Buying a Hot Tub? Read This BHP vs HP Guide First

Walk into any hot tub showroom and you’ll hear salespeople throwing around horsepower numbers like they’re auctioning off sports cars. “This beauty has dual 7HP pumps!” they’ll say, patting the acrylic shell like it’s a prized stallion.

Sounds impressive, right?

Here’s the problem: that 7HP figure is about as real as a three-dollar bill. And the industry knows it.

You know what really matters when you’re shopping for hot tubs? The sustained power that massages your sore muscles during your entire 30-minute soak, not some brief surge when you flip the switch. But most manufacturers advertise the wrong number because, honestly, bigger numbers sell better.

In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the hot tub industry’s worst-kept secrets:

• The massive difference between Brake Horsepower (BHP) and Continuous Horsepower (HP)
• Why your home’s electrical system physically can’t support those inflated claims
• What pump specifications actually matter for therapeutic massage

If you’re about to drop thousands on a spa, stick around. This might be the most money-saving 10 minutes you spend all year. No dealer double-talk, no marketing spin, just the straight truth about what those horsepower numbers really mean.

TL;DR – Quick Takeaways

That “7HP pump” you’re eyeing? It’s probably only delivering 3HP of actual sustained power. Manufacturers often advertise Brake Horsepower (BHP), a startup spike that lasts just seconds, instead of Continuous Horsepower, the real number that determines your massage quality. Standard residential electrical circuits can’t even support true 7HP pumps. Here’s how to spot the difference and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Table of Contents

Show

2. 1TL;DR – Quick Takeaways
3. 2What BHP and HP Actually Mean (Without the Engineering Jargon)
4. 3The Electrical Reality Check: Your House Sets the Limits
5. 4Power Without Purpose: Why Jet Count and Pump Balance Matter More
6. 5The Health Impact: Why Real Power Matters for Your Body
7. 6Red Flags and Green Flags: Spotting Honest Dealers
8. 7Questions Every Smart Buyer Should Ask
9. 8What Epic Hot Tubs Does Differently
10. 9The Bottom Line: Choose Sustained Power Over Marketing Hype
11. 10FAQ: BHP vs HP in Hot Tubs

What BHP and HP Actually Mean (Without the Engineering Jargon)

Let’s start with the basics. When a hot tub manufacturer lists horsepower, they’re talking about one of two very different things. The problem? Most buyers don’t know which one they’re looking at.

To understand why this matters, it helps to know how does a hot tub work from a mechanical perspective. The pump is the heart of the system, and its true power determines everything.

Brake Horsepower: The Sprint That Lasts Three Seconds

BHP stands for Brake Horsepower, and it measures the absolute maximum power a motor can generate at startup. Think of it like this: you’re at a track meet watching a 100-meter dash. The runner explodes off the blocks with everything they’ve got. That initial burst? That’s BHP.

According to Hot Tub Insider, “Brake horsepower is the maximum power output of the motor without any load, measured at the motor’s shaft” and “represents the peak power the motor can achieve for short bursts.”

But here’s the catch: this peak power only lasts for about 2-3 seconds while the motor spins up. After that brief moment, the power drops significantly. Running a motor continuously at its BHP rating would cause overheating and potential damage. It’s literally not designed to sustain that level of output.

So why do manufacturers love advertising BHP? Because 7 sounds a whole lot better than 3.

Continuous Horsepower: The Marathon Your Body Actually Experiences

Continuous HP (sometimes called Continuous Duty HP) is the power a pump can sustain during normal, ongoing operation. Back to our track analogy: this is the steady pace a marathon runner maintains for 26.2 miles.

Eagle Leisure explains it well: “The BHP is the power and speed of the pump as it starts up. This only lasts for a couple of seconds. Then the power drops to the continuous horsepower.”

This is the number that actually matters. When you’re soaking in your tub for 20 or 30 minutes, trying to work out that knot in your shoulder, you’re experiencing continuous HP, not BHP. The startup surge does absolutely nothing for your tired muscles.

The 50% Gap That Nobody Talks About

Here’s where it gets interesting. The difference between BHP and continuous HP isn’t small. We’re talking about a conversion ratio somewhere between 1.6:1 and 2:1 in most cases.

Let me show you what this looks like in the real world:

Advertised BHP	Actual Continuous HP
6.0 BHP	2.5-3.0 HP
5.0 BHP	2.5 HP
4.8 BHP	3.0 HP
4.0 BHP	2.0-2.5 HP
3.6 BHP	2.0 HP
3.0 BHP	1.5 HP

As Hot Tub Insider notes, “a 3 BHP motor is typically a 1.5 HP continuous motor.” That’s a 50% reduction.

