Single Pump or Twin Pump Hot Tub? How to Choose

When you compare hot tubs, the pump count is one of the first things that separates the prices. Our 5 to 6 person Winnipeg has one 5 HP pump, while the Toronto, a similar size, has two. So what does the second pump actually do, and is it worth paying for? It depends far more on how many people use the spa at once than on how strong you like the jets.

What the pumps do

The jet pumps draw water from the spa and push it back out through the jets. In a single-pump spa, one pump feeds every jet, so all the jets share its output. In a twin-pump spa, each pump feeds its own group of jets, so two zones can run at full strength at the same time.

Pump count isn't the only control you have. Our hard-shell hot tubs, from the Yukon to the Niagara, have air venturi valves on the topside, which mix air into the water to make the jets feel softer or stronger. Most also have a large diverter valve, which moves water between the jet zones. And the faces of the adjustable jets open and close to fine-tune each seat.

Getting strong jets from a single pump

The diverter is the reason one pump goes further than people expect. On a single-pump spa, set it in the middle and you get a gentle, even flow across all the jets, which suits a relaxed soak with family or friends. Turn it fully to one side and the pump's whole output goes to half the jets, so the seats on that side feel close to the pressure of a two-pump spa.

In practice, two people can take turns at a strong massage while everyone else enjoys a lighter flow. Open the air valves to strengthen the jets further, and close the jet faces you're not using to push more water to the ones you are. If the jets ever feel weaker than they should, our guide to weak or not working hot tub jets covers the usual causes, from a dirty filter to a diverter left turned to one side.

What a second pump gives you

A second pump means nobody has to share. Each pump drives its own zone, so a full spa gets full pressure in every seat without anyone turning the diverter. It also lets a larger spa run more jets. The Winnipeg (£4,495) runs 35 jets from one 5 HP pump. The Toronto (£6,999) runs 44 jets from two 5 HP pumps, spread across a sculpted therapy seat, a lounger and a corner seat.

At the top of the range, our flagship Niagara (£10,999) pairs two 5 HP pumps with a heated air blower and 60 jets for six to seven adults.

Does a second pump cost more to run?

The second pump only uses electricity while it's switched on, so it adds to your bill when you're using the jets rather than all day. Keeping the water warm is a separate job done by the heater, which is 3 kW on all three of those models, and the cover and insulation matter most there.

13 amp or 32 amp: the power supply matters too

The pump question is tied to how the hot tub is powered. Our plug and play spas run from a dedicated 13 amp outdoor socket and use a single pump. The Yukon (£3,999), for example, seats two adults and runs 16 jets from one 4 HP pump, with a 2 kW heater. Because the supply is limited, on many 13 amp models the heater pauses while the jets are on high speed.

Twin-pump hot tubs are hard-wired. The Toronto, Victoria and Niagara each need a dedicated 230V, 32 amp supply with an RCD breaker (not included), installed by an electrician. A hard-wired spa can run its pumps and heater together, so the water stays warm while the jets are on. Our guide to plug and play hot tubs explains the difference in more detail.

Which one suits you?

A single pump is usually enough if

• it's mostly one or two of you in the water, or the family soaks together at a relaxed pace
• you're happy to turn the diverter when someone wants a stronger massage
• you'd rather put the budget into seats, cover quality or accessories
• you want a 13 amp plug and play spa with no hard-wired supply

Look at twin pumps if

• four or more adults regularly use the spa at the same time and all want strong jets
• you use the hot tub mainly for massage, for example after sport or a physical job
• you want a larger spa with more jets and seat styles
• you're already planning a 32 amp supply

Our models side by side

Model	Adults	Jets	Pumps	Supply	Price
Yukon	2	16	1 x 4 HP	13 amp	£3,999
Winnipeg	Up to 6	35	1 x 5 HP	32 amp	£4,495
Victoria	6 to 7	44	2 x 5 HP	32 amp	£5,495
Toronto	6	44	2 x 5 HP	32 amp	£6,999
Niagara	6 to 7	60	2 x 5 HP plus heated air blower	32 amp	£10,999

Prices were correct when this article was written and can change, so check the product page for the current price and stock. The Victoria is the lowest-priced twin-pump model in that list, with four corner captain's seats among its seven seating positions, which makes it a good fit for larger families who entertain.

Before you decide

1. Count how many people will usually be in the water together, not the most you'll ever have at a party.
2. Decide whether you mostly want a gentle soak or a strong massage.
3. Check your power options: a 13 amp outdoor socket, or room in the budget for a 32 amp supply.
4. Look at the seats as well as the pumps. A seat that fits you well makes more difference to a massage than an extra pump.

If you're still weighing up the size, our guide to choosing the right size hot tub for your family covers seating and space. Or call Canadian Spa Company on 01293 824094, and we'll talk you through the pumps, jets and seats on each model.

A note on wellbeing: you shouldn't use a hot tub while pregnant, and if you have a health condition, speak to your GP before you soak. The NHS website is the place for health advice; this article is about choosing a spa.