Electricians can you help?

[87bob]

I recently got a used hot tub. It is currently set up for use on 110v. I also can convert it to 220v. In the information it says I can use it with a 30 or 50 amp service with GFI. Which should I choose and why? My thought process is like "Tim The Toolman Taylor" (cave man grunt) more power is better. What say you Electricians? Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

[Bert_]

Name plate needed

 

[87bob]

name plate needed

Here it is.

 

[kd3pc]

50 amp usually allows the heater and the pumps/circulation/jets/air to work simultaneously, where the 30 amp allows one or the other to work, but not both systems at the same time. GFCI for sure.

Using the name plate - this is not one that can be switched to 240v, it is labelled for 120v. and two different current ratings - see above. if it were able to use 240v, the label would typically say 120/240v.

There may be more current information about converting it to 240v from the maker or the manuals. I would be cautious about applying 240v until you know for sure.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Here it is.

Ummm nameplate doesnt list 240v

Typically hot tubs are either 120v OR 120/240v... 120v for lights and such

The label also doesnt say 30a or 50a. It says 15a/50a...

 

[vavet]

A used hot tub? I guess it's not really different than using a hotel pool or the pool at the YMCA, but something about it just doesn't feel right.

YMMV...

 

[Bert_]

This is a bit of a weird one. Nameplate makes no mention of 240v. Are you getting the 30-50A on 240v from the website?

Might be best to call them with your exact model number. Get the install manual.

 

[87bob]

50 amp usually allows the heater and the pumps/circulation/jets/air to work simultaneously, where the 30 amp allows one or the other to work, but not both systems at the same time. GFCI for sure.

Using the name plate - this is not one that can be switched to 240v, it is labelled for 120v. and two different current ratings - see above. if it were able to use 240v, the label would typically say 120/240v.

There may be more current information about converting it to 240v from the maker or the manuals. I would be cautious about applying 240v until you know for sure.

Sorry about the size I have done an upgrade before in fact I already have a 30amp GFI 220V breaker in the panel from the last hot tub. As I recall when the pump was set on high you did not get the same heating value as when the pump was on low. This I am only going to do once more and I want to get all the functions available.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1038859&stc=1&d=1596647260

 

[kd3pc]

dreammaker and balboa have identical controller boards????

Like I mentioned before, you need to be 100% sure that schematic matches your controller and AC power connection options.

 

[87bob]

dreammaker and balboa have identical controller boards????

Like I mentioned before, you need to be 100% sure that schematic matches your controller and AC power connection options.

The schematic matches the one inside the controller box.KD3PC hit the nail on the head about you can run the pump on hi but not the heater when connected to 30 amps but on 50 amps you have the power to run it all, at least that is the way it was on my other tub. I am going to call Balboa tomorrow just to be sure. Man those 50 GFI breakers are not cheap. If I put the 50 amp GFCI in my main panel can I just run liquid tight to the hot tub controller it is about 34 feet from one to the other. What gauge wire do I need for a 50 Amp circuit?

 

[Bert_]

Kind of looks like it works the same on 30 or 50A. 50A might just be included because it's a common size.

A quick phone call would answer these questions.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The schematic matches the one inside the controller box.KD3PC hit the nail on the head about you can run the pump on hi but not the heater when connected to 30 amps but on 50 amps you have the power to run it all, at least that is the way it was on my other tub. I am going to call Balboa tomorrow just to be sure. Man those 50 GFI breakers are not cheap. If I put the 50 amp GFCI in my main panel can I just run liquid tight to the hot tub controller it is about 34 feet from one to the other. What gauge wire do I need for a 50 Amp circuit?

no you need a disconnect in sight of the tub but not within reach of IIRC

for 50a use #8 THWN with a green #10 for EGC

 

[87bob]

no you need a disconnect in sight of the tub but not within reach of IIRC

for 50a use #8 THWN with a green #10 for EGC

What is an IIRC? So should I have a 50 amp breaker in the main panel, and a 50 GFI out of reach of the tub but in sight.

 

[Lassen Forge]

It's dual circuit 120 - one (the 15a side) for lights, controls, and maybe the motor and air pump, tho likely they pull that off the 50a side, the other (50a) probably the heater. No 240 there. And yes, GFCI is required on both.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What is an IIRC? So should I have a 50 amp breaker in the main panel, and a 50 GFI out of reach of the tub but in sight.

IIRC if i recall correctly

 

[87bob]

IIRC if i recall correctly

Thought that is what you meant but wasn't sure. I believe you are right.