Having a hot tub on your property is a dream come true for many. Not only does a hot tub increase the value of your property, but it’s also extremely comfortable and relaxing. Plus, there are multiple health benefits of using a tub. However, before you can buy a hot tub, it’s essential to know the electrical requirements best hot tubs have.
This article has covered the most common and important questions that will help you to know How Many amps does a Hot Tub use?
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How Many Amps does a 110v Hot Tub Use?
Generally, a standard 110-volt tub from any brand requires a 20A dedicated circuit that ideally uses oversized wiring from its get-go stage. These draw about 14 Amps; however, these exceed that briefly as soon as the jet motor starts.
110v hot tubs are mostly plug-and-play, so if you have one installed in your backyard, you need not do much before you can enjoy it. There is also no need to hire an electrician or hardwire anything. Since it draws on 11-14 amps, you can plug it into any outdoor outlet. Overall, a 100v hot tub is simple, fast, and easy to use.
How Many amps does a 220v Hot Tub Use?
Most 220v hot tubs run on a hardwired GFCI protected 50-60 AMP circuit; however, some models also require a 60-100 AMP circuit.
Besides, higher amperage may be needed if the 220V spa or hot tub features multiple jets and heating attachments, requiring more electricity consumption. For instance, a dual-zone exercise spa will need about 100 AMP.
What size Breaker do I Need for a 220V Hot Tub?
If you are using a 220V hot tub, you will need a 4 wire connection for your primary circuit breaker panel. It’s advisable to include the GFCI disconnect breaker panel at least 5′ away from the tub but within site. Mostly the 220V spas run well on any 50 amp 2 poles primary circuit breaker; however, some brands may require you to buy a 60 amp one as well.
What size Breaker do I Need for a 110V Hot Tub?
While some 220V can run on 100, it depends on the type of hot tub you want to install. However, generally, to use a 100v hot tub, you will require a standard ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that can be plugged into a 15-20 amp electrical outlet that must be within a close range of the hot tub. Thankfully, you don’t need any additional electrical hardwiring for your tub.
Can I Use a 50 Amp Breaker for a 40 Amp Hot Tub?
If the output mentions 40 amps, the conductors that supply the power to the outlet can be around 50 amps. Additionally, if the cord and plug are all about 50 amps, you can use a 50 amp circuit breaker to load safely.
However, you will need to protect the spa internally adequately. For most residential electrical panels, you can opt to replace a 50 amp breaker with a 40 amp one only if the spa manufacturer mentions so.
It must also be noted that a 50A size is more common than a 40A unit, so if you want to replace it, you will have a better chance to re-wire it. You can also include a 32A load with a 40A circuit.
13 Amp vs 32 Amp Hot Tubs: Which one is Better?
This is a common question among hot tub enthusiasts. However, the question has become standard due to the rising popularity of 13 amp hot tubs, a.k.a plug and play hot tubs.
However, to make a better call, it helps to know the difference between the two.
Heating Element
On a plug-and-play hot tub, the heater cannot run on the jet pumps concurrently. In other words, if the jets are working, the heater has to be turned off in keeping with the power restrictions. However, on most 32 amps hot tubs, the jets, and the heater can run together.
This is an essential feature if you live in a colder region or during winters. If the heater does not run along with the pump, the temperature in the hot tub could drop quickly, making it uncomfortable for those using it. Besides, a 13 amp tub will also feature a capped 2kw heater, while a 32 amp hot tub may go up to 3kw.
Power
The short answer is a 13 amp hot tub is less powerful compared to a 32 amp tub.
The tub’s power is mainly determined by the number of pumps available in a tub. 13 amps hot tubs mostly have only enough power to run one pump. On the flip side, 32 amp tubs have enough power to run two or more pumps.
As the pumps work, they push more water through the jets, and hydrotherapy benefits the users.
Besides, the size and design of the tubs also play a role in determining the unit’s power. For example, a plug-and-play hot tub usually has fewer jets compared to 32 amp tubs. This means that since 32 amp tubs have more power, they are able to operate more jets.
Cost
A 13 amp hot tub indeed has its set of advantages when it comes to the costs compared to an initial installation cost of a 32 amp tub. Naturally, 13 amp tubs are a more economical choice and thus have become so popular these days.
However, while the 13amp tubs are a good choice initially, the 32 amp tubs prove to be more value for money in the long run. If you enjoy soaking in the spa longer and want to savor the experience, then a 32 amp spa will be a better investment for you compared to a 13 amp one.
Running Cost of 13 Amp and 32 Amp Hot Tubs
13 Amp Tubs
Multiple factors are taken into consideration while determining the running costs of 13 amp spas. These include frequency of use, tub care, water replacement, hot spring innovation, the heating requirement, to name a few.
However, it’s impossible to determine a fixed sum required to run a 13 amp tub per week or month since the insulation quality and specifications vary. However, standard companies run their 13 amp spas to check for electrical efficiency.
Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for such companies and check the regular energy consumption level to take a call.
32 Amp Tubs
Like a 13 amp unit, it’s not possible to develop a predetermined running cost for a 32 amp unit. It’s again advisable to check the energy efficiency test run by various brands to select one that fits your budget. Ideally, it’s advisable to opt for a unit with about £ 25.00 to £31.16 running cost per month.
In an ideal scenario, the difference in cost for running two units should not be much. As standard brands use premium-quality insulation and run energy efficiency tests, the expense required to run these units is not much.
Which Tub is Ideal?
This clearly depends on the kind of requirements you have. However, if you are looking for long-term benefits and ROI, then opting for 32amp is advisable.
A 32 amp tub is more powerful and has a better jet ratio than a 13 amp tub. But, of course, a 13 amp tub is also beneficial, and you can opt for it if you are not looking for a very powerful model and can do with some limitations.