The Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs

Sometimes, convenience is key. Especially when it comes to bringing something into your life intended to make it more relaxing, not less so. In this article we'll review the best plug and play hot tubs, what a P&P hot tub is, and where to buy your ready-to-soak setup.

What Is a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub?

The term “plug-and-play” originally came from the world of computer science, where it referred to a computer that could be delivered and set up simply by being plugged in by the user. No professional needed, no complicated installation process—just plug it in and turn it on. 

The term has since found its way into dozens of other realms, including pool and hot tub industries. When used to describe a hot tub, “plug-and-play” means the unit can be delivered, set up, and turned on by dropping it off and plugging it in. Once it is dropped off, it can be plugged into a GFCI 120CV outlet, and it is ready to go without hardwiring or installation required. 

What Kind of Outlet Should a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub Plug Into?

A P&P hot tub cannot, as the name might suggest, actually be plugged into any outlet. They are only compatible with GFCI outlets.  

These outlets are designed to meet safety codes designed by each state to prevent injury or death via electrocution. GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter, and they are designed to trip and cut off power if they get wet. That lack of power will prevent any potential electrocution from occurring. 

You likely have these outlets in any space where water might come into contact with a power source. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoor spaces, for instance, will often feature these. 

Plug-and-play hot tubs should be plugged into a nearby GFCI outlet that operates on at least 120 volts. Luckily, many GFCI outlets meet that minimum. 

Before purchasing a P&P hot tub, contact a local electrician to test your outlets. A bad connection could set you up for unnecessary energy expenses. Once you've confirmed that your outlets can supply the required power, then simply order the best plug and play hot tubs on our website!

Why Choose a P&P Hot Tub?

For homeowners who want simple installation and instant gratification, you'll want to look for the best plug and play hot tubs. When you’re putting a hot tub in, you might not want to go through the hassle of digging out an in-ground spot, installing a breaker, or figuring out the wiring. Instead, you may find it easier to simply plug it in and hit “play”.

With all of the hot tub options available on the market these days, you may find yourself wondering which is the best plug and play hot tub for you. When deciding which P&P hot tub to buy, consider cost, quality, capacity, and, of course, convenience, before taking the plunge. 

If the latter is the most important of all the criteria on your list, a plug-and-play hot tub is worth looking into. Here, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of this kind of hot tub.

Advantages of the Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs

Plug-and-play hot tubs have always been popular thanks to their convenience and affordability, but how exactly do they stack up to their competitors? 

Affordability 

At the top of any list of ‘pros’ on the best plug and play hot tubs list is the price. Because these options are often entry-level and come with fewer fancy features, they are often more affordable. 

On average, the best plug and play hot tubs will cost anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000. That’s significantly less than the average cost for larger, more complicated-to-install hot tubs, which are usually between $10,000 and $20,000. 

When you factor in the cost of installation, the savings are even more pronounced. While it can cost thousands of dollars to have an electrician and other professionals come to your home to install breakers, deal with hard wiring, or level a piece of land, the only cost you have to worry about with a plug-and-play option is the cost of delivery. 

Easy Installation 

Speaking of installation: Setting up a plug-and-play hot tub is as simple as it sounds. For many people who want to start enjoying the hydrotherapy benefits of their new hot tub as soon as possible, this is enough of a perk to convince them that plug-and-play is the right choice for them. 

Say you find the hot tub of your dreams on a Saturday at your local showroom. You might have to wait a week or two for delivery, during which time you’re probably counting down the days until it arrives. When it finally does get there, a plug-and-play option can be dropped off, filled up, plugged in, and immediately get up and running. 

Of course, you’ll have to wait for the water to get up to the right temperature, which will take around 12 hours after being set. 

Portability

A plug-and-play hot tub can be moved from one spot in your backyard to another with ease. It can also be moved inside or to covered porches during winter months, or from house to house if you move in the future. 

Disadvantages of a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub

Just as with anything, there are some disadvantages to even the best plug and play hot tubs that should be considered before you make the purchase.  

Weaker Jet Power

Because they have less power behind them, plug-and-play hot tubs have weaker jet power. While other hot tubs wired to stronger power sources have enough juice to power multiple pumps, even the best plug and play hot tubs only have one pump. 

More pumps allow for faster and stronger water flow, for a more intense massage. For some, only one pump may not provide a strong enough pressure from the jets for the therapy they are looking for. 

Heat Retention

Heat is, obviously, an important feature of a hot tub. While a plug-and-play hot tub still provides the heat needed for a completely relaxing experience, it may just take a bit longer to get there, and more effort to keep it there. 

Because there is less power running the hot tub, the heater in a 120V hot tub will take a bit longer to reach the temperature you’re looking for. 

