Posted by Are you stuck trying to figure out whether you should get a plug-and-play or hardwired hot tub? Well, relax, lots of people contemplate that and really, it’s pretty easy to figure out which one is right for you by asking yourself a few simple questions.
The first thing you need to know is what’s the difference between 120V and 240V? Besides the obvious, let’s take a little closer look.
120-Volt Hot Tubs
Operating on a standard household electrical outlet, 120-volt hot tubs are the little hot tubs that could. Aside from being budget-friendly, they’re perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the hot tub experience without making any major electrical adjustments.
The reason they’re budget-friendly is they’ve only got one, two-speed pump, and thus, have fewer jets, which makes construction cheaper and easier.
240-Volt Hot Tubs
These beefy tubs are packed with multiple pumps, stereos, much faster heaters, and even TVs, which requires higher voltage to run it all. All these additional components come at a cost though. More parts and more complex manufacturing drive up the overall cost of the tub. Additionally, running the additional circuit from your service panel to the spa, which is usually done by an electrician, is an additional fee.
How Do I Decide Though?
First, assess what’s important to you regarding your hot tub. Be realistic about how often and when you’ll use the tub, how many people will use it, and how much space you have.
Why 120-Volt?
If you’re a fan of simplicity and ease, the 120-volt hot tub is for you. It’s a plug-and-play model, meaning you can set it up yourself without any major electrical modifications. Just find a cozy spot, plug it into a standard outlet, and voila! You’re ready to dive into relaxation city.
Why Not 120-Volt?
Realistically, you won’t be able to have more than about 3-4 people using this tub at a time, they’re just too small.
Additionally, you can’t run the jets and the heat at the same time, so if you plan on using your spa in the winter, get a 240-Volt model.
Speaking of heat, these smaller tubs can really only heat the water about 1°/hour, due to the heater amperage. Plan on waiting a day or two after filling the spa before enjoying it.
Why 240-Volt?
If you’re looking for a hot tub that will do everything, has loads of jets, and is capable of partying in, look no further. This is the voltage of choice if you plan on using the tub in winter, (and let’s be honest, that’s the best time for hot tubbing) since you can run the pumps and heater at the same time. Oh, and th the heater on these tubs? Plan on around 7-8°/hour heat rise.
Additionally, many 240-Volt spas run small circulation pumps for 24-hour continuous water filtration. Sweet.
Why Not 240-Volt?
It requires professional installation to ensure a safe and powerful electrical connection, which can be expensive, especially if the tub is far from the service panel. Additionally, these spas are much heavier, especially when filled, so you’ll want to ensure placement on a substantial enough structure to support it – think engineered decks and reinforced concrete pads.
This can all run into extra cost.
The Verdict?
The choice between a 120-volt and a 240-volt hot tub ultimately comes down to your desires and electrical capabilities. Are you content with a cozy retreat, or are you ready to unleash a hydrotherapy hurricane? Whether you opt for an easy-install 120-Volt tub, or a powerhouse 240-Volt spa, either will electrify your relaxation routine, leaving you buzzing with joy (see what I did there? Dad jokes, what can I say?).
Still trying to decide? I wrote an article on Spa Setup that will answer more of your questions.
So, go forth friends, and may your hot tub adventures be filled with sparkling moments, electrifying memories, and a whole lot of bubbling fun!
Hot Tub Blog | SpaDepot.com 
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