Homedit is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Plug And Play Hot Tub: Turn Your Backyard Into An Outdoor Sanctuary

Why should I purchase a plug-and-play hot tub? This question has been asked by millions, so you’re not alone. Either way, hot tub ownership doesn’t have to be hard. Our purpose here is to help you learn about these unique hot tubs and how they can make your life at home more relaxing.

Plug And Play Hot Tub

We’ll also show you how plug-and-play spas can transform your backyard into a personal oasis. Your home should be a place of harmony, and a plug-and-play spa is ideal for creating such an environment.

What Is a Plug n Play Hot Tub?

What Is a Plug n Play Hot Tub

One advantage of plug-and-play hot tubs is how they’re plugged into a standard 110V electrical socket. Unlike a hardwired hot tub, all you have to do is plug it in and it’s ready to go. There isn’t a separate heater or water pump for you to install.

The plug-and-play hot tubs are named after a computer-related expression that refers to something easy to install. And because it’s not a hardwired hot tub, you don’t need to hire a professional plumber nor do you need an electrician. 

Standard hot tubs aren’t cheap. Adding to that, they require professional installation and they’re high maintenance. Plug and play hot tubs, on the other hand, are less expensive, and not only do they save you money, but they also save time. When you decide to buy a new tub, after it arrives, plug it in, heat the water, and within hours you can enjoy a refreshing spa experience.

Keep reading to learn more about the spa-style and follow us as we explore the pros and cons of plug and play hot tub ownership.

Plug n Play Hot Tub – Pros and Cons

Plug n Play Hot Tub - Pros and Cons

Hot tub ownership has its advantages but also comes with a few concerns, and plug-and-play spas are no exception. And like most hot tubs, they have pros and cons. Before you decide to purchase one, you should everything there is know about them.

Pros:

  • Easy Installation – You do not need to enlist the a professional nor worry about wiring or plumbing with plug n play models. All you do is plug the tub into a 120v, set your desired temperature, and within 12 hours you can enjoy your new hot tub.
  • Less expensive – Due to their small size and low power requirements, plug and play spas are less expensive compared to standard hot tubs that need 240v to operate. You also don’t have to worry about extra front costs.
  • Portable – If you want to change your backyard layout, unlike most hot tubs, you can move your plug-and-play hot tub to a new location with ease. During the winter, you don’t have to leave it outside.

Cons:

  • Weak jet power – Plug and play hot tubs do not have massage jets, and therefore require less energy. You should purchase a hot tub that makes sense, so if you need one that has enough power to target a specific part of your body, then you should consider a different model. Also, because it’s not a hard-wired hot tub, it only supports one pump.  
  • Longer heating times – Smaller models typically don’t have enough power, so it takes more time than standard hot tubs to heat the water. 

Best Plug n Play Hot Tubs

Elite 600 29-Jet Plug n Play with LEDs

Plug and Play Hot Tubs

The Graystone Elite 600 can fit six adults and is one of the largest of its kind in the plug-and-play category. Equipped with 29 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets, the tub features foam insulation that allows it to retain heat so its 240 gallons of water can stay warm for extended periods.

LED backlights produce images of a cascading waterfall in nine different color settings to help create a peaceful ambiance. The tub’s EZ Klean filtration system is combined with an ozone purification system that eliminates chemicals so your water remains clean and fresh. 

AquaRest Spas 45 Jet Plug n Play with Ozonator

AquaRest Spas 45 Jet Plug n Play with Ozonator

The AquaRest Spa holds six adults. It has a water capacity of 318 gallons and is equipped with 45 stainless steel jets. Made with rhombus ridge paneling, this plug n play spa is not only cost effective but also durable enough for any backyard layout.

This plug n play has a performance-enhanced LED lighting system that adds calm visuals, so you don’t have to worry about proper lighting.

The tub’s filtration system keeps the water fresh so you only have to change it every 90 days. If you want or need more power, you can upgrade the system to a 240 volt hot tub, but that will require professional help.  

Select 300 Dual Person 20-Jet with LED Waterfall

Jet Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub

This model makes sense if you don’t have a family or only need a hot tub for yourself a one other person. The Select 300 is ideal for two people, nor does it cost a small fortune to operate.

The model features 20 jets that provide lumbar support for your lower back. A filtration system keeps its 160 gallons of water fresh and clean. And like the other plug n play models featured, other benefits include LED lights that project a waterfall in nine different colors. 

More Plug n Play Options

30-Jets Adelaide Hot Tub

Essential Hot Tubs 30

Everything about the Adelaide hot tub suggests luxury and high-class quality. The model has 30 stainless steel, adjustable jets and seats five to six adults. It also features adjustable LED image controls, a tray and an ice bucket, and a thick cover that retains heat when you want to take a break from using the hot tub. 

Intex PureSpa Plus Inflatable Spa

Plug and Play Hot Tubs

In the world of inflatable hot tubs, Intex is a global leader. The model is available in a four or six-person design. It has 170 water jets that offer health benefits and a thorough spa experience. You can heat the water temperature at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, arguably making it the best choice for cold outdoor climates.

