This question seems to arise more and more when we meet hot tub shoppers. This debate has emerged from the popularity of 'plug and play' or 13 amp hot tubs, as consumers look to narrow down their options based on the power supply required for a specific hot tub.

In this section we will explain the differences between 13 amp and 32 amp hot tubs, how running costs may or may not be affected and how you should approach this as a buyer, as well as some frequently asked questions. 

What is a 13 amp Hot Tub?
A 13 amp hot tub (also known as a plug and play hot tub) is a hot tub that only requires power from a standard 3 pin plug. These hot tubs barely existed 15-20 years ago but with consumers looking for savings on electrical installations for hot tubs, they have become very popular. They also tend to be a popular upgrade from an inflatable hot tub as they can use the same electrical supply and as explained further down tend to be a bit friendlier on the bank account!

What is a 32 amp hot tub? 
A 32 amp hot tub is a hot tub that requires a 32 amp electrical supply and therefore CANNOT be powered using a standard 3 pin plug. We will explain why they require more power below. 

Did you know? A hot tub can require a 16 amp or 20 amp supply, this all depends on the manufacturer specification. 13 and 32 amp are not the only power specifications on hot tubs but tend to be the most common requirements so we have used these to compare.

​​What is The Difference Between 13 amp and 32 amp Hot Tubs?

Number of Pumps
A 13 amp hot tub is limited to 1 jet pump, it may have an additional circulation pump but due to the limited power supply, it will only ever have one large jet pump. A 32 amp hot tub can have up to 2 jet pumps and a circulation pump. More pumps does not always mean a better hot tub, especially as jet technology has improved and remembering that submerging in hot water is the main wellness benefit of a hot tub. 

Heater
On a 13 amp hot tub, the heater CANNOT run concurrently with the jet pump. This means that when the jets are on the heater must be off, this is due to power restriction. On most 32 amp hot tubs you can run the pumps and heater concurrently. On a mild or warm day this won't tend to have an impact but on a cold day if the heater does not run alongside the pumps, the hot tub could drop temperature quite quickly when in use. For a well insulated 13 amp hot tub this won't be a huge issue but for hot tubbers who like a long soak, it is worth knowing and considering.
A 13 amp hot tub will also be capped at a 2kw heater, wheras some 32 amp hot tubs may go up to 3kw.

Jet Ratio
Due to the limited number of pumps, most 13 amp hot tubs will have less jets than a 32 amp hot tub. This is purely because the jet to pump ratio should have a sensible limit. Some manufacturers will add more jets than should be on the hot tub, which will weaken the level of massage and spread the power thin so while most 13 amp hot tubs will have less jets, some will not! See our blog post here which goes into more detail on jet numbers.

Cost
A 13 amp hot tub tends to be cheaper than a 32 amp hot tub for the reasons above. A 13 amp hot tub has a reduced number of pumps, less jets and a more basic control system so you should find savings when purchasing a 13 amp spa.

The Cost of Installing the Electrical Supply
The cost of adding an outdoor 13amp socket can be significantly less than installing a 32amp feed with an isolator. This has been part of the drive for 13 amp hot tubs as consumers do not need to add expensive electrics on top of their hot tub purchase. A rough estimate to install an outdoor socket would be between £150-£450*, whereas a 32 amp supply can cost up to £750* depending on various factors. You must ensure that you consult a qualified electrician when looking to install an electrical supply for a hot tub. Please also ensure you consult the hot tub retailer you are purchasing from for electrical specifications.

Hot Tub Running Costs (13 Amp vs. 32 Amp)

How much does a 13 amp hot tub cost to run?
Lots of factors come into play when looking at hot tub running costs, check out our detailed post on hot tub running costs. It is not possible to simply say that all 13 amp hot tubs cost X to run per week or month as the quality of insulation and specification varies across the market. Hot Spring Spas are all tested for energy efficiency and running costs. An example running cost of a 13 amp hot tub from Hot Spring would be the Hot Spring Propel which has an estimated daily average electricity cost of £1.00 per day. 

How much does a 32 amp hot tub cost to run?
Same as the above, we cannot give a set running cost for all 32 amp hot tubs as these hot tubs vary so much in quality. An example 32 amp hot tub from Hot Spring is the Envoy which has an estimated running cost of £31.16 per month**. As you will see, the difference in running cost between a 13 amp and 32 amp model is minimal for a brand like Hot Spring due to the high quality level of insulation across their whole range of spas. 

​

Hey Folks, 

Hope you're all well and enjoying life. We have been so busy this past month working hard behind the scenes and of course delivering and installing all of your luxury hot tubs.  

