My doctor has recommended I buy one of these things for the chronic pain I have. I’m not sure what the differences are and I don’t trust a salesperson to give me the straight dope. 
Are there differing types to any significant extent and what would be best for chronic back and muscle pain on a limited budget? I’m willing to pay a bit and have a place on the back porch to put it but what of spec’s. Heated? Jets?
Any insights will be greatly appreciated.
One thing I can tell you — Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark. The generic term is spa or hot tub. A friend used to work for Kohler Co., and he said he couldn’t tell you how many times people came into the Kohler showroom wanting to buy a Jacuzzi — which was their competitor’s product.
Okay, that’s a help. Do you know if hot tubs generally have/don’t have the little jets? Is a hot tub just a tub of hot water and a spa has jets?
Many hot tub manufacturers exist, typically furnished by major plumbing suppliers. Those would include Jacuzzi, Kohler, American Standard, Aqua Glass, Lasco, and I’m sure to have forgotten a few.
The options are as numerous as when buying a car. Decide on a size, then pick pillows and such, water jetting, underwater lighting, and so on. The actual definition between spa and hot tub is blurry, I urge customers to select the options most important to them, no matter what we call it.
Hey there danceswithcats, long time-no-talk-to. You were among the first to welcome me to the SDMB back when as I recall.
It sounds like you deal in these things, yes? I don’t really want to get into one of the “party- seats five” kinda things. Just something to use as I said, for relief of back pain and such. It won’t be for entertaining as is often the case, judging by the ads on TV.
As in your car-buying analogy, I know too little on this subject and like making informed choices. Any “Do’s & Don’ts” you can share with me?
Yes, I’m a contractor, and glad you’re happy hanging out on this crazy board. 
First thought is if you deal with a name brand manufacturer, should a repair part be needed down the road, it will be much easier to find than Happy Harry’s Hot Tubs special of the week.
Your OP doesn’t indicate if this appliance is to be installed within your home or on a deck, patio, or other outside location. Various NEC articles apply for these locations, and a qualified electrician should be selected for wiring, together with inspection by an independent underwriter to ensure safety of you and your guests.
Be safe.
Softub is my hottub of choice! I love it! Ours is over 8 years old and works like a dream. Easy to maintain, easy to use.
And let me just add that it needs no special plumbing, electrical, or framework. Roll it in, fill it up from a hose, plug it in to a standard outlet and you’re on your way. I fiddle with the chemicals once a week, change the water twice a year (those new enzymes keep the water nice and clear) and use it all year round.
If you want to save space you can go with the spa bathtub in your bathroom. Bigger than a standard tub, but much smaller than the party-on-the-back-deck type. We went with an Americh Brisa when we remodeled our bathroom. No complaints so far.
That link shows list prices. A contractor discount will make it considerably less. With the contractors discount at a plumbing supply werehouse ours was about $500 less than at Home Depot.
I respectfully disagree with your statement that no special electrical requirements apply.
NEC 2005 Article 680:
680.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to the construction and installation of electrical wiring for and equipment in or adjacent to all swimming, wading, theraputic, and decorative pools; fountains; hot tubs; spas; and hydromassage bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable, and to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and similar equipment.
680 is extensive regarding ground fault protection, distance from the waterline to any convenience outlet, separation between the waterline and lighting fixtures, and other issues whi impact user safety.
Your cite not withstanding, my tub came with a basic heavy duty electrical cord and plug, which inserts quite nicely into a standard electrical outlet. No special electrical equipment, wiring, modifications, or consultation with an electrician were necessary to the house electrical system to have a fully functional softub up and running.
So I stand by my statement that the Softub needs no special plumbing, electrical, or framework. And from the Softub website:
Ridiculously easy to clean, too. Somebody recently offered me $50 to go over to her house and clean her Softub for her while she was out of town. I thought it was going to be a major production. Not so—I just tipped it on its side, hosed it down, and wiped the inside of the tub with straight vinegar. Took all of about 10 minutes. Easiest 50 bucks I ever made.
The specifications of the Softub state that the max temp is 104 deg. The best spas/hot tubs I’ve been in are really hot - but I have no idea what temperature they were. Is 104 hot enough to be hot?
No issue with you or what you were told is taken, other than it is not possible for a softub to comply with Article 680 in a blind sense. The manufacturer has no ability to know where you will locate the product with respect to convenience receptacles, lighting fixtures, and other issues which are part of Article 680, and compliance with the NEC. Just for the heck of it, did you read all of the literature which accompanied your tub? If they didn’t reference the NEC and tell you to do all of the right things, even in small print, they are waiting to be sued.
danceswithcats- this is a good point for hot tubs in general. Can you tell me what the typical sttings or ranges are for hot tubs & spas?
Yeah, that was my reaction too the first time I ever saw one. But I quickly changed my tune the first time I ever turned it up all the way and hopped in. Yep, 104 is plenty hot.
Sure, there was a section on tub placement in relation to electrical and the like.
As Washoe noted, 104 is plenty hot! And we’ve used the tub outside in temperatures of 15 below, fahrenheit!
We actually keep the temperature more around 101 or so. Hot, but not too hot.
Well, I guess I will be the metaphorical splash of cold water. Several studies have shown these hot tubs are typically contaminated with all manner of nasty microbes, as well as microscopic human feces. (A quick Google should find the latest study, released about 2 weeks ago.) Experts recommend running a couple cups of bleach through the system every few uses.
And what the hell are microscopic human feces?? (I picture tiny little guys who eat too much fiber)
If you’re talking coliform bacteria, that can be found anywhere. However, proper tub maintenance should keep the levels down in the acceptable range.