Raymond WhitneyMany hot tubs are available, and understanding their distinctions can help you make an informed decision about which one is most suited to your needs. An electronic hot tub or a traditional one should be your first choice.
When deciding which hot tub to buy, knowing the difference between an electric and a gas-powered model will help you narrow down your options.
Electricity is a must for all types of hot tubs. With an electrical hot tub, you’ll need 220 volts, while a regular hot tub needs 110 volts to work properly Hot tub heater and jets will have more power with electrical hot tubs.
The term “regular” refers to a 110v hot tub, which may be plugged into any standard outlet.
The voltage that a hot tub runs on directly affects its performance and also affects what features a hot tub has and which can be used at the same time.
Continue reading to learn about the distinctions between 110-volt and 220-volt hot tubs. If you’d like to convert your hot tub to salt water, they will work just well.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 110V AND 220V HOT TUBS
In order to use a 110v hot tub, you simply plug it into a common 15-amp electrical outlet and relax in the bubbly water. 220v hot tubs regrettably aren’t that easy to install.
They’re hard-wired from the home circuit breaker box to a safety cut-off box that’s near the hot tub, and then straight into the spa control box.
Both of these hot tubs have unique features and are utilized for various reasons. There’s no right or wrong response here; it just depends. It depends on your needs, money, and a few other key criteria.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of both 110v and 220v hot tubs, as well as offer our personal suggestions.
| 110v Hot Tub | 220v Hot Tub | |
|---|---|---|
| May require additional electrical work | NO | YES |
| Quick and easy installation | YES | NO |
| Can accommodate large groups | NO | YES |
| Retains heat well | NO | YES |
| Can heat up quickly | NO | YES |
| Uses as little energy as possible | YES | NO |
| Can power many features simultaneously | NO | YES |
| Is a budget-friendly option | YES | NO |
| Maintains high jet pressure | NO | YES |
| Can be easily moved between locations | YES | NO |
110-Volt Hot Tubs
You don’t have to do much more than plug in your 110-volt hot tub and you’re ready to relax.
Plug and play hot tubs may be set up in a matter of minutes and for a fraction of the cost of traditional hot tubs. Installing a 110v hot tub does not necessitate the services of an electrician; however, the hot tub consumes so much energy that you will need a separate circuit to accommodate it.
Appliances that require their own dedicated circuits are known as “dedicated circuits.”
To install a hot tub, all you need to do is place the tub on a flat area, fill it with water, and plug it in.
Advantages of a 110-Volt Hot Tub
- They are easy to install.
- They plug into standard US household outlets.
- They are typically cheaper to purchase.
- They are usually cheaper to install.
Disadvantages of a 110-Volt Hot Tub
- Compared to a 220-volt hot tub, they will take longer to heat up.
- The heater and pump will have to work harder, which means they’ll last longer before they need to be replaced.
- Heating and pumping may not be able to be done simultaneously due to a lack of power.
- If you live in a place where the winters are cold and the autumns are chilly, a 110-volt hot tub may struggle to keep the water warm.
- Because it must run continuously to maintain the desired temperature, a 110-volt hot tub typically uses more electricity than a 220-volt hot tub of the same model.
220-Volt Hot Tubs
A hot tub powered by 220 volts can heat up faster and run the heater, jets, and pump all at the same time since it has more power available all the time.
A licensed electrician can help you upgrade your 110-volt hot tub to 220 volts. The heater’s performance and efficiency will be improved, but the hot tub’s jet power will remain unchanged if you upgrade to the higher-powered option.
Advantages of a 220-Volt Hot Tub
- 220-volt hot tubs heat up faster than those that use 120 volts.
- Water heaters are more efficient and consistent in their ability to maintain the temperature you desire.
- There is no limit to the number of pumps that may be installed in these hot tubs.
- Because of their consistency, the spa experience is more delightful.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are standard features on most hot tubs that are 220 volts.
- Changing your hot tub’s voltage from 120 to 220 volts will save you money on utility bills.
Disadvantages of a 220-Volt Hot Tub
- Hot tubs powered by a 220-volt electrical system are more expensive to buy.
- For a 110-volt hot tub conversion or for a 220-volt hot tub installation, you’ll almost certainly need to engage an electrician.
