Hot Tub Wiring in Northumberland (12)

What are the benefits of owning a hot tub?

Owning a hot tub is something many homeowners aspire to. There are a range of benefits to owning a hot tub, including:

• Stress relief - Relaxing in warm water setting is great for stress relief.

• Improved sleep - Research shows that hydrotherapy (water therapy) can improve sleep quality.

• Reduced muscle tension - Warm water is very effective at reducing muscle tension and many hot tubs use jets to further help you relax.

• Socialising - Hot tubs are a great opportunity to socialise with friends and family.

• Heart benefits - Using a hot tub can help to increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Great news for your cardiovascular health.

• Convenience - Rather than having to go to your local spa or gym, having a hot tub at home gives you 24/7 access.

• Pain relief - The warm water and massaging jets in a hot tub can help ease painful muscles and joints.

What are the drawbacks to hot tubs?

While hot tubs have a wide range of benefits, there are a few drawbacks to owning one. These include:

• Cost - Depending on the type and size of hot tub you choose, they can be quite expensive.

• Running costs - You’ll also need to pay for extra electricity to power your hot tub. Even if you don't use the jets, you still need to keep your hot tub at a steady temperature with a filter constantly running.

• Cleaning - It’s important to regularly clean your hot tub to remove any dirt and scum, such as from sun tan lotion.

• Maintenance - Hot tub water needs to be treated frequently with specialist products otherwise mould and other nasty substances can build up.

• Health - If you don't keep your hot tub clean, bacteria can build up and cause skin irritation and infections.

There are a few key types of hot tubs, each with their own pros and cons. Below is a summary of the most common types:

• Inflatable hot tubs - These are affordable and easy to maintain but they aren’t as durable as other hot tubs and often have less features.

• Hard shell hot tubs - Can be used year round and are quite durable but they can’t be put away when not in use and need a lot of maintenance.

• In ground hot tubs - Similar to hard shell hot tubs but built into the ground of your garden or property. They can be custom made and look seamless.

• Wood fired hot tubs - These hot tubs don't use electricity. Instead they are heated using a log fired stove. This means they are often less expensive to run but have a less consistent temperature.

Hot tubs usually come with one of two different types of wiring. Many hot tubs need to be plugged into a standard socket (although this should be a safe to use outdoor socket), however, other types of hot tubs need to be wired in. The type of wiring generally used is a single phase 220-240 v 4 wire.

It can be difficult to say exactly how much electricity a hot tub uses as each tub is different. The amount of energy used will vary based on the size of your hot tub, how insulated your tub is, the amount of water your tub holds, the kW rating of your heater and the type of pump.

The electricity used will also increase when you use extra features like jets and lighting. If you’re looking for the average cost of running a hot tub, this will be largely affected by the size of your tub. For example, a 6 seater hot tub costs an average of £2.25 a day to run, while a small tub will cost around £1.75 a day to run (these costs will vary depending on your energy tariff).

As we mentioned above, not all hot tubs need to be wired in, however, having a dedicated outdoor plug for your hot tub is very convenient and safe to use. When it comes to hot tub electrical installation costs, this will vary from tub to tub. As a rough guide, the hot tub wiring cost for a 32 amp installation will be on average £325.

Working with electricity is not safe for anyone without the proper qualifications. If you already have an outside plug socket simply plugging your new hot tub in is something you can do yourself. However, if your hot tub needs to be wired in, this should be done by a qualified electrician.

Installing hot tub wiring is not a safe job to do on a DIY basis. Electricity comes with a risk of shocks and fire, so it’s not worth taking that on yourself. For more information, take a look at our hot tub installation guide.

Want to speak to hot tub electricians in Northumberland?

Once you’ve picked out your new hot tub, it’s time to find a trustworthy, qualified professional to install it. Our members come recommended by your neighbours and pass 12 checks with us, so you know you’re hiring the best of the best.

We can help you find electricians to install your hot tub in Northumberland in two ways. One option is to use our free search feature. Add your postcode to see a range of hot tub companies in your area.

Or, try our request a quote form. Simply fill in the form with information about your job and we’ll send it to three tradespeople near you.