Are you seeking a light, small, portable hot tub for outdoor picnics? You have landed on the right page. Plug-and-play hot tubs meet the requirements of hot tub users who love using them outdoors or relocate frequently. But what exactly are plug-and-play hot tubs?
This blog is your comprehensive guide to understanding plug-and-play hot tubs, their pros, popular dimensions, and costs. It also explains how to operate and maintain a typical plug-and-play hot tub.
Let’s uncover what’s more there for us!
What are plug and play hot tubs?
As the name implies, plug and play hot tubs are designed for ultimate ease of use. You can use a regular plug to connect your hot tub, add water, and enjoy a relaxing soak in no time.
How are plug n play hot tubs different from traditional 220v hot tubs?
Plug n play hot tubs differ from traditional hot tubs in several ways. Here is how.
- These hot tubs are perfect for small spaces and don’t take much work to set up.
- These hot tubs still have massaging water jets, a filter to keep the water clean, and a control system.
- These hot tubs take more time to heat than the other hot tub options.
- They operate on 110v voltage rather than 220v.
- They have smaller jets and pumps than the traditional hot tubs.
What are the pros of a plug & play hot tub?
Here are some of the benefits of a plug and play hot tub.
Portability
Plug-and-play hot tubs are easily portable because of their small sizes. They are also considerably lighter than other hot tubs, and you can move them yourself.
Read more about hot tub weight and average hot tub sizes here!
Easier Set-Up
Another benefit of having a plug and play hot tub is that they are easier to install and set up. Once you have your plug and play hot tub in its desired location, all you need to do is fill it with water and plug it into the outlet. The tub comes ready to use straight out of the box.
Affordable Options
Plug n play hot tubs are more affordable than other hot tubs because of their small size and limited features.
DIYable Operation
With Plug-and-play hot tubs, you don’t need to hire electricians for electrical setups. All you need to do is plug the hot tub into a power source, and you are ready to enjoy the soothing hot water massage through jets.
Popular Dimensions of Plug and Play Hot Tubs
The table below shows the average dimensions of a plug n play hot tubs.
| Size | For Number of Users | Shape | Length | Width | Volume in Gallons |
| Small | 2 | Oval | 6 ft | 4 ft | 150-200 |
| Medium | 4 | Round | 6-7 ft | 6-7 ft | 250-300 |
| Large | 6 | Square | 6-7 ft | 6-7 ft | 300-400 |
What are the average costs of plug and play hot tubs?
The average cost of a plug and play hot tub can vary depending on size, features, and materials but generally falls within these ranges:
Inflatable Hot Tubs: between $300 and $700
Portable Acrylic Hot Tubs: between $2,500 and $6,500
Electrical Requirements for a Plug and Play Hot Tub
Plug-and-play hot tubs are made for convenience, so they’re simple to use. Unlike other hot tubs, which require a 240-volt circuit, these models run on a standard household outlet.
Here are the typical electrical requirements for a plug-and-play hot tub:
Voltage: 110 volts
Circuit: a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit
Note: Keep the circuit for the hot tub, and don’t share it with other electrical appliances.
How do you set up a plug and play hot tub?
Setting up a plug & play hot tub is simple. Follow the given steps.
Step 1: Choose a Location
First, choose a suitable location for your hot tub. The place of installation should be near the power source and away from overhead power lines or trees. Ensure you have enough space to enter and exit the hot tub.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Next, prepare a solid foundation to support your hot tub. You can use concrete or gravel as a hot tub base. Can you put a plug and play hot tub on a deck? Yes. You can place it on a deck; however, ensure safety measures to the fullest.
Step 3: Inflate the Hot Tub
Now, it’s time to inflate your hot tub. Most hot tubs come with inflation pumps. Attach the hose to your hot tub, then check the manual to see how much air to inflate it with.
Step 4: Fill in the Water
Clean the hot tub’s surface before filling it with water. Fill your plug-and-play hot tub with fresh tap water through a hose. Balance the water’s chemical, pH, and alkalinity levels.
Step 5: Connect the Hot Tub Equipment
Connect filters, pumps, and heaters to the plug and play hot tub to start the operation process.
Step 6: Heat Your Plug N Play Hot Tub
Start your hot tub’s heater and wait for a few hours. Your hot tub is ready for soaking once the water reaches the ideal hot tub temperature.
Plug and Play Hot Tub Maintenance Tips
Here are some maintenance tips for your plug and play hot tub.
Daily:
- Visually inspect the water
- Check the cover
Weekly:
- Test and adjust water chemistry
- Rinse the filter cartridge
- Wipe down the shell
Monthly:
- Deep clean the filter cartridge
- Clean the jets
Annual:
Drain and refill the hot tub
Read our comprehensive hot tub maintenance guide for more information.
What are the cons of a plug and play hot tub?
Here are some of the disadvantages of Plug and play hot tubs.
- Shallow water level
- Overlapping legs
- 90-degree seating position
- 5-7 year lifespan
- Mostly low insulated
- Small filter & low water capacity
How long does it take for a plug and play hot tub to heat up?
Plug and play hot tubs generally take longer than traditional hot tubs due to their smaller heaters. The heating process also depends on factors such as hot tub size, surrounding temperature, and initial water temperature. However, it takes 6 to 12 hours to heat a plug and play hot tub from fresh fill to 100°F (37.8°C)
Can you use an electrical cord to plug and play hot tub?
Most hot tub experts don’t recommend using an electrical cord to plug and play hot tubs. This is because the extension wires are usually not of the standard diameters to pass the required current safely.
Are plug and play hot tubs good to use in the winter?
Plug-and-play hot tubs take considerable time to heat up in winter. They may take up to 24 hours to reach the desired temperature.
Key Takeaways
Plug and play hot tubs differ from traditional hot tubs because of their small sizes, lighter weights, lower volumes, and low costs. They are available in various customized shapes with incorporated features for small spaces.
Anyone can operate these hot tubs by plugging them into the power. However, they have weak jet pressure and less efficient filtration than typical hot tubs. Silverline Pools offers energy-efficient, budget-friendly, and best plug and play hot tub installations and servicing.
