Hot Tub Electrics


Hot Tub Electrical Supply Guide

What Electricity Supply Do I Need for My Hot Tub?

This is one of the most common questions we receive from customers exploring our range of hot tubs.
Whether you’re considering a 13A Plug & Play model or a 32A hard-wired spa, it’s important to understand your electrical requirements before installation — and before that exciting delivery day arrives.

Do You Handle the Electrical Installation?

Not directly.
Any electrical socket installed outdoors or any modification to your home’s electrical system must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.

Because electricity and water can be a dangerous combination, only a qualified electrician should carry out the work. Fortunately, the setup is straightforward and generally not expensive.

13A Plug & Play Hot Tubs

Overview

Popular throughout the UK for their easy installation and lower running costs, 13A Plug & Play hot tubs are the most economical and convenient option.
They simply plug into a standard 3-pin power socket, making them a great choice for those who want quick setup and minimal fuss.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a qualified electrician to install an outdoor, waterproof plug socket with RCD protection.
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving safety feature designed to cut power instantly if an electrical fault occurs — protecting you from potential electric shock.

We recommend using an MK IP66-rated outdoor socket, available from major electrical retailers such as Screwfix.

Installation guidelines:

1. Socket should be positioned around 2 metres from the hot tub (but never closer than 1 metre).

2. Typical installation costs range between £50–£100.

32A Hard-Wired Hot Tubs

Overview

If you’re considering a 32A hard-wired hot tub, you’re opting for higher performance and a more powerful hydrotherapy experience.
These models require a more robust electrical setup, completed by a certified electrician.

Installation Requirements

1. The hot tub must be hard-wired on its own fused spur directly back to your household consumer unit.

2. It must not share a power supply with any other appliances.

3. The circuit should be protected by an MCB (Main Circuit Breaker) rated for the hot tub’s maximum amperage (e.g. 32A), with an additional 25% allowance to accommodate the initial current surge when pumps start.

4. Your electrician should install an IP65 Rotary Isolator Switch at least 2 metres away from the hot tub. This allows the power to be safely switched off during maintenance or in an emergency.

5. A 6mm² 3-core SWA cable is required to connect the hot tub to the isolator.

These safety measures help prevent the risk of electric shock caused by damaged or waterlogged cables and ensure your installation is fully compliant and secure.

40A Hard-Wired Hot Tubs

Overview

A 40A hot tub setup is designed to support higher-performance systems with multiple pumps and enhanced heating capability. This configuration provides strong, consistent power for a premium hydrotherapy experience. Because of the increased electrical demand, installation must always be completed by a certified electrician to ensure full compliance with local regulations.

Installation Considerations

  1. A 40A hot tub requires its own dedicated electrical supply, separate from all other appliances, to ensure stable and uninterrupted power.

  2. The circuit must include appropriate overcurrent and fault protection selected by your electrician based on the hot tub’s rated load and start up characteristics.

  3. An external isolator switch, suitably rated and weatherproof, should be installed at a safe distance from the tub to allow power to be disconnected for servicing or in an emergency.

  4. Your electrician will determine the correct cable type and size for the installation, taking into account load, distance, and site conditions to ensure safe operation.

These measures help protect against electrical faults, water exposure risks, and ensure your installation meets the required safety standards.

IMPORTANT - Your electrician needs to leave enough spare cable attached to the isolation switch to go to the furthest side of the tub. Our installation team are qualified to connect this cable to our hot tubs. We refer to this as 'tail wire'