- In most cases, 220-volt hot tubs are permanently installed in your yard. It will not follow you if you relocate.
Why Do We Use 110 Volt Electrical Outlets?
It’s evident that 220-volt hot tubs have a number of advantages over 110-volt hot tubs now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of each. It’s possible that you’re asking why we bother with 110-volt outlets in the first place.
110 volts is the standard voltage for most home outlets in the United States. There are a few notable outliers, such as hot tubs, stoves, and clothes dryers, but in general, 110-volt outlets outweigh 220-volt ones.
110-volt wiring is preferred because it is seen as safer than other types of wiring. The voltage and current carried by 110-volt wiring are a tenth of those carried by 220-volt wiring.
When working with 220-volt wiring, the chance of major, life-threatening injury goes up significantly.
How Different is a 110-Volt Outlet From a 220-Volt Outlet?
Most modern 110-volt outlets have three different wires running to them.
- A hot wire
- A neutral wire
- A ground wire
The socket has three prongs, the outlet has three holes, and each corresponds to a distinct cable.
When it comes to 220-volt outlets, things get a little more complicated because the three-wire setup has been replaced by a four-wire setup. This type of outlet has three wires: two live and one ground. Two live wires, one neutral, and one ground wire are still used in 220-volt outlets, though.
If you compare a 110-volt wall outlet with a 220-volt wall outlet, you’ll see right away that they are not interchangeable. When it comes to voltage, 100 volts and 220-volts are two very different things.
How to Convert a Hot Tub to 220-Volts
In order to get the most possible experience out of your hot tub, you’ll need to convert it to 220 volts. Unless you have a lot of skill with electrical work, you’ll need to hire a professional to do it for you.
To make the switch from 120 volts to 220 volts, you must perform the following steps:
- Run new wiring to the hot tub
- Change out the circuit breaker
- Update the ground fault circuit interrupter
- Hardwire the hot tub
When a hot tub has a voltage of 220 volts, it doesn’t need a plug. Your home’s electrical system must be hard-wired to connect it.
Cost Difference Between 110-Volt Hot Tub and 220-Volt Hot Tub
Although hot tubs are significant investments, they may bring years of enjoyment and relaxation if properly cared for.
It all depends on these factors:
- Because of the additional resources needed to construct a larger hot tub, its price is higher.
- Additional features such as high-pressure nozzles, touchscreen control panels, lifters for the covers and better filter systems will raise the price of the machine.
- When purchasing a hot tub, keep in mind that it will be exposed to the elements on a daily basis. In order to get a long-lasting spa, you’ll have to spend more money on it.
- It’s crucial to think about the aesthetics when you’re deciding where to put it in your backyard. High-end design is more expensive than a simple one.
- How far will your hot tub have to travel before it reaches your backyard? The cost of shipping a high-quality hot tub is prohibitive.
The price of a hot tub can range from $3,000 to $10,000, based on the aforementioned parameters, according to Hot Spring. Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. What we’ll look at today in terms of hot tubs are…
- Entry-level hot tubs
- Value-priced hot tubs
- Premium hot tubs
- Luxury hot tubs
The price of a basic hot tub ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. Plug-and-play models that operate on 110 volts are the norm for these hot tubs. They’re small, light, and simple to assemble. 220 volts is likely to be the standard for all other hot tubs.
Between $4,000 and $8,000 is the pricing range for value-priced hot tubs. When compared to the lower-priced models, these spas tend to be more luxurious and well-built. There are going to be a few extras, including additional jets and spa seats. There is a chance that the hot tub will appear better at this pricing point, but it may not have the greatest quality components. Costs have to be recouped someplace.
Between $6,000 and $10,000 is the price range for the best hot tubs. There are a lot of options when it comes to these hot tubs. In addition to their upscale appearance and feature set, these hot tubs feature luxurious spa seats, a large number of jets, and high-quality materials, construction, and energy efficiency. There are often longer warranties for hot tubs in this class.
Between $9,000 and $16,000 is the price of a luxury hot tub. Hot tubs in this category have everyone’s attention. Components will be of the highest quality; the tub will be built to last for at least 20 years; it will be the most energy efficient, and it will require little to no upkeep.
