Can a Hot Tub Run on 110? (Ultimate Guide to Plug-n-Play)

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Most high-end hot tubs run on 220v. But they can be expensive and require an electrician to wire them up. So can a hot tub run on 110?

Some hot tubs can run on 110 volts although the majority of so-called portable, hard-sided, above-ground hot tubs run on 220 volts. A 110v hot tub can be plugged into a GFCI regular 15-20 amp electrical outlet located near the hot tub location, without any additional electrical work needed. 

But that’s just a quick answer.

After all, how do you know which ones are 110v? And are 220v better? If you buy a 110v one, can it later be converted to 220v or will you have to buy a completely new hot tub?

Just keep reading to know all the details.

What voltage does a hot tub run on?

Above-ground hard-sided hot tubs run on 220v or 110v, depending on the type. And many, but not all, 110v hot tubs can be converted later to 220v for greater efficiency.

A 220v tub will have to be hardwired into the primary electrical system for the house via a disconnect box. This step simply cuts off the electrical supply in the event of a fault, such as a short-circuit or a ground fault.

A hot tub that runs on 110v doesn’t need to be hardwired. You simply plug it in, through a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is essential.

In a recent article, I explained how and where a GFCI breaker should be installed, and the requirement for a disconnect box was described in another recent article. Click the links to find out more.

Both the GFCI and the disconnect box perform the same function, but the box is more robust.

Can you plug a hot tub into a regular outlet?

A 110v hot tub can be plugged into any regular outlet. However, it does need to be a GFCI outlet that has a mini breaker that will trip and prevent electric shock in the event of a problem or water getting into the outlet. A 220v hot tub will require an electrician to wire it to a disconnect box.

But there are a few other considerations too, such as:

  • The breaker must be 15amp or more (preferably 20amp).
  • Nothing else must be plugged into the same outlet.
  • The maximum length of the cord from the tub to the receptacle outlet is 15′. Do not use an extension cord if the supplied cable doesn’t reach.
  • If outdoors, the receptacle outlet must have a waterproof cover, such as a hinged plastic lid.

Always consult a licensed electrician before undertaking any permanent electrical work, such as installing a new outlet.

Is 110 or 220 better for a hot tub?

Generally speaking, 220v hot tubs tend to be high-end and, therefore, of better quality compared to 110v hot tubs. Additionally, most 110v hot tubs are unable to power the jets and the heater at the same time potentially creating more work for the heater.

After all, it’s easier (and cheaper) to maintain a constant temperature than it is to lower and raise the temp back and forth.

They will have a more powerful pump, water heater, probably more jets, and a few accessories you won’t find on your average 110v models, like a built-in music system or better lighting features.

In terms of efficiency, 220v spas are more economical to run because the pump uses the same amount of watts as the 100v for twice the time.

You can also run the heater and jets at the same time, so it heats up quicker.

It is possible to upgrade a 110v hot tub to a 220v by making some simple adjustments. This won’t affect the performance of the jets, but it will increase the power of the pump and therefore reduce the heating time.

However, with an average additional cost of around $30 to $40 per month on the electricity bill, the effect of any savings on running costs is not going to be significant.

For a wider variety of hot tubs that run on 110v, check out Essential Hot Tubs on Amazon. For around $3,000, you can have a spa with 24 powerful jets seating five to six people, and you just plug it in and go.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you must read my recent article providing 23 tips on what to consider. It might help you save a lot in the long run.

How long does a 110 hot tub take to heat up?

On average, a 110v hot tub will take 6-8 hours to heat up. However, the length of time it takes to heat up a hot tub depends on several factors such as the temperature of the water going in, the size of the tub and, the ambient weather conditions.

On a hot day, the ambient temperature of the water going in can be as high as 80 degrees if it’s an outside source, so it won’t take long to heat up to the desired 100 degrees.

As discussed in a recent article, keep the cover on while heating up and keep the jets running. This not only circulates the water evenly, distributing the heat throughout, but the motor contributes to the heating process.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Some of the entry-level 110v hot tubs rely on this process alone to heat the water. And also to keep it at a constant temperature. So it is essential to have a good cover.

Water passing through the pump will heat up around three to six degrees per hour, so this is a slow process if used on its own. Also, on some models, you cannot run the jets and the heater at the same time.

It is essential to note that the jets should only be turned on when the tub is full, or least well past the level of the jets. Failure to do so could damage your jets and pump.

Are 110v hot tubs any good?

110v hot tubs make great entry-level hot tubs. They can provide years of enjoyment just as 220v hot tubs can. They do tend to have fewer features and extras, but many are of excellent quality.

So, you can have just as much fun in a 110v hot tub as you can in a 220v. The difference is in the quality and extra features you get with the bigger, more expensive models.

The best thing about the 110v tubs is their flexibility. You can have them just about anywhere there is an electrical supply nearby and some firm, level ground to place it on.

They come in an array of shapes and sizes, inflatable or solid, acrylic shell, or wood frame.

If you reside in a rented property or are likely to move house sometime soon, then the plug-in spa is definitely the one for you.

If you intend to move the hot tub from one place to another, you’ll need to consider the costs involved. An inflatable spa would be ideal in this situation. Just empty it, deflate, move and start all over again.

The Intex PureSpa inflatable hot tub starts at less than $800.

And it is excellent for up to 6 people and it comes with tons of accessories. You can check it out here on Amazon. I bought one for keeping in my RV and it works great!

Final Thoughts

Not only can a hot tub run on 110, but there is also a massive market for them. All you need is a receptacle outlet close by, and a flat area to lay down the tub.

Within a few hours of installation, you can be sipping martinis and relaxing while the bubbles ease away your stress. Or maybe you want to let your kids splash around while you tend to the garden.

If there is anything I didn’t cover that you would like to know, drop me a line or just click on the links to see previous posts on my site.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on Amazon from my site and choose to make a purchase. You can read my complete affiliate disclosure for more details.

Jeff Campbell
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