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How Many Amps Does a Hot Tub Use? – Answered

Written by Edwin Jones / Fact checked by Andrew Wright

how many amps does a hot tub use

If you are considering purchasing a new hot tub, it is important to understand how many amps does a hot tub use. This information is advantageous since you’ll know whether a new circuit is necessary.

Some hot tubs consume only 11 amps on average, whilst others need 30 to 60 amps, necessitating the usage of a dedicated breaker. If you combine this load with a service panel that already operates at full capacity, a serious problem may arise.

How Many Amps Does a Hot Tub Draw?

voltage-requirements

In general, various types of hot tubs have different current ratings. Let us learn how much power needed for hot tub depending on its types below.

1. Types of Hot Tub

 01 Plug and Play Hot Tubs

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A plug-and-play hot tub is usually a 110v hot tub. This type might draw an average of 1500 watts for the heater and 3000W if we count the pump as well. It can be plugged directly into a standard 15 – 20 amp outlet.

A 20 amp hot tub is not as efficient as larger models. However, when talking about portability, this unit is recommended. It does not require electrical expertise to operate. Furthermore, this is also great if you move houses frequently.

 02 Hardwired Hot Tubs

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The hardwired hot tub is the typical unit you see on the market. In most cases, it requires a 40-to-60 amp dedicated circuit with voltage requirements of 240v. Moreover, it draws about 6000 watts when the jet and heater are on.

One big advantage of this unit is the ability to run water pumps at top speed while also using its heater function. It is also more efficient than a small spa in the long run. However, when it comes to installation, this might cost a lot and requires a professional to do the work.

2. Calculate the Electrical Cost of a Hot Tub

To calculate the energy cost of a hot tub, use the formula:

\begin{equation}
\text{Hot tub energy cost} = \frac{\text{Watt rating}}{1000} \times (\text{Electricity cost}) \times \text{Usage (hours)}
\end{equation}

For example, a hardwired 240v or 220v hot tub consumes 6000 watts when its heating and jet are activated.

So 6000 hot tub wattage divided by 1000 is 6 kWh, which is then multiplied by the cost of power, which varies depending on where you live.

If you live here in the United States, where the electricity rate per kWh is an average of $.16, you can multiply 6kWh by this number. As a result, the estimated energy cost is $0.96 per hour.

If you want a further result, such as a monthly expected cost, multiply the calculated number by the total hours you use your hot tub in a month. In this scenario, if you use your hot tub for one hour a day and a total of 30 hours per month, you can expect your hot tub equipment to cost $28.8 in energy.

If you don’t want to perform this computation, an online calculator of an equipment’s electrical bill is an excellent alternative. All you need to do is to enter the required info, such as how many watt the hot tub draws, your usage hours, and the electricity price.

However, this is all just an estimate of the spa unit’s energy consumption, since a lot of factors might affect its power draw, such as:

  • The amount of water that must be heated in the spa
  • Thermostat settings that must be maintained
  • Surrounding environment, especially if the hot tub is outside where winds or the ambient air might affect the temperature of the water
  • Finally, though it may not be visible, water quality can affect heating time, so it is recommended that you fill your tub with softener water rather than tap water.

Safety Tips to Install a Hot Tub

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Some safety standards must be met while installing a hot tub, as required by local city electrical codes. In this case, here are some safety precautions to take during hot tub installation.

  • Install an easily accessible emergency switch within five meters of the device. This could be useful in situations where you need to shut down its electrical connection.
  • Since it is associated with water, even a 120v hot tub must be connected to a GFCI-protected circuit to minimize the risk of electrocution.
  • Do not connect the hot tub electricals with other circuits. In most cases, it requires its own dedicated wiring.
  • When supplying power for the hot tub, avoid using underground cables so that you can see every connection. If you can’t do this, it’s best to use a metal conduit and a wire rated for direct burial for added protection.
  • Avoid putting electrical gadgets near the tub, such as lights and phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Does a Hot Tub Need to Have its Own Electrical Circuit?

A hot tub is a high-power piece of equipment that requires its own circuit. To satisfy hot tub electrical requirements, it must be connected to a GFCI breaker for protection against ground faults.

What is Size Breaker Needed to Run a Hot Tub?

A 50 amp double-pole circuit breaker is usually sufficient for hot tub electrical requirements. Other than this size, it is strongly advised to use a 60 amp breaker for the unit’s safety function.

Can a Hot Tub Run on a 30 Amp Breaker?

A spa can easily be run on a 30 amp circuit, especially if it has a low rating. If the power requirements for hot tub are higher, some features may not be used (for example, you can’t run the jet and the heater concurrently). Otherwise, the tub may cause the breaker to trip.

Therefore, if you wish to use the unit at its full potential, you may need a 50 amp breaker for hot tub or greater. This way, it can meet the demand for electricity in the tub.

Can I Use a 50 Amp Breaker for a 40 Amp Hot Tub?

A hot tub amperage of 40 amps can definitely run through a 50 amp breaker. Just ensure that it will not exceed the unit’s said rating. Even 41 amps can overload a 50 amp breaker.

Conclusion

Knowing how many amps does a hot tub use is essential before you head to the appliance store. This way, you will know whether you need to upgrade your service panel first or not.

Modern hot tubs are getting increasingly energy-efficient. This makes them an excellent solution for anyone trying to lower their utility bills. Just be cautious of the features and functionality of the hot tub units you may come across.

Before you go, Please take a look at some posts to learn more about the ideal amperage of circuit breaker amp for:

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