Spa and Hot Tub Wiring

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Adding a hot tub or spa to the home can be an exciting time. Hot tubs and spas offer relaxing and therapeutic benefits to all who use them. But wiring a hot tub or spa can be dangerous and tricky if you do not know what you are doing. In fact, it can be deadly. Here are some facts on hot tub wiring that you need to know before you buy your hot tub spa.

You will normally have a choice in either 120 volts or 240 volts for both hot tubs and spas. For the most part, the decision on this is up to you. So how do you know which is best for your home?

Many experts agree that unless you live in a very warm or even hot climate, you should purchase the 240 volt systems. This is because a spa that is being run on 240V allows the heater to recover as much as four times faster than a 120 V system.

Spas and hot tubs that are running the heater on a 120V system will often shut the heater down if the jets are operated at high speed for any length of time.

Some General Information on Wiring: 120V 20 amp systems will require a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI). In many cases, this is supplied with the cord and comes with the unit.

Homeowners should keep in mind, however, that very often the electrical plugs in the average house is only rated at 15 amps. Spa and hot tub power cords should be allowed their own dedicated outlet which is rated for 20 amperes. To get this outlet, one should have a qualified electrical contractor do the work.

If you ignore this, you may void your equipment warranty as well as cause a fire. Contact a qualified electrician to get this done. It is not expensive in most cases.

240 Volt with 30, 40, and 50 amp systems: Spas and hot tubs that use 240V will generally be wired with a three-wire 240V run. However, you must keep in mind that some spa manufacturers will use a four-wire system, especially if they use a 120V ozonator, pump, or air blower as a part of the system. Each of these units will require the proper GFCI and should only be wired by a licensed electrician.

You or your electrician should always consult local electrical code, before wiring a 240V tub. This reduces any confusion over wiring issues such as the proper size of wire to be used.

Make sure your electrician uses all copper conductors. You may save a bit of money by using lesser quality material but in the long run your power bill will be higher. There can also be an increased risk for fire if you use low quality materials.

One last tip: Because of the improved heating characteristics and energy efficiency of a 240V tub over the 120V models, many homeowners are purchasing the higher rated 240V option. Remember, using a licensed electrician or contractor for this type of outlet installation is a very good investment and well worth the cost.