Hot Tub Heater Review

The heating system for your hot tub is, without a doubt, the most important part. After all, you can’t really call it a ‘hot’ tub if it is bubbling away with cold water. Unfortunately, however, it’s also the part that often needs replacing the most. As with all spa pool and hot tub parts, there is an enormous range of options to choose from, and in today’s guide, we’re going to break down the facts of hot tub/spa heaters and take a closer look at what you can expect. Let’s get started right away.

About The Product

Before we get started, let’s have a think about what a hot tub or spa heater actually is. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s a vital component of your tub as it is the only thing that gets the water warm - without your heating system working properly you might as well have a cold bath. When you buy your first hot tub or pool, you will, most likely, find that everything works perfectly, and although it can take a while for the tub to heat up, you should be sitting back in the hot, bubbling water pretty soon.

But what, exactly, are those problems? Delicacy aside, much can go wrong. Your heating elements could trip, causing a short circuit, and water can find its way into the electrics, causing failure. Terminals can burn, the heater housing can suffer from dry fire. The temperature gauge could be faulty, too, meaning that you can’t use your tub due to the scalding heat.

Leaks can occur, too, which can eventually cause damage to the union sleeve and gasket. There are plenty of ways to test for damage, and in certain cases, you might be able to repair the unit. But in the vast majority of instances, the chances are you will have to start looking for a replacement heater for your tub or spa.

Whether you return to the original manufacturer to find your replacement or go for a different brand is up to you. But there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, does your spa have an analog or digital controller? If it’s the former, then you might want to upgrade to a digital heating unit, as they tend to be more reliable and last a lot longer.

Digital heating units have a more accurate temperature gauge, too, as well as modern additions and features like LED temperature displays and adjustable temperature controls. And, most importantly, there are no moving parts in digital units, unlike their analog counterparts.

Another important point to remember is that branded heating units usually come with an excessive price tag. While manufacturers will often give you better guarantees than those you might find an alternative, there isn’t necessarily that much difference in quality if you know where to look. But you have to bear in mind that using a heater that isn’t made by your spa or hot tub manufacturer may void any kind of warranty you have.

You don’t have to wait to upgrade your analog eater to a digital alternative. Yes, it’s a but if an investment, but ultimately you will benefit, and when you consider the money it will save you in utility bills, repair work, and maintenance, it soon pays for itself. This point is particularly the case if you like to use your spa or hot tub regularly, as there are significant savings every time you use it.

Another advantage of using digital controllers is that it uses less energy when you leave it on at a steady temperature all the time than it does to turn it off every time you use it. On average, if you are using your tub three times a week, you are financially better off just leaving it on and then nudging the temperature up slightly when you want to use it.

Of course, you will be better off turning the heater off when you go away for extended periods, but if the tub is a permanent fixture you will be able to use it pretty much any time you want to at no extra cost.

You should also check out online reviews of hot tub heater sellers, and find out which companies have excellent customer service. You’ll find that if something goes wrong, the customer service adviser will be able to talk you through most problems, which you can fix yourself at no cost.

Don’t forget, because digital units have less movable parts on them than analog heaters, it means there are fewer issues that can go wrong, meaning you should never be more than an hour or so away from getting things working again. With analog controllers, you may have to wait weeks for a new part to be ordered and delivered, and you still might need a specialist to fit it for you.

Finally, consider getting a hot tub or spa installed as an investment. And with a working, brand new heater, it could be a huge selling point when you decide to buy a new home and put your current house on the real estate market. Especially if your garden or spa room has incredible views - it could add some value to your home!

What Others Are Saying

When you take a look at the online hot tub and spa heater reviews, there are a few common points to remember. Many people say that making the upgrade to digital was a godsend, and the many issues with analog systems are well documented.

Another common point in praise of the new, digital heaters is that they are incredibly easy to set up and maintain. In general, the best models - such as the Hayward CSPAXI11 - are lightweight but durable, and simple enough for the layman to fit themselves.

Digital controllers are a lot easier to use and operate, too, according to happy digital heater buyers. However, you need to be careful about buying from a reputable company with easy access to customer service advice.

As we mentioned above, when things go wrong, you want to be able to talk with a human to sort out your problem, not send off an email and wait for a fortnight or two to get a response. There are plenty of nightmare customer service stories out there, so make sure you do your research before making a purchase.

According to many buyers, it is sometimes better to spend little extra in order to have the assurance and a helping hand when you need it - something you won’t get from a cheap product you order in from somewhere like China.

Purchasing Advice

Not every tub or pool heater is the same, of course, so make sure you are looking at plenty of online reviews to ensure you get the best possible component for your particular model. Just like anything else in life, there are cheap options, but you will find that it is worth investing in a good quality heater that is renowned for lasting many years without failure.

Be aware of size and specifications - it’s one area where many new buyers slip up. You have to bear in mind that not all tub heaters are compatible with every spa, so it’s important to ensure you have checked the specs and that the heater will fit into your tub.

Also, look for a heater that comes equipped with a safety sensor. This little sensor is such an important component of the heater, and it will alert you if there is a major problem - it’s vital for your safety and health, and that of your family and guests who you invite over for a quick dip in your tub.

Pros and Cons

As with everything in life, there are two sides to every story. With this in mind, let’s weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of getting a new digital heater for your spa, pool, or hot tub.