How Much Voltage Drop Will My Hot Tub Take?

Voltage drops are a result of wire resistance. Longer wires have more electric connections, thus giving them more resistance.

A hot tub can only take about 5 percent voltage drop from the wiring connections running between the input and the hot tub.

How Much Voltage does a Hot Tub Need?

There are two voltage systems to consider; the 110V and 220V. Whichever voltage you use largely depends on your personal choice. Here are some pointers before you get down to making a decision.

110 volts is what you get when you plug in any device on your wall outlet. With a 110V hot tub, you only need to fill your tub with water, add some sanitizers, plug in your hot tub and enjoy. It’s also worth noting that such a hot tub takes a long time to heat, especially when using it for the first time.

The 220V hot tub needs some special wiring and requires a connection to the main electric wiring. The hot tub heats water 4 times faster than a 110 voltage hot tub. 220 voltages are ideal to use for large sized hot tubs. With 220 volts, your hot tub can also power entertainment systems such as music, making them more versatile.

How Many Amps does it Take to Run a Hot Tub?

Wiring for a hot tub can vary from brand to brand, and a user manual can come in handy to determine what works for your model.

As a general rule of thumb, a 220 voltage hot tub requires about 50 amps to run it. Other brands can use 60 amps or even 40 amps.

A 110 voltage hot tub works perfectly with 20 to 30 amps depending on the model. It’s essential to have the right circuit breaker so that you get the correct amps to run your hot tub.

How Much Voltage Drop is Acceptable?

Voltage drops occur if the wire and connections increase resistance. Voltage drops are caused by using other devices on the same line as your hot tub, faulty wires, or a defective fuse. It’s acceptable to have voltage drops of not more than 5 percent for your spa.

Can you Convert 110 Volts to 220 Volts?

Yes, you can convert a 110 volts hot tub to 220 volts. Converting a ‘plug and play’ hot tub to 220 volts gives the spa more pump power and reduces heating time.

The jet performance of a 110 volts hot tub remains the same even after it converts into a 220 one. It’s also worth noting that not all 110V hot tubs can convert to 220V. You need to check your user manual first.

A ‘plug and play’ hot tub heater runs at 1kw while a 220V spa operates at 4kw. During conversion, you don’t need to change the heater because it automatically adjusts to use 4kw with proper wiring.

If you’ve decided to convert yours, make sure to hire a licensed electrician to prevent any mishaps. Also, remember to keep your family away during the wiring process as a precaution especially children.

Does a Hot Tub Need to be Plugged in all the Time?

Yes, it would be best if you keep your hot tub plugged in all the time. If you keep switching your spa on and off when you want to use it, it will consume more energy, making it expensive for you to maintain.

It takes up more energy to heat a spa the first time than it does to keep the water at optimum temperatures.

You don’t have to worry about increments in electricity bills if you keep your spa switched on. Keep in mind that most tubs have thick insulation and a cover that helps maintain your water warm all day long.

Regardless of the frequency you use your hot tub, make sure to have it plugged in all through. The only exception when you should switch off your hot tub is during routine maintenance or cleaning. If you have to travel for months, it’s also okay to switch off your hot tub.

How Much does it Cost to Run Electrical for a Hot Tub?

If you have a hot tub, your electricity bills could go up by $20 – $50, depending on several factors.

For example, if you cover your spa while not in use, you can expect that the hot tub uses less energy to reheat the water to your preferred temperatures. If your spa has great insulation, it also requires less energy to reheat.  

Lucky for you, most new spa models in the market are energy efficient, making it easy on your pockets. If you want to lower your energy consumption while still enjoying your hot tub, you can always reduce the temperature settings while not using it. Of course, you’ll spend a little longer reheating the water when you want to use it, but in the long run, you’ll save on electricity bills.

Another aspect that may contribute to either low or high electricity bills while running a hot tub is your location. Different regions calculate the price of each kilowatt per hour consumed differently. Certain areas have high electricity bills, while others have low.