Understanding Hot Tubs & Spa Wiring for Better Decision-Making

You could go on and on about hot tubs, spas, saunas and steam rooms. But let's first discuss the wires or wiring. This is an essential step to familiarising yourself if you will design your hot tub or spa or want to make repairs yourself.

We think you will find the electrical aspects of hot tubs and spas understandable with some basic understanding. So, let's begin. 

There are two different types of wiring for hot tubs and spas:

Plug-and-Play Hot Tubs

The simplest hot tubs and spas come with plug-and-play wiring. This is exactly what it sounds like. The hot tub is plugged into a regular wall outlet.

So, we know you are interested in plug-and-play wiring. But what is the real benefit, or is there really a benefit at all? Do you even need to know about this?

Answer: Yes, you need to know.

Here’s why. You want a hot tub that is easy and quick to set up. Most of the plug-and-play hot tubs are designed to do just that.

But the real key to deciding to buy a plug-and-play hot tub is the pricing. If you are looking for a bargain plug-and-play, a hot tub may be the way to go.

But think about it.

In some cases, you are going to have to tear out the existing wall plate and outlet, which can be an expensive process if the walls are the finished type. If you are going to hire a professional electrician to do this, the price will go up.

Some of you will be able to do this kind of work yourself. But this brings us back to the real point of why you need to know how the wiring of plug-and-play hot tubs plays a role in making a decision.

You need to make sure you know if the hot tub will be sitting on your deck or patio. If so, you will be able to just plug the hot tub into an outlet you have on the exterior of your house.

But if the hot tub will be in the interior of your home or basement, you will most likely be required to have a dedicated circuit installed. You may be required to have a dedicated outlet installed.

And it may cost you a lot of money. So if you are going to hire a professional to do this kind of work, then you need to make sure you ask about the cost of this before you purchase the hot tub.

Wired Hot Tubs

Many hot tubs and spas are wired with the electrical components installed inside or beneath the hot tub. This type of wiring is installed by a licensed electrical contractor who knows how to wire hot tubs and spas according to the national electrical code.

The main benefit of wired hot tubs is that a licensed electrician installs the work. So all you need to do is turn the power on and use the hot tub. Hot tubs wired this way can take up to a week to complete. 

However, these hot tubs may cost more. Sometimes they are more expensive than less time-consuming hot tubs.

If you are willing to pay more for this extra convenience and security, then a wired hot tub may be the way to go for you. If you go this route, you will need to know how to wire hot tubs on your own.

So you need to read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.

But here’s the good news.

The wiring of wired hot tubs is not complicated.

The Best Hot Tub for You

The different types of hot tubs and spas require different levels of electrical knowledge. So before you decide to purchase a hot tub or spa, you need to know about the electrical aspects of the different hot tubs and spas.

Passey Electric has a team of reliable electricians in Lethbridge. We offer complete electrical solutions to residential, farm wiring, and commercial establishments across Raymond, South Alberta, including Cardston, Waterton Park, Magrath, Stirling, Raymond, and Milk River. Get in touch with us.