It’s also important to note that the pump that moves the water and the heater can not run at the same time. In other words, if you stay in your spa with the jets on for a long period of time, the temperature might drop a but as the power is directed only toward running the jets and not the heater. 

Fewer Features

That same power limit that affects the heater and the jet power also means there is less power available to run certain additional features. Because of this, many plug-and-play hot tubs will not come with add-ons like water features and extensive LED lighting options. 

Long-term Cost

Finally, there’s the long-term cost of a plug-and-play hot tub. Many buyers find the lower up-front costs of these hot tubs to be one of the major advantages of these models. It’s true that these are much more affordable at-first, but the costs over the course of the lifetime of a hot tub might be a bit higher for plug-and-play options. 

These hot tubs might take longer to heat, more energy to keep the temperature up, and may require more upkeep in the long-term. This is because 220V hot tubs—those that aren’t plug-and-plays—have more available power than 110V, so the heater can run for shorter periods of time and still keep the tub operating at the ideal temperature. The heater working overtime in plug-and-play options will cost more over time. 

Wellis' Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs

Milano Life P&P Hot Tub

Milano Life P&P Hot Tub

The Milano Life P&P hot tub provides 4 comfortable seats and an incredible lounger, making it one of the most capable plug and play hot tubs for sale

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The Milano Life P&P hot tub provides 4 comfortable seats and an incredible lounger, making it one of the most capable plug and play hot tubs for sale. Allow yourself to be immersed in one of the best plug and play hot tubs to relieve yourself of daily aches and pains. Let the underwater LED lighting system lift your spirits and relax your mind.

• SmartPhone app. / MyMusic 2.0
• 36 jets
• Ozone water sanitization
• Color therapy 
• Thermo cover
• 85 x 75 x 34 in
• 1 reclining place / 4 sitting places

Leo P&P Hot Tub

The larger of our two best plug and play hot tubs is the Leo P&P. Leo P&P hot tub offers a wide range of innovations tailored to the user. The calf massage jets in the lounge seat offer relaxation and a deep muscle massage. The ergonomically designed massage jet placement located on the lower sides of the seats can even help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

• 85x75x34
• 1 recliner, 4 seats
• SmartPhone app. / MyMusic 2.0
• 36 jets
• 14 LED lights
• Ozone water sanitization
• Color therapy 
• Thermo cover

What to Consider When Installing a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub

Searching for the best plug and play hot tubs? Before buying a plug-and-play hot tub, here’s what you’ll need to consider.

Location 

Where will you put your hot tub? You’ll need to have a spot picked out so that you know the dimensions you’re looking for, and you can prepare the area if necessary.

Pick an area that is at least five feet away from your house, and near a GFCI outlet so you’ll be able to plug it in. 

Once you know where you would like to place the hot tub, you may need to do a bit of prep work to get the area ready for installation. It should be leveled, and it’s best to have a foundation put down when possible. This can be a concrete- or asphalt- base, a crushed stone- or gravel- base, or a base made of pavers.

If you are planning on putting a hot tub into a deck, you’ll need to prepare the deck to have the hot tub installed. 

Size

Once you know where you’re going to put your hot tub, you can start to consider exactly what you’re going to install. One of the most important criteria? The size. 

Measure the area you have in mind for the tub. Then, subtract three feet on all sides to allow room for entry and maintenance. For instance, if you have a space that’s 15 feet long and 10 feet wide, you’ll want to look for a hot tub with maximum dimensions of 12 feet long and seven feet wide.

Before you purchase a hot tub, it's recommended to contact your local Wellis USA hot tub dealer for a free consultation. 

Budget

To narrow your search down even further, set a budget for yourself to stay within. While some plug-and-play hot tubs can be fairly expensive, it’s definitely possible to find affordable options without having to compromise on relaxation. 

Just by looking at the best plug and play hot tubs you’re likely to spend less money, as these typically cost between  $4,000 to $10,000—significantly less than other hot tub models that require installation. 

Power Source

Your plug-and-play hot tub will obviously need a place to plug into. When surveying your yard or deck for the best spot to put your new toy, make sure you choose an area that’s close enough to a GFCI outlet.

Features 

Now comes the fun part: the best plug and play hot tub features. While it’s true that plug-and-play hot tubs don’t offer as many additional features as their more extravagant counterparts, there are still plenty of ways to customize your spa experience. 

Options include LED lighting systems, water features, additional jets, and built-in trays, ice buckets, spa steps, and cup holders.

Size of a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub

Hot tubs come in a wide range of sizes, from two- to three- person 5’x7’ options, to eight-person options that can be up to 12 feet long and wide. When you opt for the convenience of a plug-and-play hot tub, though, you will sacrifice some of the size options 

Small Hot Tubs (2- to 3- Person Hot Tubs) 

You can find plenty of the best plug and play hot tubs for two- to three-people, which range in size from five feet to seven feet long, and five to seven feet wide. Typically they measure around three to four feet tall. 

