Modern hot tubs offer touchscreen operation and smartphone-app control — convenient for heating before arrival.
Certification
Look for TÜV and CE certification. These confirm compliance with European safety standards.
All Wellis hot tubs at TwoRelax meet these criteria and are TÜV certified and CE-compliant.
The right choice
Outdoor, indoor, or inflatable: which type is right?
€5,000 – €30,000
Outdoor hot tubs (permanently installed)
Acrylic hot tubs for year-round outdoor use. Fully insulated, maintain temperature below freezing.
€ varies
Indoor hot tubs
Less common in Germany. Require professional ventilation and drainage.
€300 – €800
Inflatable hot tubs
Budget entry-level for occasional summer use. Cannot handle sub-zero temperatures — not suitable for year-round use in Germany.
€5,000 – €8,000
Plug & Play hot tubs
Outdoor hot tubs connecting to a 230V socket — no electrician required. Wellis offers 3 models: Mars, Callisto, Castor.
Also consider the full footprint (including maintenance access), the load-bearing capacity of your surface (a filled hot tub weighs 1,500 to 3,000 kg), and the electrical supply (230V or 400V depending on the model).
Price guide
How much does a hot tub cost?
Price ranges vary widely. A rough guide:
Inflatable
€300 – €800
Summer entry-level
Plug & Play entry
€5,000 – €8,000
Year-round outdoor use
Mid-range
€8,000 – €15,000
Enhanced specifications
Premium
€15,000 – €30,000+
Flagship models
Wellis hot tubs at TwoRelax
Price range €5,429 (Mars Plug & Play) to €29,299 (Olympus Life 8 people). All prices include 19% VAT.
Additional costs often overlooked:
Foundation or patio base: approx. €300 – €1,500
Electrical installation: €200 – €800
Crane delivery (White-Glove service): optionally €600 at TwoRelax
Running electricity costs (see next section)
Operating costs
Is a hot tub an energy drain?
Power consumption depends on three factors: insulation quality, water temperature, and outdoor temperature.
Typical monthly electricity costs (38°C, German average electricity prices):
Well-insulated hot tub in summer
€25 – €50 / month
Well-insulated hot tub in winter
€60 – €120 / month
Poorly insulated hot tub in winter
€150 – €250 / month
How to significantly reduce running costs:
Heat pump — can reduce heating energy by up to 75%. TwoRelax offers the Smart-In Step 3kW heat pump.
Insulated cover — the most important energy-saving factor. Prevents heat loss during non-use.
Adjust water temperature — each degree Celsius lower ≈ 5% energy savings.
All Wellis Life and PeakLife models at TwoRelax feature full-foam insulation and are heat-pump-ready.
REPLACE · Wellis factory or brand lifestyle photo
Our manufacturer
Wellis — our focus on a European manufacturer
TwoRelax specialises in hot tubs and swim spas from the Hungarian manufacturer Wellis. Wellis has produced hot tubs in Hungary since 2003, manufacturing exclusively within the European Union.
What convinced us about Wellis:
Continuous full-foam insulation across all outdoor models
Free delivery DE + AT. 2–4 weeks in stock, 6–12 weeks custom configurations. White-Glove service €600 optional.
Installation
Final electrical connection by qualified electrician. Technical documentation on request.
Warranty
Acrylic shell up to 10 years. Frame + plumbing 3 years. Electronics + pumps 2 years.
Klarna.
Financing with Klarna
Pay now (SEPA)
Pay in 3 instalments (interest-free)
Pay later (30 days interest-free)
Instalment plan 6–36 months (from 0% APR)
Klarna eligibility is checked in seconds at checkout.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A good-quality outdoor hot tub for year-round use starts at around €5,000 (Plug & Play entry model). Mid-range models with enhanced specifications range from €8,000 to €15,000, and premium hot tubs for 6–8 people range from €15,000 to €30,000.
Not necessarily. With good insulation, a tight cover, and optionally a heat pump, monthly electricity costs are €25–50 in summer and €60–120 in winter. A heat pump can reduce consumption by up to 75%.
Yes. For private use on your own property you generally do not require a permit. You'll need a level, load-bearing surface (a filled hot tub weighs 1,500–3,000 kg), a suitable electrical supply (230V for Plug & Play; 400V for larger models), and adequate maintenance access. In specific cases (rental flats, local development plans, heritage protection) restrictions may apply — if in doubt, ask your local municipality.
With consistent water care (pH balance, chlorine or salt-water system), change the water completely every 3–4 months. Filter cleaning is weekly; filter cartridges are replaced every 12 months.
TwoRelax sells Wellis hot tubs. Jacuzzi® is a separate third-party brand — we are not affiliated with or authorized by Jacuzzi, and we do not sell Jacuzzi® products. We chose Wellis because it is the leading European manufacturer, produced in Hungary since 2003, with full-foam insulation, TÜV + CE certification, up to 10-year warranty on the acrylic shell, and direct EU-based spare-parts distribution.
