I just received an inflatable hot tub as a gift, but the instructions warn against using an extension cord. They stress the importance of having a direct connection to a grounded outlet to prevent overheating. My outdoor outlet is nearby, but it's recessed into the house, making it difficult for the tub's large plug to fit. The plug does have a breaker button on it (not sure of the exact terminology). Would it be okay to use a short, heavy-duty extension cord designed for this purpose? I'm generally handy, but electrical setups make me nervous, and I definitely don't want to risk a fire hazard.
6 Answers
Remember that standard outlets are usually limited to 15 amps. You'll want to know the amperage of your hot tub. Better check the outlet's amperage too, since mine tripped when I used it with heavy tools.
You should be okay as long as you use the right size extension cord. Aim for one that matches or slightly exceeds the size of your hot tub's cord. I had to order a proper one for my mom’s hot tub because the outlet we were using was occupied by lights. Just make sure it’s heavy-duty!
Yeah, when I say size, I mean wire gauge, not length! For a 15A hot tub, use a 14AWG cord; for 20A, go with 12AWG.
You should look for a 1-foot extension cord specifically designed for hot tubs! They exist for situations just like yours!
Make sure to check the amp draw of your hot tub and compare it against what the extension cord and breaker can handle. If both are rated higher than the hot tub, you should be fine. But I recommend avoiding extension cords from places like Amazon or Wish as they often have quality issues that might not meet the advertised specifications.
Go for a 12AWG extension cord, and keep it short—like around 6 feet if you can.
If your hot tub has a regular plug, it's likely pulling similar power as a simple electric heater. A 12 gauge extension cord should do the trick!
Good idea! I had a similar issue with my outlets—a new electrician put more circuits in my garage, which makes it tricky with high-draw tools.