What are Plug and Play Hot Tubs (120v Hot Tubs)?

Adding a plug and play hot tub to your backyard is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your family. Your hot tub will become the go-to place to have fun, relax, and even soothe your aching muscles.

 

You may not be familiar with the term plug and play hot tub, or you might have questions about whether it is the right choice for you.

 

This article will help answer all your questions about 120v hot tubs so you can make the right decision for yourself and your family.

 

What is a plug and play hot tub?

 

A plug and play hot tub is a spa that runs on standard 120v power, so you can plug it into your outlet and start “playing” in your spa right away.

 

Most hot tubs run on 240v power, which means you’ll need to hire an electrician to set up the appropriate electrical source (a dedicated 240v 50 circuit) and wire your hot tub before it can be used.

 

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of a plug and play hot tub.

 

Advantages of a 120v hot tub

 

Easier set up

 

As mentioned above, 120v plug and play hot tubs are appealing because they do not require additional electric wiring. This means you can enjoy your hot tub right away, not to mention the money you save by not needing to pay an electrician.

 

Less expensive

 

Because plug and play spas are generally smaller and have fewer features, they are usually less expensive than 240v hot tubs.

 

If you are on a budget and don’t require a large spa to fit lots of people, a 120v spa might be the right choice for you.

 

More portable

 

Although 240v spas are considered “portable hot tubs”, they aren’t always easy to move if you decide you want to change your backyard layout.

 

A plug and play hot tub, on the other hand, is smaller, lighter, and easier to move. And since these hot tubs don’t require additional electric work, you won’t have to rewire anything if you decide to move your spa.

 

Disadvantages of a 120v hot tub

 

Less jet power

 

In general, plug and play hot tubs will have less jet power and a lower jet count than 240v spas. This is because the 110v wiring only allows for 1 hot tub pump instead of 2 or 3. Additional pumps with higher horsepower allow water to flow faster to the jets, providing a stronger therapeutic massage.

 

If you are looking to get a hot tub because of the health benefits, you may want to consider a more powerful 240v spa.

 

Fewer features

 

Because of the power limit of plug and play spas, they sometimes come with fewer features. This might mean no relaxing waterfall, no mood lighting options, or no built-in audio system.

 

Think about the reasons you want a hot tub. If you are planning on entertaining friends and family, you might need a hot tub with more features.

 

Heating time & heat retention

 

Although you save time and money by not needing additional wiring, the heater in a 120v spa can take longer to get your water to your ideal temperature.

 

And, unfortunately, the heater and pumps can’t be running at the same time, so your water temperature might drop a bit if you stay in your spa too long with the jets running.

 

What is the best plug and play hot tub?

 

After reading the disadvantages of a 120v spa, you may be thinking, “Are plug and play hot tubs any good?”

 

The answer, of course, is, “it depends.” A cheaply made inflatable spa or plastic hot tub from Walmart probably isn’t the best option if you are looking for a therapeutic spa or want high quality features.

 

Luckily, top hot tub brands like Bullfrog Spas make some of their hot tubs 120v compatible. These premium plug and play spas come with great features and options so you can enjoy music, interchangeable jets, and lights without worrying about additional electric wiring.

 

Bullfrog Spas 120v options

 

Here are the hot tubs that can be optionally ordered from Bullfrog Spas with 120v compatibility.

 

A5L

 

The Bullfrog Spas A5L is a 2-3 person hot tub with 2-3 Interchangeable JetPaks and is fully featured. (*Not available on A5L Plus or Select models.)

 

 

X5L

 

 

The Bullfrog Spas X5L is a 2-3 person hot tub that is well featured.

 

X6R

 

 

The Bullfrog Spas X6R is a 4-5 person hot tub, has a fun, round design, and is well featured.

 

Now that you’re an expert on 120v hot tubs, design your own spa online & get a price quote. You can choose your spa model, colors, jets, and accessories.