Imagine being able to have the means to provide a full body massage and area of relaxation in the privacy of your own home or yard every day. Hot tubs are a great way to provide a way to relax after a long day of work, plus they also serve as a means of therapy through the use of hot water submersion and massaging jets of water. You also don’t have to go through some long or expensive installation process either to take advantage of these types of products.
The following Plug and Play hot tub reviews showcase the large variety of spa models and styles that simply require a standard home plug and a place to set your tub. Once your water comes up to temperature it is all set for you to take advantage of! The best plug and play hot tubs are those that fit your needs and have the features for full enjoyment.
Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs Comparison Table
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FEATURES |
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Aqua Rock Monterra Portable Spa |
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Lifesmart Rock Solid Simplicity Plug and Play 4 Person Hot Tub |
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Maui 20L Spa |
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Essential Hot Tubs 20 Jets Arbor Hot Tub |
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Hudson Bay 6 Person 19 Jet Spa |
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What Defines a Plug and Play Hot Tub
Put simply, a plug and play spa is a portable model that can be placed just about anywhere you would like to put it within range of a standard 110/120 volt home outlet. That’s right, these products do not require professional electrical installation and are a great DIY project for most homeowners looking to add a hot tub addition.
Power Source
Tubs need a power source to run the heating elements, lighting, and pump for water filtration and jet pressure. Advances in technology have allowed lower energy pulls and more power availability for models such as these, providing a more luxurious home experience for a fraction of what a hot tub used to cost. This makes the following some of the best 110v hot tubs available.
Size
They come in a wide range of sizes and also boast many popular features such as lighting, waterfalls, and lounge seating. Basically, they are the same as a more permanent spa model, but without the high cost or installation process. Although permanent models can often accommodate larger amounts of water and thus people, these portable versions are surprisingly spacious, with many capable of holding 6 or more people.
Material
Most of these types of models are a unicast or acrylic foundation mold for long-lasting outdoor/indoor durability and seating options. As far as portable models go, there also are wonderful inflatable vinyl options for relaxing that ‘technically’ follow the model idea of a plug and play power source, but these are less durable for freezing weather and do best in protected areas that are 39 degrees Fahrenheit or above. They also do not have seating options built-in but may have optional inflatable lounging and other comfort accessories.
Benefits of a Plug and Play Model
If you were wondering if plug and play hot tubs were any good compared to larger, more permanent tubs, consider the following:
- They are much less expensive overall and do not require any additional hired maintenance for installation or moving. In fact, they are an instant set-up, simply place where you want it, fill up and plugin!
- They are wholly portable and can go just about anywhere you want them to, both indoors and out.
- They have a much less upfront cost since there is no pre-delivery, setup or installation phase. Plus you don’t have to hire an electrician for the heater or pump.
- They come in a variety of sizes!
- They have a lower draw of wattage overall. They may take a bit longer to heat, and may not hold heat as well in very cold weather, but they are considered efficient, plus this is also a money saver.
- They are portable! This means you can take it with you, or move its location if needed without having to hire a professional for electrical disconnect!
Features to Consider
Before deciding on a model you may want to consider some of the following features. Most people are unaware of just how luxurious a model such as this can be, so it is worth looking over the types of details that may be included in your spa package prior to purchase.
Type of Seating
Most of these tubs seat 2 to 4, but it is not unusual to find 6 or more seating options if you prefer a bigger option. The materials used in these also provide for both upright and lounge seating choices that include integrated jet placement for full-body relaxation.
Lighting
Underwater LED lighting options are found in most tubs. Some come with lighting filters for color changes, other have integrated lighting controls for both color and brightness.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a popular feature that provides the gentle sound of water for when you are soaking and not taking advantage of the jets. These are also almost always equipped with lighting as well.
Jet Options
The number of jets included in the model you choose will determine water agitation and massage-like qualities. Don’t be surprised to see many different types of jets included in any given model, including those that can be adjusted.
Optional Accessories
Accessories are often popular with tubs to provide changes in lighting, comfort, sound, and even ways to hold drink or food. See what accessories your favorite models may work with to see if you can get any package deals through their inclusion.
Top 5 Rated Plug and Play Hot Tub Reviews
The following models are some of the best plug and play hot tub models available based on consumer popularity and reviews. Quality workmanship and dependability are details any buyer wants to see, and these choices deliver.
Aqua Rock Monterra Portable Spa
- Size: 2-3 people
- Filtration: ozone (not included)
- Features: lounge seating, 14 jets, lighting, waterfall with lighting
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited
The Aqua Rock brand is a popular choice as they offer a great variety of spa sizes and features for long-lasting comfort. This option fits 2 to 3 people and includes both lounge seating and comfortable upright areas to relax in. The 14 hydrotherapy jets are placed for maximum body massage as well.
