Types of hot tubs: rec's for cheapest options?

[phonedave]

Interesting. Even with 220v? I wonder why that is. We have very cold winters so a long soak would definitely need the heater

All other things being equal, if you double the voltage, you use half the amperage to deliver the same power.

220V circuits come in various amperage ratings. So even if you are dropping the amps in half by using 220V it may still be too much for the circuit.

However, it is surprising that it cannot be adjusted on the main board as an option.

 

[Methuselah]

All other things being equal, if you double the voltage, you use half the amperage to deliver the same power.

220V circuits come in various amperage ratings. So even if you are dropping the amps in half by using 220V it may still be too much for the circuit.

However, it is surprising that it cannot be adjusted on the main board as an option.

We weren't really discussing reconfiguration from a standpoint of having tried and failing, just how mine came configured from the factory. My tub came configured to turn off the heater with pump 1, the main, on high setting. I think most folks use a tub the way it came from the factory, however, I did look at the pics of the inside lid of the controller just now and as you point out, there are dip switches that will allow the heater to run with pump 1 and/or pump 2.

I put a clamp ammeter on the mains during my first refill and still recall that maximum draw was well under the 50A breaker, but for us one degree is just not a big enough deal to bother doing the math and making changes before the warranty period runs out.

You make an excellent point, the way I worded it allowed for the possibility it could be reconfigured, your comment makes it clear that it is a high probability that most 240V tubs that are not running the heater with Pump 1/2 can be reconfigured to do so.

Words matter, thank you @phonedave for pointing this out!

 

[Methuselah]

So, just did the math on my hot tub, motor nameplate said 10A, so 3 HP, presume pump 2 similar, 4KW heater is about 17A, so 10 + 10 +17 = 37A (less ozone generator and lights). 50A breaker at 80% is 40A continuous load "tolerant". Looks like it would be fine to flip those dip switches if we wanted.