Hot Tub and Sauna FAQ

We strive to bring you the highest quality, fully featured hot tub on the market. Our no-nonsense, haggle-free, sensible hot tub pricing approach means that you are always getting the best price possible, and there is no need to wait for a sale.

Hot tubs are typically classified into inflatable, plug-and-play, and premium categories. Inflatable hot tubs are just that. They blow up like an inflatable pool. There are no seats (you sit on the ground) and they have a basic 120V power pack that includes the jet, pump, filter and heater. Inflatable hot tubs cost between $800 and $1500. Plug and play hot tubs are roto mould hot tubs with basic features and hydrotherapy. They usually operate on a 120V plug-in service, costing between $5000 and $8000. Premium hot tubs are very well-built and very well-equipped. They also connect to the internet for convenience and service alerts. They require a dedicated 220V service to operate and stand the test of time. A premium hot tub will cost between $10,000 to $20,000. Northern Hot Tubs specializes in premium 2-person, 4-person, 6-person, and 8-person hot tubs made for Canada.

Northern Hot Tubs are designed in Sudbury and Meaford, Ontario Canada. The hot tubs are made in China and the United States and are shipped by the container load directly to one of many Canadian regional warehouses while saving you thousands of dollars.

There technically is nothing to install as our hot tubs come fully assembled. The hot tub requires a flat-level base & dedicated electrical service. Most dealers provide base installation services. A certified electrician must perform the electrical service. Once the base and electrical service are complete, your dealer offers VIP delivery & set-up service including: (1) Delivery to the home (2) Transfer hot tub to the prepared base (3) Assembly of step (4) Assembly of cover lifter (5) Coordinate electrical connection (6) Fill, run and test (7) Hot tub operation orientation (8) Provide water care instructions (9) Neatly bag packaging for customer disposal. Should the backyard not be accessible, requiring a crane, or if the hot tub needs to be placed on an elevated surface such as a second-story deck, additional charges will apply.

View our hot tub installation ideas page

Northern Hot Tub dealers are happy to visit customers within a reasonable distance for a free, no-obligation in-home consultation to provide expert advice in the following key areas (1) Convenience to the home (2) Privacy (3) Wind exposure (4) Step placement (5) Cover lifter clearance and operation (6) Panel removal for serviceability (7) Access to the drain fittings (8) Elevated deck construction requirements (9) Base material and size recommendations (10) Hot tub primary seat orientation. Hot tub owners who seek professional advice and install their hot tubs correctly tend to use them more and make them a part of their daily wellness lifestyle, so be sure to take advantage of this valuable service.

Northern Hot Tubs are well-equipped and include an electronic water purification system. The hot tub water passes through a mixing chamber where pressurized ozone gas is mixed with the hot tub water to kill germs and bacteria. In addition to this, your Northern Hot Tubs dealer will start you on an easy-to-follow, step-by-step water care program that will ensure that you always have safe, clean, and hot bubbly water to enjoy. Taking care of a Northern Hot Tub is easy and convenient and only requires a few minutes a week to maintain.

Should you require service for your Northern Hot Tub, we recommend calling your local Northern Hot Tubs dealer. Our dealers have the technical resources and access to original parts to ensure that your Northern Hot Tub is repaired to factory specifications.

Our hot tubs are covered by a ten-year structural, five-year surface, three-year electronic, two-year plumbing and one-year cover guarantee. The Northern Hot Tubs Guarantee includes no fine print and has complete coverage for peace of mind. You can download a copy of our full guarantee document by navigating to the Owners Support page and clicking on Download Guarantee Document.

If you have an existing wood deck, you may be able to place a Northern Hot Tub on it without alteration, depending upon how it is constructed. The minimum deck construction should be 2” x 8” joists with a span of no more than 8’ on 16” centers. If the deck is elevated, it is essential to evaluate how it is affixed to the home. In most cases, if the existing wood deck does not meet the minimum specifications, it can be modified so it does. If you are unsure, please consult your local Northern Hot Tubs dealer and always be sure to reference local building codes and have your work inspected and approved by your local building department.