Underwater LED lighting and a waterfall helps create a relaxing atmosphere as well. To help keep costs low, the model is sold without the filtration system, but it is ready to work with an ozone system of your choice to keep the water clean and fresh.
Pro Tip
This is an excellent hydrotherapy option for single person relaxation. It also serves as a perfect getaway for two with plenty of legroom and space to take advantage of the space provided.
Pros
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
- Great lounge seating
- Lighting
Cons
- Filtration system not included
Lifesmart Rock Solid Simplicity Plug and Play 4 Person Hot Tub
- Size: 4 person
- Filtration: ozone
- Features: Waterfall, lighting, jet pressure control
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited
The Rock Solid Simplicity plug and play design by Lifesmart is a 4 person, bucket seat design complete with 13 high therapy jets. The rotary water pressure is controllable via top-side comfort valves to adjust how much water and air is mixed for your own personal preferences. Highly portable, this is a great choice for indoor or outdoor use.
It also comes with LED lighting with added accessories to provide interchangeable mood lighting caps. A waterfall provides a gentle flow of water even when the jets are off. The locking top keeps your tub clean and safe.
Pro Tip
The perfect family size, this 4 person tub is a great choice for efficiency and room for comfortable seating and spa enjoyment.
Pros
- Seriously fast to set up
- Comfortable, full-body submersion seating
- Durable and easy to care for
Cons
- Loses heat quickly in below-freezing weather
Maui 20L Spa
- Size: 2-3 person
- Filtration: ozone
- Features: lighting, cabinet lighting, lounge seating
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited
The Maui 20L model is a great choice for 2 to 3 people and includes both upright and lounge seating. 20 stainless steel jets are included with topside control for pressure efficiency and preferences. The tough shell is easy to keep clean, plus it is double insulated to keep the heat where it belongs even in cold weather.
Although sold as a plug-in-play, it does have an optional 220-volt hard wiring harness if you so desire. This is especially handy in cold climates where you want to preserve heat in below-freezing weather. A thermal cover is included to help keep heat contained and allow you to warm your tub up even faster for quicker, therapeutic relief.
Pro Tip
Great for both temporary and permanent areas, this is a versatile choice that can work efficiently in any climate. The size is perfect for 2 to 3 people and provides full body submersion.
Pros
- Easy to set up and 220 Volt option is easy to access
- Full submersion lounger is comfortable
- Hold heat very well
Cons
- Soft touch LCD controls may not do well in freezing weather
Essential Hot Tubs 20 Jets Arbor Hot Tub
- Size: 6 person
- Filtration: filtration
- Features: lighting
- Warranty: 5 years
The Essential Hot Tubs Arbor model is a circular option designed to fit 6 people comfortable with contour style seating. 20 high capacity jets provides comforting, full body massage, and is located in well spaced positions throughout the entire shell. The all-season steel heater is perfect for controlling water temperature even in cold climates.
Built for durability, the hard exterior shell is a resin pour and works well in all outdoor temperatures. Plus it It also has the wiring for a 220v option so you can provide added heat and power for colder climates. The insulated cover both locks out prying hands for safety, and locks in heat.
Pro Tip
If you like to gather socially, this is a spacious tub that can fit up to 6 people in upright seating, or less if you decide to spread out.
Pros
- Easy to set up and comes
- Comfortable seating
- A great bargain price and quality
Cons
- A little tight for 6 people, fit 4 more comfortably
- Could use a few more jets for teh size
Hudson Bay 6 Person 19 Jet Spa
- Size: 6 person
- Filtration: Ozone
- Features: Led lighting, lounge seating
- Warranty: 5 year warranty shell / 1 year pump and filter
The Hudson Bay 6 person spa includes upright and lounge seating for excellent therapeutic and entertainment uses. This large tub includes 19 adjustable jets and LED lighting that you can change to fit your mood. The durable acrylic mold has layered fiberglass insulation for heat retention and the treated base frame for added durability.
An insulated, locking cover provides peace of mind, plus it keeps the heat where it belongs. The jets are considered especially strong for a plug and play, and it works well even in cold weather.
Pro Tip
Perfect for all around use, this spacious choice is great for hydrotherapy on the evening and entertaining on the weekends.
Pros
- Very durable and spacious
- Works well in cold weather
- Awesome massaging jets
Cons
- A little heavy for setup
Conclusion
Plug and play tubs are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a hot tub but is looking to save a little money by avoiding initial setup and electrical installation. Because they are portable you can move them if you aren’t happy with where you have them placed, or move them with you if you move home locations without expensive professional moving.
If you have any experience with any of these models, we’d love to hear about how you use it and what you like about it. Please leave your comments below, and, as always, please share!