Choosing a plug-in hot tub in Canada
120V or 240V?
On 120V the heater runs at 1kW. On 240V it runs at 4kW, so it has four times the heating power. Plug-in suits weekend and summer use. If you soak most evenings through the winter, have an electrician convert it to 240V.
What you still need
A dedicated 15 amp, 120V outdoor outlet with GFCI protection, installed by a licensed electrician. Don't run a hot tub from an extension cord.
Our plug-in hot tubs
The Tahiti has two seats, a lounger and 36 jets in a 7 ft by 5 ft 5 in footprint. The St. Lucia has four upright seats and 23 jets in 7 ft 1 in by 5 ft 11 in. The Reims has five seats and a lounger, and the St Tropez seats seven. Both are 6 ft 7 in square with 25 jets.
Using a plug-in hot tub through the winter
A 1kW heater recovers slowly on a cold night. Keep the tub running and covered all winter, and brush heavy snow off the cover. If you use it often in winter, convert it to 240V.
Which plug-in hot tub suits you?
- Two of you, with room to lie back: the Tahiti.
- Four upright seats: the St. Lucia.
- A family, with a lounger: the Reims.
- The most seats: the St Tropez, with seven.