The technical reason involves something called service factor, which is basically a multiplier that indicates how much a motor can temporarily exceed its continuous rating. Motors typically have service factors between 1.0 and 1.6. But for buyers? All you need to know is this: if a salesperson only mentions BHP, you’re probably looking at inflated numbers.

Next time you’re shopping, ask this simple question: “What’s the continuous horsepower rating?” Watch how they respond. If they fumble or redirect back to BHP, that should tell you something.

The Electrical Reality Check: Your House Sets the Limits

Here’s something most hot tub salespeople conveniently forget to mention: your home’s electrical system doesn’t care what the marketing brochure says. Physics and electrical codes impose hard limits on what’s actually possible.

Understanding how much electricity does a hot tub use helps you see why those inflated horsepower claims don’t make electrical sense.

Standard Residential Power: The 60-Amp Ceiling

Most residential hot tubs run on a dedicated 50 to 60-amp circuit at 240 volts. According to Mike Holt’s electrical forum, “3HP is typical, with a 1.5-5 HP range” for hot tub pumps, and industry professionals consistently cite 50-60 amp service as standard for residential installations.

This electrical reality is why the most energy efficient hot tubs focus on optimizing continuous horsepower rather than inflating BHP numbers.

But here’s the thing: that 50-60 amps has to power everything in your spa. Not just the pumps. You’ve also got:

• The heater (typically drawing 11-15 amps)
• Control systems and circuit boards
• LED lighting
• Ozone generators or UV systems
• Circulation pumps

When you do the math, there’s only so much power left over for your massage pumps. And that maximum? It’s somewhere around 3-4 continuous HP per pump.

Think about the amperage requirements for a moment. A true 5HP continuous pump operating at 240 volts would pull roughly 15-20 amps just by itself. Add a second “5HP” pump and you’re already exceeding your circuit capacity before you even account for the heater.

As LinkedIn industry analysis points out: “Houses don’t have an unlimited supply of power. Hot tubs are supplied a limited amount of the overall household electricity (usually between 13AMP – 40 AMP).”

The Industry Secret Nobody Wants to Admit

Ready for the truth bomb? No standard residential hot tub has pumps exceeding 4 continuous HP. None. Zero. Not even those $20,000 luxury models with all the bells and whistles.

When you see specs claiming “dual 7HP pumps,” what you’re actually looking at is dual 3HP continuous pumps with 7HP combined BHP ratings. The manufacturers aren’t technically lying (though it’s pretty close), they’re just using the number that sounds more impressive.

Great Northern Hot Tubs confirms this: “Pump size varies from small 1/20 to 1/8 Hp circulation pumps to monster 2.5 or 3 Hp pumps used to power many jets.”

Notice they said 2.5 or 3 HP are “monster” pumps. Not 5HP. Not 7HP. The physics simply doesn’t support those claims on residential power.

What happens if you try to exceed these limits? Best case, your breaker trips constantly and you can’t run all your spa functions simultaneously. Worst case? You’re looking at a panel upgrade costing $1,000-$3,000, new dedicated wiring, and potentially rewiring your entire spa system.

Before you sign any contract, ask your dealer: “What’s the continuous HP rating, and what’s the total amperage draw when all systems are running?” If they can’t answer clearly, walk away.

Power Without Purpose: Why Jet Count and Pump Balance Matter More

So you’ve got a pump with decent continuous horsepower. Great. But that’s only half the story. Raw power means absolutely nothing if it’s not distributed properly through your jets. It’s like having a Ferrari engine in a car with square wheels.

The design and placement of hot tub jets matters just as much as the pump power behind them. Let’s look at why jet count alone is misleading.

The 100-Jet Myth That Won’t Die

Walk through any big-box store’s hot tub section and you’ll see spas boasting “100+ jets!” plastered across the display. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? More jets must equal better massage, right?

Wrong.

Your hot tub has a finite water supply. Every jet you add divides the available water pressure among them. Too many jets with insufficient pump power creates weak, disappointing streams that barely tickle your skin, let alone provide therapeutic massage.

According to research from Pool Mart, “The jet-to-pump ratio is a critical factor in determining jet strength. A lower ratio (fewer jets per pump) generally results in stronger, more focused jets, while a higher ratio can dilute the pressure, leading to a gentler massage. Most experts recommend a ratio of 20-30 jets per pump for optimal hydrotherapy.”

