As you scroll through pages of hot tubs trying to decide on the perfect spa for your family, you may be notice one subtle-yet-impactful spec that can change your soaking experience – 110v vs 220v.
110v Hot Tubs
What exactly is a 110v hot tub? Why would I want a 220v spa? And, what’s with the price difference? If you’ve asked yourself some of those questions before, then you’re in the right place to get those answers, and even a few more.
Simply put, a 110v hot tub is Plug-N-Play, which means you just plug it in and play. Or, soak. Your spa doesn’t require special wiring. A standard 110v outlet is all you need. Once you’ve placed your spa near your outlet, fill it up with a garden hose, plug it in, and soak. It couldn’t get any easier.
110v hot tubs are simple to operate, but there are some details to consider before you go all-in on a Plug-N-Play spa.
They warm up a couple of degrees per hour with the 1kw heater, so your initial soak might need to wait 24 hours or more to get it as toasty warm as you might want. But, once it’s to temperature, it’ll keep its temperature during throughout your soak, within a few degrees if the outside air temp dips. Once your soak is over, put the cover back on to keep the warm water in (and the dirt and debris out)
With a 110v hot tub, you can run your jets on high to massage those muscles. Not a jets person? No worries. You can run your heater on high instead to make sure the water meets your temperature needs. You just can’t run both the heat and jets on high at the same time.
If that’s what you get with a 110v Plug-N-Play spa, what does a 220v spa offer?
220v Hot Tubs
You get more power to heat your spa quicker than a 110v connection. In fact, your water will heat up on that initial fill in 8-12 hours instead of 24+ hours. So your time-to-first-soak is cut in half, if not more!
If you are a heat and jets-on-high person, then a 220v spa is right up your alley. You can run both on high at the same time to keep those bubbles bubbling and that water warming for as long as you are soaking.
That extra power could come at a cost. You go from a 1kw heater in a 110v spa to a 4kw heater that requires a hardwired 220v connection with a 50-60 amp breaker and GFCI. Consult with a licensed electrician to make sure you have what you need to safely power a 220v hot tub.
When you want a luxurious, relaxing soak in warm, bubbling water, either hot tub option -110v Plug-N-Play or 220v hardwired – does the trick. It just comes down to personal preference and budget. It’s up to you!