The Difference Between 110v and 220/230v Hot Tubs
Hot tubs come in many different shapes and sizes with endless accessories, features, and options. While waterfalls and underwater lighting are certainly fun, the most important difference to consider is the electrical configuration.
When shopping around for a hot tub, you may notice models with different electrical configurations, 110V and 220/230V. 110v spas are typically referred to as “Plug and Play,” or “Plug-N-Play,” while 220v/230v spas require custom wiring to draw power from your house.
So, what are the differences? Is there a benefit to one over the other? Let’s break it down below.
110V PLUG-N-PLAY MODELS
One of most convenient things about 110v, “Plug-N-Play” hot tubs is that once it’s placed in your home, you simply fill it up with a garden hose and plug it into any standard outlet to get started soaking.
That’s right, you don’t need to hire an electrician and hard wire anything. Because it only draws 11 amps, it can be plugged into any regular outdoor outlet.
Additional benefits of 110V hot tubs:
- Simple, fast set up. Place, fill, and plug in.
- Save money on hiring an electrician to install your spa.
- They are lightweight, easily moved, and without any custom wiring, making them renter and mover friendly.
- Because they can be plugged in anywhere, you can easily rearrange your backyard without calling an electrician to re-wire anything.
Plug-N-Play spas take all the stress about custom wiring and hiring an electrician away. However, 110v spas can only run the jets or heater on high. Both cannot run on high at the same time.
While 110v spas are known to survive harsh winter soaks with minimal heat loss, some people prefer to have the option to run the heater and jets on high simultaneously.
220V/230V MODELS
The difference between 220v and 230v is negligible, and you will see them interchanged throughout your hot tub shopping journey.
These spas can heat up in about half the time of 110v spas upon initial filling, as well as replace lost heat during any exceptionally cold soaks faster.
These spas require dedicated wiring done by a local, licensed electrician that the hot tub owner is responsible for hiring. This service will completely depend on your area and situation but will generally run anywhere from $900-$1500+.
Total cost will depend on the spa’s location, materials needed to run a new circuit from the spa to your main electrical panel, and any trenching or other construction necessary.
All Fantasy spas are convertible to 220v/230v by a licensed electrician. When converted, the heater goes from 1kw to 4kw.
Keep in mind that converting a spa to 220/230v will not increase the jet power. The only effect converting from 110v to 220v/230v will have is a faster heating time.
Contrary to 110v spas, 220/230v spas can run both the heater and jets on high at the same time. Many customers who experience frigid winters choose to convert their Fantasy spas for faster heating times.
Regardless of your chosen configuration, all Fantasy Spas come fully insulated for maximum heat retention, so your spa is always hot and ready, no matter the outside temperature.
Ready to get soaking, or have more questions about 110v versus 220v/230v? Contact us today!
