Gas Hot Tub Heating

Power Pak™ Gas Heating

Snorkel Hot Tubs uses the MasterTemp 125 (125,000 BTUs) with electronic ignition as its standard heater for all gas heated systems.  Larger MasterTemp gas heaters, the 200, 300 and 400 (1000s of BTUs) are available as options.

The MasterTemp is available in both Natural Gas and LP versions and is rated for outdoor use without any shelter required.  Should you wish to enclose a gas heater for esthetic reasons or place it under a deck for convenience, it will require additional, proper venting.

When used with the  Power Pak™ control system, control of the heater is done through the TP800 spaside control (left).  When a MasterTemp heater is paired with the Classic Pak™ system, temperature regulation is done via the control panel on the heater(right).

The MasterTemp 125 Heater provides energy-savings and advanced operating features that were only available from much larger heaters. With its revolutionary pre-mixed gas combustion technology, the MasterTemp 125 Heater offers 82% thermal efficiency, the highest in its class. The advanced LCD display/controller provides more information and better control.

MasterTemp features include:

  • 82% energy efficiency is highest in class
  • Pre-mixed combustion technology for ultra-fast heat up
  • Easy-to-use digital display/controller
  • Certified for low NOx emissions.  Meets requirements for California and Texas.

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  • Available in natural gas or propane gas
  • Lightweight: 80 lbs. — easy to handle and ship
  • Corrosion and UV-resistant enclosure
  • 3/4 in. gas line up to 50 ft. from source

Gas heaters provide the fastest heat up time for any size hot tub.  Gas heaters, with their fast heat up times, make it practical to maintain a relatively low maintenance temperature, 75-80°F or so, and then fire it up 60-90 minutes before use.

Gas heaters can be an economical choice in areas with high electric rates, but the incremental upfront cost over the cost of an electric heated system should be considered.  There is also the additional cost of the heater, gas line trenching and hookup to be considered.

Gas heaters generally work well in colder conditions, but you must maintain a tub temperature of at least 70°F.  If using LP as the fuel you will need a substantially sized tank. Colder temperatures may reduce the pressure in a partially filled tank to the point that they are insufficient for heater operation.  Consult with your local propane supplier on what is appropriate for your situation.

Considerations with gas heat are placement of heater, need for a larger equipment footprint, venting if in a confined/enclosed space and trenching and piping for the gas line.