Let me break this down with a real comparison:

Spa A:

• 100 jets
• 2 massage pumps (3HP continuous each)
• Jet-to-pump ratio: 50:1
• Result: Weak, unsatisfying pressure

Spa B:

• 50 well-placed jets
• 2 massage pumps (3HP continuous each)
• Jet-to-pump ratio: 25:1
• Result: Powerful, therapeutic massage

Spa B delivers twice the water pressure to each jet. You’ll feel the difference the moment you step in.

GPM: The Number Most Salespeople Hope You Don’t Ask About

If you really want to understand a pump’s performance, forget horsepower for a minute and ask about GPM (gallons per minute). This measures actual water movement through your jets.

Great Northern Hot Tubs explains: “The larger the jet nozzle, the higher its GPM rating. In general, large jets (15-20 GPM) require 1/4 Hp per jet.”

Here’s what this means practically: those big therapeutic jets targeting your lower back? They need 15-20 GPM to work effectively. A pump with higher continuous HP and proper flow rate can deliver that. A pump with inflated BHP numbers but poor actual performance can’t.

The best-designed hot tubs optimize plumbing to reduce water resistance, maximizing GPM even with modest horsepower. Short, direct plumbing runs with minimal 90-degree elbows mean more power actually reaches your jets instead of being lost to friction.

Think of it like a garden hose. You can have all the water pressure in the world at the spigot, but if your hose has kinks and restrictions, not much comes out the other end.

The Health Impact: Why Real Power Matters for Your Body

Let’s get to what actually brought you here: feeling better. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from workouts, or just trying to unwind after stressful days, you need real therapeutic pressure. And that requires real sustained horsepower.

If you’re specifically looking for therapeutic benefits, check out our guide on the best hot tub for hydrotherapy to understand which models deliver the pressure you need.

What Medical Research Says About Hydrotherapy Pressure

Proper hydrotherapy isn’t just about warm water. It’s about adequate water pressure penetrating muscle tissue. When jets deliver the right pressure, they:

• Increase blood circulation to sore areas
• Help flush out lactic acid buildup
• Reduce inflammation through localized pressure
• Stimulate nerve endings for pain relief
• Improve heart rate variability (a marker of stress recovery)

The science behind hot tub hydrotherapy benefits confirms that sustained pressure throughout your session is what delivers real therapeutic results.

But weak jets just don’t cut it. They might feel nice for a few minutes, like a gentle bubble bath. But they won’t provide the deep tissue benefits that make hydrotherapy actually therapeutic.

Research shows that effective hydrotherapy for conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia requires consistent pressure throughout your session, not just during the first few seconds when your pump is at its BHP peak.

What 30 Minutes Actually Feels Like

Think about your typical hot tub session. You’re not hopping in and out in 30 seconds. You’re settling in for 20-30 minutes, maybe longer. During that entire time, you need consistent pressure.

With true continuous HP properly matched to jet count:

• Pressure stays constant throughout your soak
• Jets maintain therapeutic intensity
• Muscle tension actually releases
• You feel noticeably better when you get out

With BHP-inflated specs and poor jet ratios:

• Strong pressure for the first 3 seconds
• Gradual decrease as you settle in
• Eventually weak, unsatisfying flow
• You wonder why you spent so much money

I’ve talked to customers who bought from big-box stores or traveling expo shows based on impressive-sounding horsepower claims. They all say the same thing: “It felt great in the showroom for 5 minutes, but after we got it home and used it regularly, the massage just wasn’t there.”

That’s the difference between marketing numbers and real, sustained performance.

Red Flags and Green Flags: Spotting Honest Dealers

Shopping for a hot tub shouldn’t require a decoder ring. But unfortunately, you need to know what to watch for. Some dealers will be straight with you. Others? Not so much.

Our comprehensive hot tub buying guide covers all the factors beyond just pump specifications, but let’s focus on the warning signs and positive indicators related to horsepower claims.

Warning Signs That Should Make You Think Twice

Red Flag #1: Only BHP numbers are mentioned

If the spec sheet or salesperson only talks about Brake Horsepower and deflects when you ask about continuous ratings, that’s intentional. They know the real numbers are less impressive.

