Budget Electric
The simplest way to heat a soaking tub, these are made for inflatable hot tubs but work well with our tubs. Plug into a standard 110V outlet, connect to our fittings, and set the temp.
Bestway SaluSpa AirJet Heater Pump
~$270Inexpensive, compact, and easy to use. Runs on a standard 110V outlet. Heats, circulates, and maintains temperature. Manufacturer warranty available.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to set up and use
- Compact, 110V
- Warranty available
- Great when it works
- Often out of stock for months
- Secondary market (eBay) prices fluctuate
- Shorter lifespan — be prepared to replace
- Recommend keeping a spare handy
Spa-Grade Electric
A proper spa system uses a heater/controller paired with a circulation pump and filter. The controller contains the heating element, thermostats, temperature gauge, and turns the circulation pump on and off.
Heater / Controllers
Hydro-Quip CS800-A2 — 120V
~$300Requires a dedicated standard 15-amp circuit — check with your electrician. Offers the convenience of a standard outlet. The thermostats are the most commonly replaced component in these units.
Hydro-Quip CS800-C2 — 240V
~$300Requires a dedicated 240V outlet and circuit. The benefit is faster heating times. Once at temperature, there is no difference in operating cost or performance compared to 120V.
Balboa BP100 — 120V or 240V, Wi-Fi
~$600Premium controller available in both voltage configurations. Includes Wi-Fi remote control options for monitoring and adjusting temperature from your phone. Price includes the ~$200 remote plugin.
Circulation Pumps
X-Pumps E-14 (LX WE14)
~$120A generic replacement circulation pump. Gets the job done at a lower price point.
Waterway Iron Might
~$260A well-known, reliable pump from a major spa equipment manufacturer. 1/8 HP, 1-speed, 115V.
Filter
Waterway 25 Sq Ft Top-Load Filter
~$120A standard spa filter sized appropriately for our tubs. 2" connections with bypass valve.
Propane Tankless
The most efficient heating method for our tubs. A 1.5 GPM propane heater can reach temperature in about two hours. The system works by circulating tub water back through the heater using a pump and thermostat controller.
Propane Tankless Water Heater
$175–$400There are many brands on the market. We have found Camplux and Gasland to be reliable. Premium whole-house brands like Rinnai or Rheem work great but are typically an order of magnitude more expensive than what's needed for tub use.
How Propane Recirculation Works
Tankless propane heaters activate the gas flame when water flows through at the right pressure — typically standard hose pressure, around 3 GPM. This works well during the initial fill from your water supply. To maintain temperature after the tub is full, you circulate tub water back through the heater using a pump, controlled by a thermostat outlet that reads the tub temperature.
SEAFLO Water Pump
~$100An RV-style water pump that provides the flow rate needed to trigger the tankless heater. SEAFLO is a quality brand we have had success with. Note that these pumps can be on the noisy side, especially when not enclosed. Check Youtube for sound samples.
Inkbird Temperature Controller Outlet
~$50The brain of the propane system. Place the probe in the tub and it tells the circulation pump when to turn on and off, heating the water to your set temperature automatically. Upper and lower set points are adjustable. Some models include Wi-Fi control.
Water Care
Mineral Sanitizers
Ionized Mineral Sticks
$20–$50Drop one in the filter or tub and let it work passively. Helps keep water clean between soaks with minimal effort.
Oxidizer
This is the source of the typical chemical or chlorinated hot tub smell. Oxidizers are important for keeping biological growth and pathogens in check.
It is safe to use traditional bromine and sanitizer shock products with our resin-lined tubs. If you prefer to minimize caustic chemicals, we recommend adding a quarter cup of spa-grade hydrogen peroxide after soaking for the day or each evening. Spa-grade peroxide is typically 12% to 35% concentration — significantly stronger than the 3% drug-store variety.
Fittings & Safety
We can add fittings to your tub appropriate for your chosen system. Spa-grade systems require larger fittings with higher flow rates. Budget electric and propane setups use smaller fittings with lower water flow. Let us know what direction you are going and we will configure your tub accordingly.