I saw a post mis typed that ask about hot tubs instead of hot hubs, but it got me thinking, i have been looking at small portable hot tubs I can carry with me. The power needed is a reg. plug 110.My question is in state parks or maybe others that only have a 30 amp service, is the reg plug on the pedistal in addition to the 30 amps or part of the 30 amps? If it is addition to the 30, could I put together an adaptor for the 30 plus 20 to give me 50 amp service? My 5er has 50 amp service.

Yes there are such cords HEREThe bigger problem will be where do you get the water? Can't imagine most parks would be too happy filling up your hot tub with their well. And, what do you do with it after you're done?

why on earth wouldn't you just plug the hot tub into the spare 20 amp outlet on the post. why combine them? and yes, my softtub holds 220 gallons and that would cause some concern if I dumped it all at the site. and unless you are staying in a seasonal site getting the water hot would be impossible. IIRC they said on my softub that the water is heated by cooling off the pump motor it raises the temperature a few degrees per hour. I bought my soft tub during a RV show at dulles airport after I saw a smaller one sitting on the back "porch" of a monster class A.bumpy

I am also sure any park would greatly appreciate the dead spot you would create under the hottub. Most places would also frown on the significant increase in electrical usage such a setup would place on the park. I would think most places would say unequivocally, "NO WAY".

Neat idea but the logistics are crazy.Lots of waterlots of electricityA pain to get the water to the dump station. ( multiple trips using your waste tanks)You'll need chemicals to keep it sanitary. Too little and bacteria grows giving you a rash. Too much and you can get a chemical burn.The next family gets to look at a dead spot in the grass, some parks don't allow mats or even screen houses to protect the grass.The last thing is safety and insurance. You can't be at the tub constantly so a fence will be needed to keep the kiddies out.

50A service is TWO 50A legs. There are "cheater" adapters that put 30A on one leg and 20A on the other but if the 20A recep is on a GFI its a no go.We looked at the portable hot tubs. As mentioned, few places would allow it for a short stay. Maybe for a winter or extended time.

Hot Tubs for real | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

Chock_Full_o__N
Explorer
May 14, 2013
K3WE wrote:
Chock Full o' Nuts wrote:
That still doesn't adequately answer the question: Where are you gonna put all that water when you're done?

I used to have a 12 ft by 3 ft pool- THAT is a lot of water.

The yard got a very good drink and was squishy for a couple of days.

But, it was not all that big of a deal to drain it.

I'd expect a very similar situation for a hot tub. Smaller pool on a smaller site. It will make a signficant wet spot that will dry up in a couple of days and would not be a big issue unless it's right on a dirt footpath or it's rainy season.

It won't be a big issue if the campground owner deems it not an issue.
K3WE
Explorer
May 13, 2013
Chock Full o' Nuts wrote:
That still doesn't adequately answer the question: Where are you gonna put all that water when you're done?

I used to have a 12 ft by 3 ft pool- THAT is a lot of water.

The yard got a very good drink and was squishy for a couple of days.

But, it was not all that big of a deal to drain it.

I'd expect a very similar situation for a hot tub. Smaller pool on a smaller site. It will make a signficant wet spot that will dry up in a couple of days and would not be a big issue unless it's right on a dirt footpath or it's rainy season.
Chock_Full_o__N
Explorer
May 13, 2013
waltfire wrote:
Yep all good responses, I figure a regular campground would frown on a hot tub. I was more speaking of using in a state park and not just for a weekend but maybe a couple of weeks. The state parks have more privacy and as far as I know don't monitor water usage. I would also use the 110 outlet on the pedistal. But more importantly I was just thinking out loud, seems like laying in the hot tub, beam and coke, watching something on ESPN would be awesome.

That still doesn't adequately answer the question: Where are you gonna put all that water when you're done?
K3WE
Explorer
May 13, 2013
There may be some options around Yellowstone and some down a bit Southwest of Little Rock, AR...the name escapes me at the moment...
waltfire
Explorer
May 12, 2013
Yep all good responses, I figure a regular campground would frown on a hot tub. I was more speaking of using in a state park and not just for a weekend but maybe a couple of weeks. The state parks have more privacy and as far as I know don't monitor water usage. I would also use the 110 outlet on the pedistal. But more importantly I was just thinking out loud, seems like laying in the hot tub, beam and coke, watching something on ESPN would be awesome.
MeandMyLabs
Explorer
May 12, 2013
Well of course there is always the redneck hot tub consisting of a plastic tarp in the back of a pickup truck and add water. I guess if you used a black tarp you would get solar heat and not need electricity and you could use a battery operated trolling motor for a little agitation! :B
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 12, 2013
sch911 wrote:
Yes there are such cords HERE

I agree many parks will ask you not to use a portable hot tub due to the amount of water they require.

The type of "cheater box" described above WILL Work in older parks which do not have GFCI breakres but.. The park's wiring may not be up to the task and you may burn out a cable or two.

They WILL NOT WORK on a park with a properly working GFCI, they will trip it 100% of the time.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 12, 2013
Me thinks RV'n has gone too far..........:S
skipnchar
Explorer
May 12, 2013
One question comes to mind; Where are you going to find a campground or parking lot that allows you to use the water and how do you plan on draining it?
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 12, 2013
My softub came with an optional hard lid that would "lock" down with straps. the chemicals are not that big a deal. but all the other minuses kill the deal.
bumpy