Red Flag #2: Suspiciously high horsepower claims

“Dual 8HP pumps!” sounds incredible. It’s also impossible on standard residential power. According to InYoPools, even 6HP claims are typically overstated: “I don’t believe they make true 5 or 6 HP spa pump systems. The amount of water flow it would put out would be unnecessarily high.”

Red Flag #3: No amperage specifications

If they won’t tell you the total amp draw, there’s a reason. They don’t want you doing the math and realizing their horsepower claims don’t add up.

Red Flag #4: Jet count wildly out of proportion

A spa with 120 jets and 2 pumps? That’s a 60:1 ratio. Double the recommended maximum. Those jets will be weak, period.

Red Flag #5: Pressure to buy immediately

“This price is only good today!” Classic high-pressure sales tactic. Quality dealers know their products stand up to comparison shopping.

Signs You’ve Found a Dealer Worth Trusting

Green Flag #1: Both BHP and continuous HP clearly listed

Transparent dealers provide both numbers and explain the difference. They’re not trying to trick you with peak power claims.

Green Flag #2: Realistic specifications

When they say “3HP continuous” instead of “7HP,” that’s honesty. Spas and Stuff notes: “You will find both Braking Horsepower and Continuous Horsepower listed on our hot tub products, so that you have full information for comparative purposes.”

Green Flag #3: They discuss jet-to-pump ratios

If a dealer voluntarily explains why they use 24:1 or 27:1 ratios, they understand hydrotherapy design. They’re educating you, not just selling you.

Green Flag #4: Willing to wet test

“Try before you buy” should be standard. Quality dealers have working display models and encourage you to actually experience the jet pressure.

Green Flag #5: No pressure to decide today

“Take your time, compare options, come back when you’re ready.” That’s confidence in their product.

Questions Every Smart Buyer Should Ask

Before you hand over your credit card, here’s your pre-purchase checklist. Print this out if you need to. Bring it to the showroom. Don’t let salespeople dance around these questions.

Understanding how to choose a hot tub goes beyond just looking at horsepower numbers. You need to ask the right questions to separate marketing hype from actual performance.

1. “What’s the continuous horsepower rating of each pump, not the BHP?”

This is your most important question. If they only give you BHP numbers, press harder. “I understand that’s the brake horsepower, but what’s the continuous duty rating?” If they still won’t answer, walk away.

2. “What’s the total amperage draw with all systems running?”

This tells you whether their pump claims are even possible. If they claim dual 6HP continuous pumps but list 50-amp service, the math doesn’t work.

3. “What’s your jet-to-pump ratio?”

Divide total jet count by number of massage pumps. You want 20-30 jets per pump. Higher ratios mean weaker pressure.

4. “Can I see the GPM flow rate specifications?”

Some dealers won’t have this readily available, but asking demonstrates you know what matters. Quality manufacturers provide flow specifications.

5. “Can I schedule a wet test with this exact model?”

Not a similar model. The exact one you’re considering. Sit in every seat. Test every jet configuration. Run it for at least 15 minutes, not just 2 minutes.

6. “Do your spec sheets include both BHP and continuous HP?”

If not, ask why. Legitimate manufacturers have nothing to hide.

7. “What’s included in the amperage requirement beyond the pumps?”

Make sure you understand the total electrical load: pumps, heater, lights, controls, everything.

One more thing: trust your gut. If something feels off about how a dealer answers (or doesn’t answer) these questions, there’s probably a reason. You’re about to spend several thousand dollars. You deserve straight answers.

When you’re trying to figure out how much should I pay for a good hot tub, remember that honest specifications are worth more than inflated horsepower numbers and a lower price tag.

What Epic Hot Tubs Does Differently

Look, I work here, so take this with whatever grain of salt you need. But I can tell you exactly why we’re writing articles like this instead of hoping customers don’t ask hard questions.

We List Both Numbers Because Honesty Matters

Every hot tub we sell includes both BHP and continuous HP ratings clearly displayed. When a Wellis spa shows “6.0 BHP / 3.0 HP Continuous,” we’re not trying to hide anything. You get the full picture.

Why? Because we’ve been in this industry long enough to know that educated buyers become satisfied owners. The customers who understand what they’re buying are the ones calling us five years later to thank us, not to complain.

Our Pump and Jet Configurations Are Actually Balanced

Take our Coast Spas models. They’re engineered with jet-to-pump ratios in that 20-30:1 sweet spot. Our Marquis Crown series uses precision jet placement following the natural contours of your body. More jets hitting the right spots, not just more jets scattered randomly across the shell.