Because of their smaller size, they are easier to power with the 100V allotted to plug-and-play options, and fit perfectly in smaller spaces like decks, porches, and patios.   

Medium Hot Tubs (4-Person Hot Tubs)

The most popular size for a plug-and-play hot tub, a four-person tub, is typically between 6’6” to 7' 9” long, 6 '4’ to 7’9” long wide, and 33” to 38.5” tall.

This size is ideal for most average-sized backyards. It allows plenty of room for entertaining when you have a few people over, and is small enough to still feel intimate and relaxing. 

Large Hot Tubs (6- to 7- Person Hot Tubs) and Extra-Large Hot Tubs (For 8 Or More People)

Because of their larger size, large and extra-large hot tubs are not usually available in plug-and-play configurations. 

Large hot tubs can comfortably seat 6 or 7 people, and measure between 7' to 9' long, 7' to 9'2" wide, and 33' to 38½" tall. Extra-large hot tubs fit at least 8 people, and can be up to 11’ long and 11’ wide. 

If your dream hot tub is on the larger side, even the best plug and play hot tubs may not be right for you. 

Cost of a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub

How much should you expect to pay for a plug-and-play hot tub? On average, the best plug and play hot tubs cost between $7,000 and $10,000. You can find cheaper models on the market, but with P&P hot tubs already being more modest, it's wise to invest just a bit more in a quality hot tub brand.

Price is dependent on the size of the tub, the additional features you opt for, and whether or not you will need to pay a professional to prepare your yard for the installation.

Financing for a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub

Even though plug-and-play hot tubs are more affordable than other options, some may prefer to space out their payments rather than put down a big chunk of cash up-front. In those cases, financing can be a big help.

Dealership Financing 

In many cases, financing is available directly through hot tub dealers. Often, they will partner with specific financing platforms to help their customers quickly and easily apply for financing. This way, a buyer can know right away if they qualify for financing. 

These options sometimes require a down payment, and come with an interest rate of between 5 and 15%.

Personal Loan

Though it’s not usually necessary for a plug-and-play hot tub because of the lower cost, some buyers turn to a personal loan through their bank, credit union, or other financial institution. 

These loans come with a fixed interest rate, which varies depending on your credit score.  

HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, is a loan specifically designated for home and yard improvements. In these cases your home acts as security for the loan, just as in taking out a second mortgage. This is a useful way to secure financing for the best plug and play hot tubs.

Monthly Payment Examples

To determine your monthly payments if you do decide to finance your P&P hot tub, you can use an online calculator. Simply enter the total cost of the hot tub, the interest rate of your loan, the time over which you plan on paying back your loan, and the type of loan it is.

For instance, if you sign up for a monthly payment plan at a 0% rate for 40 months, here is what you can expect to pay: 

• $5,000 spa = $125 per month for 40 months
• $7,000 spa = $175 per month for 40 months
• $10,000 spa = $250 per month for 40 months

Using that same loan period, here’s what you can expect to pay monthly at a 10% interest rate: 

• $5,000 spa at 10% APR = $148 per month for 40 months
• $7,000 spa at 10% APR = $207 per month for 40 months
• $10,000 spa at 10% APR = $295 per month for 40 months

Please note that these prices are estimates and subject to change based on promotions, product availability, dealer location, and other variables. Contact us to speak with a Wellis Spa representative about financing options for your P&P hot tub!

The Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs for Energy-Efficiency

Wellis is known as one of the best plug and play hot tubs for energy efficiency in the world. Our hot tubs are engineered with quality insulation and a compact thermal conservation design to ensure you get the most power from your P&P hot tub for the least amount of energy. However, any hot tub’s energy usage depends on how much you use the hot tub and how exactly you use it. 

If you have jets running all the time, it will use more energy. The major issue with even the best plug and play hot tubs is that you can’t run the jets and the heater at the same time. This is due to the lack of available power at your typical outlet. In North America, a 110V can typically only supply 15amps, yet in order to run all the components you would need 30 – 40amps. 

What that means is while the hot tub will be warm when you get in, it won't do as good of a job as a luxury hot tub to keep the temperature at a high level during extended periods of use. 

If you are looking to use your hot tub often, for extended periods of time, or be able to have quick heat recovery while receiving a great massage, then you may want to consider calling an electrician to install a 220V line or investing in another hot tub model.

Contact Wellis for the Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs

Ready to relax? We get it! We're here to help you get set up as fast as possible with our selection of the best plug and play hot tubs. Contact us or find a Wellis USA hot tub store near you to find out if a P&P hot tub is right for you.

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