Is It the Same Cost to Own a Hot Tub Everywhere and What Affects Cost?
If you use the 220-volt hot tub for the same amount of time as you did with a 110-volt model, switching to 220 volts will save you money on your electric bill. This raises the question of how my hot tub’s electrical expenditure is reflected in my utility statement. Hotspring.com cites five different elements that go into determining this price.
- The cost of electricity per kilowatt depends on where you live. Electricity rates vary by area, neighbourhood, and city. Providers use a variety of elements to determine these charges. People, low population density and tough geography, and the sorts of resources employed in the production process are important variables. Connecticut, Wyoming, Alaska, Georgia, and Massachusetts are the five states with the highest energy costs.
- The climate in your area plays a significant role, as should be evident. Electricity costs will be greater in the winter in places that are colder or have longer winters than in countries that are more moderate. Cities with a lot of people and scorching summers are the same. During these times, electricity prices for cooling homes will be substantially higher.
- The size of your hot tub will also play a role in determining how much electricity it will need. As a reminder, 220 volt is less expensive than 110 volt. It’s important to know how much water a hot tub can hold when comparing models. More hot tub water means more electricity needed to heat it, which means more money spent on the electric bill.
- In order to keep the hot water in your hot tub at a safe temperature, you must ensure that your hot tub is properly insulated. If you have a tub with inadequate insulation, the hot water will cool down considerably more quickly if it is not replenished. A higher electrical output would be caused by inadequate insulation.
- A well-made, custom-fitted hot tub cover can make a significant contribution to hot tub water conservation. Evaporation and subsequent temperature drop are inevitable in water without a heat source.
One of two things must be done in order to reduce the cost of your hot tub’s electricity. The first option is to switch from a 110-volt to a 220-volt hot tub. Even though it would be the quickest and most cost-effective option to lower your bill, it would necessitate additional resources.
There are a few things you’ll have to consider if you already have a 220 volt system or aren’t interested in upgrading. Reduce your hot tub’s electrical consumption by following these simple tips.
By reducing the frequency of use, the first method for reducing costs is to limit the elements that increase costs.
Investing in a high-quality cover and cleaning your hot tub’s filters on a regular basis are also useful tips. Increasing the pump’s heat retention and efficiency while also reducing electricity consumption is possible with these steps.
At save money, keep your water heater set to a high temperature. Many people prefer to heat their hot tubs from the beginning, even if the tub is already running. Turning on the hot tub, on the other hand, will result in a spike in your utility cost. Proper insulation as well as a heating pad should be used to keep the water warm.
The History Behind Why Two Power Standards Exist in the United States
Here is a quick look at the origins of the American power structure. In the early days of the industrial revolution, according to energy.gov, it has a long history of usage.
- The “War of the Currents” took place in the late 1880s between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, two of the most prominent electrical power pioneers at the time.
- A uniform voltage of 110–120 volts was promoted by Edison for direct current (DC) energy from his firm. At the time, this was the norm in the United States. Due to the difficulty of converting DC to higher or lower voltages, Edison was unable to use his invention.
- In favour of AC electricity, Tesla argued for a voltage standard of 220–240 volts. Using his AC current technique, he hoped to conquer the east coast and eliminate the difficulty of Edison’s direct current.
- A scheme was devised to ensure that Edison’s big royalty payments from his electricity empire would not be threatened by Tesla’s new alternate current. Alternating current was the target of his attacks, in which he claimed it was more harmful than direct current. In order to prove a point, he even publicly electrocuted strays with alternating currents.
- Chicago’s World Fair was powered by George Westinghouse in 1893, beating off the competition from Thomas Edison. Direct current from Edison would cost $554,000, but Nikola Tesla’s alternating current from Westinghouse would cost only $399,000.
- Niagara Falls Power Company awarded a contract to Westinghouse for the construction of a Niagara Falls hydroelectric power plant shortly after Tesla’s victory over the Chicago World’s Fair. This facility provided power for the entire city of Buffalo, as well as the eastern United States. When General Electric finally embraced alternating currents, it appeared that Tesla’s AC had won the race.
- Alternating current (AC) is the predominant kind of electricity used today. Direct current (DC) electricity is used in a wide range of electronic devices.
