Arctic Spa Electrical Installation Instructions
Where should I run the wire to get inside my Arctic Spa?
Arctic Spas do not have a designated electrical knockout or predetermined wire entry location. Because the interior of the spa is mostly open, the conduit can go wherever is most convenient along the Forever Floor. Most electricians choose to run the cord closer to the equipment area for ease of access.
- Double check before drilling that the you have access from the entry point all the way to the control pak. Don't bring it in where a piece of spa equipment is, or in the very center of the spa base where the spa’s footwell meets the Forever Floor.
For the cleanest appearance and greatest flexibility, Arctic Spas recommend bringing the electrical cable through the side wall of the Forever Floor rather than through the cabinet wall or bottom of the spa.
The lower lip of the spa helps conceal the wiring, creating a cleaner look. Entering through the side of the Forever Floor also helps avoid potential electrical complications if the spa needs to be moved or repositioned in the future.
Running through the side wall of the Forever Floor also makes initial installation easier for two reasons:
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1st: The electrician doesn't need to be there at the exact time the spa is being delivered. If the spa is drilled through the bottom, the electrician needs to be there before the spa is set down to drill the hole, then wait for it to be set into place before they can wire it up. If there is a delay for any reason you might be getting charged for their time waiting. If they drill through the side of the Forever Floor instead, your schedules can both be more flexible and it should save on electrical costs.
- 2nd: It can be difficult to measure out and gauge exactly where the spa will be positioned ahead of time. There are times where new spa owners expect to have the spa fit a certain way, and after the hole is drilled through the bottom and the spa is set down, they can see it doesn't line up the way they expected. If it is drilled through the side and excess cord is left inside the spa, the spa can be adjusted. If it is drilled through the bottom, it can't be moved.
If your spa does not have a Forever Floor, the electrical conduit that your electrician installs can be brought in upwards through the bottom of the base of the spa or through one of the cabinet pieces that isn’t a removable door, in one of the corners of the spa, for example.
- The electrician should own a drill bit that is the size of the conduit they will be using, so the conduit should fit tight through the drilled hole they make, but the electrician can also fill any gaps around the conduit they install from the inside of the spa with spray foam to ensure no critters can get in after the electrical installation and to prevent heat loss around the conduit.
- Seal any remaining gap around the cable with exterior-grade caulk, fiberglass insulation, or a small amount of expanding foam to help prevent moisture, insects, and debris from entering the cabinet. If using expanding foam, apply only a small amount, as it expands significantly.
- Because spa locations can change over time, it is also a good idea to have your electrician leave a few extra feet of wire inside the cabinet. This additional slack can make future relocation or service work much easier.
As a reminder, Premier Pool & Spa employees cannot hook up spa electrical service and are not responsible for incorrect electrical connections made by other parties.
Other notes:
- The State of Minnesota requires the use of a licensed electrical contractor and an electrical permit to wire a spa.
- All Arctic Spas and All Weather Pools except SDS require a 50 amp GFCI Breaker and 230 volts, SDS (4 Pump Spas) Require a 60 amp GFCI Breaker and 230 volts
- Although not required, we highly recommend a 60 amp breaker on 3 Pump Systems, especially on larger spas such as 8' and the Summit XL, to have optimal jet power as well as the heater running at the same time.
- The correct wire gauge for your application is dependent upon the length of the wire being run and the breaker that is required. Your electrician must determine what is needed based on the guidelines published by the NEC and local authorities. Premier Pool & Spa employees cannot provide that information.
- Damage to spa components due to incorrectly wired spas are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- If you would like a referral for an electrician please let us know.