It comes with simple wiring for performance enhanced LED lights, two headrests, two filter cartridges, a thermal cloth underneath the tub, an inflation hose, a floating chlorine dispenser, and a carry bag that makes moving it to a new location easy.


What Is An Ozonator?

If you’ve followed us from the beginning, you’ve noticed the word “ozonator” a few times. We want to make sure we cover everything, and it wouldn’t have been right had we failed to explain what an ozonator is and why it’s important.

An ozonator is a small, eco friendly device that offers many health benefits as it sanitizes water inside hot tubs. It also reduces harmful chemicals bad for your skin. The device is mounted to the inside wall of a hot tub and has an LED indicator that monitors its operation.

The device pumps ozone is into the water, sanitizing bacteria and killing potential viruses that thrive in hot water conditions. Ozone also attacks body oils and other biodegradable substances so your water stays fresh and clean. 


Plug n Play Troubleshooting

Like all appliances and anything that requires electricity, malfunctions can occur. So, what do you do if your plug and play hot tub stops working? Here are some of the most common problems your hot tub might encounter and how you can fix them.  

Heat The Water

Without hot water, what is a hot tub? If your plug n play spa can’t heat the water, there are a few things you should check. If you have a multimeter, you can check your electrical outlets to make sure they are working.

  • Change water filter.
  • Check for clogs.
  • Broken heating element.
  • Replace water heater.

Water Jets 

If you don’t have air coming out of your water jets, there are a few things you can check.

  • Check your jets and make sure they are wide open.
  • Clear debris and calcium build up.
  • If you recently refilled your hot tub, you could have air lock. To fix this, turn your jets on and off to let the air out.  (NOTE: Do not under any circumstances use a plunger on your jets. If you did, it would damage your entire system. 

Control Panel

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with your plug n play hot tub, but your control panel will indicate otherwise. 

  • If the reading on your plug n play spa control panel says “OH,” do not get in the hot tub. This means the water is too hot.
  • You may need to replace the temperature sensor if it can’t give you desired temperature for when you heat the water.

Dry Fire

If the water level is low, or your hot tub is empty and the tub’s heater in turned on, “dry fire” will occur. Typically, this happens when the heating element is damaged and is caused by low water levels. 

Noise

If you hear a loud noise while your tub is on, then there’s something wrong with it.

  • Growling Sound – If your tub is making a growling sound when you try to heat the water it’s because the tub’s water level is low. Make sure your circulation system isn’t clogged and water to your tub. Also, make sure the valves next to your pump are open.
  • Squealing Sound – If you hear a metallic squeal when your hot tub is running, that means it’s time to change the bearings. Your first option would be to lubricate the bearings. If that doesn’t work, at some point you’ll need to replace the circulation pump.  

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A plug and play spa plugs into a 120V socket and needs a GFCI on the end of its power cord. When you plug it into an outdoor socket, it needs a covered GFCI-protected outlet.

If you decide that the problem is a broken GFCI, disconnect the heater, pump, blower, and ozonator. Next, turn the breaker on without anything plugged in. If the breaker trips, you could have a worn breaker. If nothing happens, plug each item back in one at a time while flipping the breaker.

When your GFCI trips, the item you just plugged in is the one that’s broken and needs to be replaced. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

When Should I Change The Water In A Plug n Play Spa?

Typically, the water in a plug n play spa should be changed every six to eight weeks. If your hot tub is a high traffic area, you’ll need to change its water every three to four weeks to safeguard against harmful bacteria. 

Can You Get Electrocuted In An Inflatable Hot Tub?

Yes, you can and unfortunately, it happens more often than you think. When you’re sitting in your hot tub and you feel a tingling sensation or have unexpected muscle cramps, get out immediately. Shut down the plug n play spa and call an electrician. Do not ignore the problem or fix it yourself. 

Can A Plug n Play Spa Be Used In Winter?

Yes, but typically it takes longer to achieve the desired water temperature. Keep in mind that plug and play tubs are smaller and stress free versions of regular hard wired hot tubs. They don’t have enough power to heat water in cold environments as fast 240 volt hot tubs.

What Is The Best Plug n Play Spa?

There are plenty of brands that make and sell quality plug and play spas, with some examples being LifeSmart, AquaRest, and Hudson Bay.

How Much Electricity Does A Plug n Play Spa Use?

The standard voltage for a plug and play spa is 120v, as opposed to the standard 240v which are required for standard hot tubs.

Plug n Play Spa Conclusion

A plug and play spa would be a great addition to your outdoor setup. Most people think a plug play is a great choice if you don’t require a hard wired hot tub. With a portable hot tub, you can take advantage of your outdoor environment to help you achieve optimum relaxation and in ways cheaper than other methods.

The major benefit of plug and play hot tubs is that they don’t require an electrician to install. After you decide to get one, all you have to do is maintain it and enjoy the advantages a plug n play spa however you wish.