Moving forward we have decided for a limited time to offer a free luxury hamper set with every hot tub sale we do. These hamper sets are lovely and will arrive with your hot tub on delivery day. You'll receive a bottle of Prosecco, 2 glass flutes, luxury chocolates and a luxury scented candle. 

We are also running a free luxury hamper give away competition over on our Facebook page, its so easy to apply head over to @spartaspas300 on Facebook and follow the instructions of how to qualify. The winner will be picked at random and announced on 7th April @ 7PM. 

Good Luck.

Sparta Spas 

​​Hi Folks, 


   Yet again we have been working very hard here at Sparta Spas organising certain aspects of the business and are now pleased to announce our partnership with Lay-Z-Spa. We are now Approved Suppliers and Stockists of the brand!

Further more we have now launched our online shop you will find this on our websites main landning page via the drop down menu bar. 
SHOP - LAY-Z-SPA - ACCESSORIES.  

The Accessories section is just that, all the official Lay-Z-Spa extras you require to maintain your Spa throughout the year. We have all chemicals needed along with underwater hoovers, filters, tool kits etc.

We will be having several Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub models arriving througought the year so if youve tried to buy one previously and had no luck fear not they will be available from Sparta Spas this year!

We hope you find this information useful and if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch via our contact form. 

See you soon

Sparta Spas 

Hi Folks, 

A lot has been happening behind the scenes since the last time we blogged.
We have been so busy these last few weeks we haven't had the time to sit down and post anything. So now I have a spare half an hour I'll fill you in on whats been happening at Sparta HQ. 

We have just secured and launched a Brand New Hot Tub Range direct from
the USA. These Hot Tubs are amazing and affordable starting from only £2985 we hope these will appeal to first time buyers or customers who are on stricter budgets. You might also be surprised to learn these Hot Tubs are all powered by Gecko Systems. AMAZING!

Thats not all....

We have also secured and launched another Brand New Hot Tub Range only this time these Hot Tubs are MADE IN BRITAIN! Thats correct their home grown. 
Starting from only £3945 we believe them to be highly competitive in the current market place and also come with a very fast lead time! This Range offers wonderful shapes and sizes whilst also offering  several colour options. 

The New models to look for all of which are featured on our website are...

DRACO  (USA)
POSEIDON (USA)
ALEXANDER (USA

ARBEIA (MADE IN BRITAIN)
NEPOS (MADE IN BRITAIN)
ROME  (MADE IN BRITAIN)

We have some other great news.
​
Starting from today we have released a special "online voucher" that you can use when purchasing a Hot Tub. Its only on selected models but this new voucher has savings of up to £500!!!
​Seriously its an amazing new offer but its only around for a limited time so please don't miss out. 

Theres more on the horizon to share with you but that's for another time.

For now please have a careful look through our website, if you see anything of interest please feel free to get in touch, one of our friendly professional team members will be able to look after you and guide you through your journey.

With Spring around the corner lots of people are making plans and preparing already for their new Hot Tub arrival, if you're serious about wanting to buy please don't leave it much longer as prices are already increasing. (see last blog)

Thank you for your time and we hope to see you soon.

​Sparta Spas  

Sparta Spas Launch Their Brand New Canadian Sauna Range for 2021 

As mentioned in our last blog you will remember us telling you to keep an eye out for our next post, well here it is. We are extremely proud to showcase our brand new sauna range for 2021. 

We have 7 ranges to choose from with stunning features which include
LED lighting, Bluetooth Speakers, Cup Holders, Towel Rack and Magazine Racks.

Our saunas are made from the finest Canadian Hemlock Wood which is known for its natural strength and durability. It is naturally resistant to decay, therefore ideal for saunas.
​Its life expectancy is 300-1000 years, whereas most other timber used for saunas only averages around 200 years. 

Hemlock is commonly used for building bridges, homes and large structures. The grain patterns create a natural look and so it is prized as material for flooring, paneling and trims.
Hemlock is strong, safe and has a very attractive, evenly grained wood texture. Also, our Hemlock is not too hot to touch even in hot temperatures as it is sourced naturally. 

We have 4 different sizes to choose from all of which look stunning. Incredibly easy to self assemble these saunas can go both outdoor or indoor. The correct precautions must be in place for out door use (please ask us for information) however I'm sure you'll agree that these saunas would compliment your new hot tub. 

For more information on our brand new sauna range please visit our "Sauna Tab" at the top of our website page. 

"Go Let Off Some Steam" 

PS
More exciting developments happening at Sparta, more BIG news coming your way! 

See you very soon.