In-stock models are delivered within 2–4 weeks; custom configurations take 6–12 weeks. We coordinate the delivery date with you in advance.
Yes, via Klarna you have several instalment options — from interest-free payment in 3 instalments to 36-month financing with promotional rates starting at 0% APR.
Both. Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi, Inc. (USA) — a specific manufacturer. In everyday German, French, and English usage, "Jacuzzi" has also become a generic word for any hot tub (like "Tempo" for tissues). Legally only products made by Jacuzzi, Inc. are Jacuzzis; colloquially any whirlpool can be called a Jacuzzi. TwoRelax doesn't sell Jacuzzi®-branded products — we specialise in Wellis, the European premium alternative.
The Jacuzzi brothers — seven siblings who emigrated from Valvo, Italy, to California between 1907 and 1920. The first Jacuzzi hydrotherapy jet (the J-300 portable pump) was patented in 1956 to help young Kenny Jacuzzi with severe rheumatoid arthritis. The first fully-integrated whirlpool bath (the "Jacuzzi") was launched by Roy Jacuzzi in 1968. The term has been a generic word for hot tubs since the 1970s.
The correct spelling is "Jacuzzi" — one word, capital J. Common misspellings in German search include jackouzi, jakuzziba, jakuzzi, jakusie, jakusi, jacusi, jaccuzi, jacuzi, and yakuzi. Google auto-corrects most of these. The name comes from the Jacuzzi family surname (pronounced "ya-CUTS-ee" in Italian, "ja-KOO-zee" in English and German).
Rigid outdoor Jacuzzi / Whirlpool prices in the DE/AT market: €5,429 for entry-level Plug & Play (Wellis Mars), €7,000-€15,000 for mid-range 5-6 person models, €15,000-€30,000 for premium flagships (Wellis Olympus, Jacuzzi® J-500 series), €30,000-€60,000 for swim spas. Inflatable Jacuzzis: €400-€1,500 but completely different product category.
Jacuzzi® is a premium brand with strong reputation, but not categorically better than other premium brands at similar price points. European premium brands like Wellis, Aquavia, and Villeroy & Boch deliver comparable build quality, often at 15-25% lower prices for DE/AT buyers due to shorter supply chains. For the "is it worth the Jacuzzi premium?" question, most objective comparisons point to European alternatives offering better value.
No. TwoRelax is not affiliated with Jacuzzi, Inc. and does not sell Jacuzzi®-branded products. We are the authorised Wellis retailer for Germany and Austria. Wellis is the European premium equivalent — similar quality, typically 15-25% lower price, EU-internal service and warranty. If you specifically want Jacuzzi®-branded, you'll need to contact an authorised Jacuzzi dealer directly.
An outdoor Jacuzzi / Whirlpool can be installed on a terrace, deck, garden corner, or semi-inground. Requirements: level concrete or paver base rated for 500 kg/m², 1 m clearance around the unit, electrical connection (16A plug for Plug & Play models or 32-50A hardwired for larger units), and proximity to a water source for initial fill. Most Wellis models work in typical German/Austrian gardens without major construction.
Depends on model. Jacuzzi / Whirlpool sizes range from 2-person (compact) to 9-person (flagship). Most DE/AT sales are for 5-6 person units. Wellis size mapping: Teide/Firenze (3 person), Budapest/Everest (5 person), Kilimanjaro/Atlas/Prague (6 person), Vienna/Lima/Elbrus (7 person), Olympus (9 person). Rule of thumb: a "6-person" model seats 6 comfortably but typically 3-4 use it at once.
Still have questions?
Ready for your hot tub?
Explore our Wellis collection or contact us for personalised advice via WhatsApp, phone, or email. We answer all questions on model selection, installation, and financing within one business day.
What is a Jacuzzi? The brand, the product, the everyday meaning
"Jacuzzi" has two meanings: strictly, it's the registered trademark of Jacuzzi, Inc. — a US manufacturer of hot tubs and whirlpool baths. Colloquially in German, "Jacuzzi" is used as a generic term for any hot tub (Whirlpool). Here's what you actually get when you search for "Jacuzzi" in DE/AT.
Jacuzzi® — the registered trademark
Jacuzzi is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi, Inc. (USA). They manufacture a specific range of premium hot tubs sold worldwide. When used correctly, "a Jacuzzi" refers only to products built by Jacuzzi, Inc. — not to Wellis, Hot Spring, Aquavia, or any other brand.
Jacuzzi — the generic word
In everyday German, Austrian, and Swiss speech, "Jacuzzi" is often used as a generic term meaning any Whirlpool or hot tub — similar to how "Tempo" means any tissue, or "Thermos" means any vacuum flask. Linguistically valid but technically imprecise.
Who sells Jacuzzi®?
Jacuzzi®-branded products are sold through Jacuzzi, Inc.'s authorised dealer network. In Germany and Austria this is a small number of specialist retailers. TwoRelax is not affiliated with Jacuzzi, Inc. and does not sell Jacuzzi®-branded products. We specialise in Wellis, the European premium equivalent.
