I just got a new spa delivered. The spec sheet from the dealer showed it having 230-240 voltage. The electrician came out tonight to hook it up and when he opened the panel discovered the new spa is only 120 voltage. My old spa which I just had removed was 240 and I am all set up for 240. I called the dealer and they are claiming they told me this new spa would only be 120 even though that never happened and my spec sheet which they gave me clearly shows that it should be a 230-240. When I contested this, the dealer told me they had a new 240v spa pack and they would contact the electrician to see if he could replace the 120v in the new spa. My question is: what are the major differences between the two? I know with the 120v it will take longer to heat up. Will it take more electricity usage to keep it heated? Which one would be better and more energy efficient? Would it be better to convert the 120v to the 240v? It is a small spa (5 seater, 159 gallon water capacity). I'm thinking if I do convert, I will have to either fight with the dealer about who is going to pay the electrian to do this or I will have to eat it myself and pay (to have something I was supposed to get in the beginning). So I would like to know which way would be best to proceed: Either change the spa pack from the 120v to the 240v or keep the new spa at the 120v and have the electrician change the wiring so that this can be accommodated. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Go with the 240 installation. With 120 you have longer heating times and can't run certain components at the same time (for example, you can't have the pump on high and the heater running). The energy consumption basically equals out, but the 240v installation is a bit more efficient.

In the end, the 240v installation will be able to maintain temp with the cover off on cold days, whereas the 120v system might get overwhelmed.