Are Plug and Play Hot Tubs Any Good? (Pros and Cons)

plug and play hot tub

You can’t beat the convenience of a plug and play hot tub, but there are some downsides to be aware of.

This article will cover the pros and cons of this type of hot tub. So keep reading…

Note: As a rule of thumb, when buying a hot tub, be sure to read all product reviews and ask friends and family who have purchased one.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, though! We’re here to answer any questions you may have!

Let’s start with the good part.

The Pros of plug-and-play hot tubs:

Let’s dive into the Pros of plug-and-play hot tubs:

1). No Special Electrical Hookup

One of the biggest benefits of plug-and-play hot tub technology is that it requires no special electrical hookup.

They just require a standard 110-volt plug. Because they don’t require a special plug, they’re easy to install and move around.

2). Lower cost

Another advantage of plug-and-play hot tubs is their low cost. You’ll be saving money upfront by not having to pay for an electricity connection.

3). Convenience

The convenience of plug-and-play hot tubs is another benefit. They’re easy to install, requiring only eleven amps of electricity.

Unlike hardwired tubs, plug-and-play hot tubs don’t require special electrical sockets, which makes them great for renters.

They’re also convenient for those who plan on moving in the near future. You don’t have to hire an electrician or hire a contractor to install the tub, and they can be assembled in minutes.

If you live in a colder climate, plug-and-play hot tubs are great for short-term rentals or vacation homes. You don’t have to worry about ice building up in your hot tub, and you won’t have to worry about getting soaked by snow.

Moreover, you can add a plug-and-play hot tub to your current residence without installing any new electrical wiring.

Plug-and-play hot tubs are convenient because they don’t require wiring or complicated installation.

4). Easy to use

They can be plugged into any standard household 110-volt socket. This eliminates the need for a professional electrician and saves you a lot of time.

You can spend your precious time enjoying your new spa, while avoiding the hassle of wiring and plumbing. The plug-and-play hot tub is a great addition to any backyard or patio.

The Cons of plug-and-play hot tubs

While the plug-and-play option may seem like an attractive feature, they’re not ideal.

Unless you’re prepared to sacrifice other features, plug-and-play hot tubs won’t keep the temperature at the desired level for long.

Here are the common disadvantages of the plug-and-play hot tubs:

1). Limited features

Additionally, they may not include the standard features you’d expect in a hot tub, such as molded seats, headrest pillows, or programmable filtration cycles.

While plug-and-play hot tubs are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, the downside is that they are typically smaller and do not fit as many people as 240v hot tubs.

Although plug and play hot tubs can be installed almost anywhere, they are not always convenient to move.

The limited features of Plug and play hot tubs make them less suitable for households with young children or pets.

While plug-and-play hot tubs are relatively inexpensive, they don’t feature all the features of a traditional hot tub, including molded seats, programmed filtration cycles, or headrest pillows.

These models are also limited by their 110v power supply and may not perform to the same level as their counterparts. If you are concerned about safety, consider purchasing a plug-and-play hot tub with a safety cover.

Plug-and-play hot tubs have a limited number of features, such as cupholders. A few are even equipped with LED mood lighting, which can provide a spa-like atmosphere.

Some plug-and-play hot tubs also have covers, which help prevent bugs from entering the water. Many plug-and-play hot tubs have covers included, which is a great feature for families and new homeowners.

A plug-and-play hot tub’s pump can’t run a full-sized pump and heater. This means it cannot support a powerful jet pump.

This is because plug-and-play hot tubs don’t draw enough power for a full-sized pump. This means that they may only have a single pump, so they take a long time to heat up the water.

2). They’re Noisy

Another downside of plug-and-play hot tubs is that they are often noisy. You should check out reviews of different models to find out the sound level. If the tub is too loud, your neighbors might not be able to enjoy it.

Generally, plug-and-play hot tubs are built with inner plastic liners, but they can differ in appearance.

If you are looking for a cheap tub, make sure to choose one with integrated heating and full foam insulation.

While a plug-and-play hot tub is easy to install, it isn’t always the best choice. In-ground installation is costly and not always possible.

Plus, you may not have access to a skilled electrician, which is a big plus for many families. Plug and play hot tubs are also a good choice if you have long-term plans to install them.

3). Lower Jet Power and Fewer Jets

Plug-and-play models have lower jet power and fewer jets. Some also only have a single pump, which limits the therapeutic benefits.

Moreover, 110v circuits do not provide enough amperage to power a pump and heater at the same time. As a result, if you want to maximize the health benefits of your hot tub, it might be best to choose a more powerful 240v model.

Although inflatable hot tubs are more convenient and affordable than plug-and-play models, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of.

They are less attractive than plug and play hot tubs. Therefore, if you value looks and durability, you might want to opt for a plug-and-play hot tub.

They are easier to install and maintain than permanent hot tubs. The downsides of plug-and-play hot tubs are outlined below.

Should You Buy a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub?

A plug-and-play hot tub may not have the same jet power and jet count as a traditional spa.

The number of jets in a plug-and-play tub is likely to be lower, and there may be only one pump. A higher-powered pump will provide a more thorough massage.

Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy the health benefits of a plug-and-play hot tub, you might want to opt for a higher-quality 240-volt spa.

Conclusion

A plug-and-play hot tub is easy to install, as they are designed to plug in and run. You can choose a plug-and-play hot tub that’s large enough to fit up to 6 adults.


If you want to maximize the number of people you can comfortably accommodate, consider the Graystone Elite 600, which is one of the largest plug-and-play hot tubs.

It also has 29 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets and foam insulation to maintain a consistent temperature.

You can even add an LED backlight for a soothing ambiance. An ozone purification system eliminates chemicals from the water.