We work with brands like Wellis, Coast, Marquis, Dynasty, and Everest specifically because they design proper hydrotherapy systems. Real continuous horsepower matched with appropriate jet counts and efficient plumbing. No gimmicks.

Come Feel the Difference Yourself

Here’s our challenge: visit any of our showrooms in Raleigh, Durham, Pineville, or Cornelius. Do a wet test. Then go visit another dealer with inflated BHP claims.

Feel the difference in sustained jet pressure. Notice how our jets maintain consistent power throughout your entire soak instead of starting strong and fading to weak. That’s what proper continuous horsepower, matched with good design, actually delivers.

We know some people will read this article and think we’re just talking trash about competitors. Fair enough. But everything we’ve explained about BHP vs HP, electrical limitations, and jet ratios? That’s industry-wide physics, not our opinion.

Call us at our Raleigh location (4205 Wake Forest Rd), Durham showroom (5032 Guess Rd), Pineville store (618 N Polk St), or Cornelius location. Ask these same tough questions. We’ll give you straight answers because we’d rather educate you than trick you.

The Bottom Line: Choose Sustained Power Over Marketing Hype

Let’s bring this home. After everything we’ve covered, here’s what you need to remember:

BHP is the sprint. Continuous HP is the marathon. Your body experiences the marathon, not the sprint.

When you see hot tub specifications advertising “7HP” or “8HP” pumps, you’re almost certainly looking at combined BHP ratings that mean very little for your actual massage experience. The electrical reality is clear: standard residential circuits max out around 3-4 continuous HP per pump. Anything claiming more is using inflated numbers.

Still wondering is a hot tub worth it? The answer depends on getting one with honest specifications that delivers real therapeutic benefits, not marketing hype.

What actually matters:

• Continuous horsepower (the sustained power during your entire soak)
• Jet-to-pump ratio (20-30 jets per pump for optimal pressure)
• GPM flow rates (15-20 GPM for therapeutic jets)
• Total amperage requirements (50-60 amps for most residential spas)

Don’t let fancy marketing numbers convince you to buy a weak spa disguised as a powerful one. Ask the hard questions. Demand transparent specifications. Get in the water before you buy.

Your tired muscles deserve real therapeutic massage, not just impressive-sounding horsepower claims. Choose a dealer who tells you the truth instead of what sounds good.

Ready to experience what properly-balanced, honest horsepower actually feels like? Schedule your wet test at Epic Hot Tubs. We’re located throughout the Carolinas with showrooms in Raleigh, Durham, Pineville, and Cornelius.

Call us, ask tough questions, challenge our specs. We’ve got nothing to hide and everything to back up. Because at the end of the day, informed buyers become happy soakers.

FAQ: BHP vs HP in Hot Tubs

Is BHP the same as HP in hot tubs?

No, they’re completely different measurements. BHP (Brake Horsepower) represents peak power during the first 2-3 seconds of startup, while HP (Continuous Horsepower) measures sustained power during normal operation. According to Hot Tub Insider, “a 3 BHP motor is typically a 1.5 HP continuous motor,” showing roughly a 50% difference between the two ratings.

Can a residential hot tub really have 7HP pumps?

Not in terms of continuous horsepower. Standard residential electrical circuits provide 50-60 amps at 240 volts, which physically limits pumps to about 3-4 continuous HP each. When manufacturers advertise “7HP,” they’re using BHP ratings, not the sustained power that actually drives your massage jets throughout your soak.

What’s the ideal jet-to-pump ratio for hot tubs?

The sweet spot is 20-30 jets per massage pump. According to Pool Mart research, “Most experts recommend a ratio of 20-30 jets per pump for optimal hydrotherapy.” Higher ratios dilute water pressure across too many jets, resulting in weak, unsatisfying massage performance.

Why do manufacturers advertise BHP instead of continuous HP?

Simple: bigger numbers sell better. A “6 BHP” rating sounds more impressive than “3 HP Continuous,” even though the continuous rating is what you actually experience during use. InYoPools calls this “an industry-wide practice” and notes that manufacturers “play on that machismo factor” when marketing pumps.

How can I tell if a hot tub dealer is being honest about pump specifications?

Look for dealers who list both BHP and continuous HP ratings on their spec sheets. Ask specifically for continuous horsepower numbers and total amperage draw. Quality dealers like Epic Hot Tubs provide transparent specifications and encourage wet testing so you can feel the actual sustained pressure, not just hear inflated marketing claims.