Your Northern Hot Tub is very energy-efficient and is ready when you are. Reducing the temperature and increasing it before using the hot tub can be inconvenient while saving little energy. We recommend setting and forgetting the temperature unless you are away for extended periods.

A 110V hot tub, often referred to as "Plug & Play Hot Tub," plugs into a standard electrical outlet and doesn’t require professional wiring. It’s ideal for smaller spaces and easy setups but may take longer to heat. A 220V hot tub requires a dedicated electrical connection, usually installed by an electrician, but it heats faster, powers more jets, and supports larger models.

Hot tubs are designed for relaxation and hydrotherapy, offering powerful jets and seating for multiple people. Swim spas, on the other hand, combine the benefits of a hot tub with a swimming area. They allow you to exercise by swimming against a current while still providing seating and jets for relaxation. Swim spas are larger than traditional hot tubs and are perfect for those who want a dual-purpose spa experience.

Absolutely! Northern Hot Tubs are designed to handle Canada’s harsh winters. With proper insulation and heating, you can enjoy a cozy soak even in freezing temperatures. Just keep the cover on when not in use to maintain heat efficiency.

The cost of running a hot tub depends on factors like usage, location, and the model you choose. On average, expect monthly operating costs of around $20–$50, which includes electricity and water treatment.

Regular sauna use may help improve circulation, support muscle recovery, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Many people also report better sleep and a strengthened immune system. Saunas can complement a healthy lifestyle, but they’re not a replacement for medical treatment.

View our blog post on Health Benefits of Saunas

Yes, Saunas are widely used for relaxation, easing sore muscles after workouts,
and supporting recovery. The heat can loosen tight muscles and joints, while
sweating may help the body eliminate impurities. Most users find that saunas improve overall well-being, especially when combined with exercise and proper
hydration.

Outdoor saunas may require a building permit depending on your municipality, especially if you’re running new electrical lines or building a permanent structure.
Always check with your local building department before installation.

Electric saunas require a dedicated 240V line, which must be installed by a licensed electrician. Wood-burning saunas don’t require electricity, but may need proper
venting.

Keep your sauna clean by wiping down benches and walls with a mild, non-toxic cleaner or warm water. Leave the door open after use to allow ventilation and prevent moisture buildup. A light sanding of the benches may be needed over time to keep the wood fresh. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the wood.

View our blog post on Outdoor Sauna Maintenance Tips

Not much, high-quality outdoor saunas are built to handle Canadian winters. You’ll
want to brush off heavy snow loads, check seals and doors, and make sure your
The heater or chimney is in good condition. Electric saunas require little more
than routine checks, while wood-burning saunas may need chimney cleaning once
or twice a year.

The cost depends on sauna size, usage, and heating type. A small electric sauna
Typically costs between $15–$40 per month if used a few times a week.
Larger models or daily use may cost more. Wood-burning saunas depend on local
firewood prices but are often comparable or cheaper to run.

• Electric saunas: predictable, convenient, and typically $15–$60 per month depending on size and frequency of use.
• Wood-burning saunas: cost depends on firewood availability. If you cut your own, the costs are minimal. Buying wood may be slightly less or more than electricity, depending on your region in Canada.
  
  View our blog post on Electric Heater vs Wood Burning Heater

This depends on how many people will use it at once. A 2–3 person sauna is ideal for individuals, couples, or small spaces. For families or cottage use, a 4–6 person sauna is most popular. If you regularly entertain or want a social experience, consider a larger 6–8 person barrel sauna.

View our Saunas

Most people enjoy 10–20 minutes per session, depending on heat tolerance.
It’s best to listen to your body, leave if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. You can do multiple short sessions with breaks in between to cool down and rehydrate.

• Dry Saunas use hot air (often 70−90∘C / 158−194∘F) with very low humidity, making the heat dry and easy to tolerate for long periods.
• Wet Saunas are created by pouring water over the hot sauna rocks. This briefly raises the humidity, making the existing heat feel instantly more intense and enveloping.

Note: Our saunas offer you the ability to choose wet or dry. They use a dry heat base, and you can create steam whenever you want a more vigorous heat experience.