Jacuzzi vs. Whirlpool in Germany
In the DE/AT market, "Whirlpool" is the dominant and neutral term for the product category. "Jacuzzi" retains strong brand association but is also used colloquially. If you're researching outdoor hot tubs, "Whirlpool" will find more results; if you want the specific Jacuzzi® brand, you'll need to search "Jacuzzi Deutschland" or "Jacuzzi Händler".
History
The Jacuzzi Brothers — inventors of hydrotherapy
The Jacuzzi story is one of Italian emigration, aerospace engineering, medical need, and accidental branding. It begins with seven brothers from Valvo, Italy, and a search for pain relief.
Seven brothers from Italy
The seven Jacuzzi brothers (Rachele, Valeriano, Frank, Joseph, Gelindo, Francesco, and Giocondo) emigrated from Valvo, near Udine, Italy, to California between 1907 and 1920. They initially built wooden propellers for aeroplanes — Jacuzzi Brothers was founded as an aerospace company in 1915.
From aerospace to pumps
After a fatal plane crash of the Jacuzzi J-7 monoplane in 1921, the brothers pivoted from aerospace to water pumps. Their agricultural and domestic pumps became widely used across the American West. By the 1940s Jacuzzi Bros. was a major pump manufacturer.
The J-300 portable hydrotherapy pump (1956)
When young Kenny Jacuzzi suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, the family engineered a portable hydrotherapy pump that could be placed in a bathtub to provide warm, circulating jet therapy. This was patented as the Jacuzzi J-300 in 1956 — the world's first domestic hydrotherapy jet.
The first built-in whirlpool (1968)
Roy Jacuzzi (third generation) developed the first fully integrated whirlpool bath — a bathtub with the jets built in, rather than a portable add-on. This product was launched in 1968 as "the Jacuzzi" and became the de facto standard for built-in hydromassage tubs.
Becoming a generic term
The 1970s and 1980s saw "Jacuzzi" become the generic word for hot tubs in English, and by extension in German, French, and many other languages. The Jacuzzi company has long battled this genericisation — legally they own the trademark, but the linguistic ship has sailed.
Today — ownership & reach
Jacuzzi Brands is now part of Jacuzzi Group Worldwide (private equity owned since 2007). They continue to manufacture premium hot tubs, saunas, and bath products, sold through a global dealer network. Production spans the US, Italy, and other countries.
Jacuzzi outdoor & garden
Jacuzzi im Garten — outdoor installation guide
Most "Jacuzzi" searches in German are for outdoor hot tubs for home installation. Whether you're buying a genuine Jacuzzi® or a comparable European premium brand, the installation considerations are the same.
Jacuzzi Outdoor foundations
Outdoor Jacuzzi / Whirlpool units need a level, load-bearing base: typically a 200 mm concrete slab or prepared paver/gravel base rated for 500 kg/m². Plan for 1 m clearance around the unit for service access.
Jacuzzi in the garden — placement
Popular placement options: (1) terrace adjacent to the house with covered crossing, (2) standalone garden corner with pergola cover, (3) semi-inground (partially recessed for deck-flush look), (4) fully inground for premium swim spas. The Wellis 2025 range supports all four installation styles.
Jacuzzi permits (DE)
In most German Bundesländer, outdoor Jacuzzis/Whirlpools under 100 m³ water volume don't require a building permit. Wellis models hold 685-2,331 L — well below this threshold. Local Gemeinde rules may apply in historic districts.
Jacuzzi aufblasbar vs. fest
Inflatable Jacuzzis (Intex, Bestway, MSpa) are a different product class — temporary, lower performance, typically 6-8 months/year use in Central Europe. A "Jacuzzi" in the proper sense means a permanent, insulated, year-round unit. For authentic outdoor Jacuzzi experience, choose a rigid model.
The Jacuzzi alternative
Why Wellis is Europe's Jacuzzi-class alternative
If you're researching a Jacuzzi but open to European premium brands, Wellis is the closest comparable option for DE/AT buyers. Here's the direct comparison.
Same premium tier
Wellis sits in the same performance tier as Jacuzzi® — premium insulation, stainless frames on flagships, SmartTouch-class control panels, 10-year shell warranties. 200,000+ units installed across 50+ countries since 2003.
15-25% lower pricing
At comparable specification (size, jet count, trim level), Wellis is typically 15-25% less expensive than Jacuzzi® in the DE/AT market. Direct factory-to-EU supply chain (Hungary → customer) versus transatlantic (US → Europe) drives the price difference.
EU-internal service
Genuine Wellis spare parts ship from Hungary, 2-5 working days across the EU. Warranty service handled by authorised European dealers. No transatlantic shipping delays for repair parts or customer service. Jacuzzi® service can be slower in Europe depending on dealer proximity.
Broader product range
Wellis offers 36 models across 5 product lines (PeakLife, CityLife, ClassicLine, StreamLife swim spas, Iceland cold plunges). This gives more options per size and feature combination than Jacuzzi®'s narrower premium-only range.