120V vs 240V Hot Tubs: A Guide to Electric Relaxation

Are you unsure whether to choose a plug-and-play or hardwired hot tub? Don’t worry—many people weigh this decision, and it’s actually quite simple to determine the right option by asking yourself a few straightforward questions.

First, you’ll need to understand the difference between 120V and 240V models. Beyond the obvious voltage gap, let’s take a closer look at what each type offers.

120-Volt Hot Tubs

Running on a regular household electrical outlet, 120-volt hot tubs are compact and practical. In addition to being affordable, they’re ideal for anyone who wants to try out the hot tub experience without needing significant electrical modifications.

It doesn’t get much simpler than this.

Their affordability stems from having just one two-speed pump, which means fewer jets—simplifying construction and lowering overall costs.

240-Volt Hot Tubs

These robust hot tubs come equipped with multiple pumps, stereos, much quicker heaters, and even televisions—all of which demand higher voltage to operate. However, these extra features add to the cost: more parts and more intricate manufacturing increase the hot tub’s total price. Plus, installing an additional circuit from your electrical service panel to the hot tub (a job typically done by a professional electrician) adds another expense.

Professional electrician not included.

How Do I Decide?

Start by figuring out what matters most to you in a hot tub. Be realistic about how often and when you’ll use it, how many people will use it at once, and how much space you have available.

Why Choose a 120-Volt Hot Tub?

If you value simplicity and convenience, a 120-volt model is a great fit. It’s a plug-and-play design, so you can set it up on your own without needing major electrical work. Just find a comfortable spot, plug it into a standard outlet, and you’re ready to relax.

Why Avoid a 120-Volt Hot Tub?

Realistically, these hot tubs are too small to comfortably fit more than 3 to 4 people at once. What’s more, you can’t operate the jets and heater simultaneously—so if you intend to use your hot tub in winter, a 240-volt model is a better choice. When it comes to heating speed, these smaller units can only raise the water temperature by about 1 degree per hour (due to the heater’s amperage). You’ll likely need to wait a day or two after filling the hot tub before you can use it.

Why Choose a 240-Volt Hot Tub?

If you want a hot tub that’s versatile, has plenty of jets, and can accommodate gatherings, a 240-volt model is the way to go. It’s the preferred choice for winter use—and let’s be honest, winter is one of the best times to use a hot tub—because you can run the pumps and heater at the same time. As for heating speed, these hot tubs can raise the water temperature by roughly 7 to 8 degrees per hour.

What’s more, many 240-volt models have small circulation pumps that provide 24-hour nonstop water filtration. That’s a nice perk.

Why Avoid a 240-Volt Hot Tub?

These hot tubs need professional installation to ensure a safe, reliable electrical connection, and this can be costly—especially if the hot tub is located far from your electrical service panel. Also, these units are much heavier, particularly when filled with water, so you’ll need to place them on a sturdy structure that can support their weight (such as an engineered deck or a reinforced concrete pad). All of these factors can add up to extra expenses.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, choosing between a 120-volt and a 240-volt hot tub depends on your preferences and what your electrical setup can handle. Do you prefer a cozy, simple escape, or are you looking for a full-featured hydrotherapy experience? Whether you pick a 120-volt model with easy installation or a high-performance 240-volt hot tub, both will enhance your relaxation routine and leave you feeling happy and refreshed (yes, that’s a little pun—what can I say?).

Still on the fence? I wrote an article on hot tub setup that answers more of these types of questions.

So, go ahead—may your hot tub journeys be filled with wonderful moments, great memories, and plenty of bubbly fun!