Hot tub & sauna wiring in Clark County, WA
New hot tub or sauna on the way? Post Electric Company wires hot tubs, spas, swim spas and saunas across Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground and the Portland metro. We run the circuit, install the disconnect and controls, and handle the permit and inspection when one is required.
Everything your hot tub or sauna needs to run safely
Water, heat and electricity each come with their own rules. We install it to code and to your manufacturer's specs.
Hot tubs & swim spas
Most hot tubs need a dedicated 240V circuit and a GFCI-protected disconnect within sight of the tub. We size the wire to your tub's specs, run it along the house, through the crawlspace or underground, and connect the tub. Plug-and-play spas get their own 120V GFCI outlet, and swim spas get the larger circuit, or two, that they call for.
Sauna heaters & controls
Electric sauna heaters need their own 240V circuit, often 30 to 60 amps depending on the heater. We wire the heater and its control panel to the manufacturer's specs, and install heat-rated lighting inside the sauna so everything is safe at full temperature.
Backyard sauna cabins
Building a sauna cabin or outbuilding? We run power out to it, often with a small subpanel, then wire the heater, lights, outlets and porch lighting. From a sauna-only cabin to one with a lounge and kitchenette, we plan it around how you'll use the space.
Panel upgrades & subpanels
Hot tubs and saunas are some of the biggest loads in a home. We check your panel first. If it's full or too small, we upgrade the panel or service, or add a subpanel, so your tub or sauna has the power it needs without tripping breakers.
A backyard sauna we wired in Brush Prairie
Power out to the cabin, the heater circuit and controls, heat-rated lighting inside, and outlets and lights for the lounge and porch.
What kind of power does your hot tub or sauna need?
Every tub is different, so we always go by the manufacturer's specs. Here's what's typical.
| Type of tub | Typical power | What we install |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-and-play spa | 120V, 15 or 20 amp | A dedicated GFCI outlet near the tub |
| Standard hot tub | 240V, often 40 to 60 amp | A dedicated circuit and a GFCI spa disconnect |
| Swim spa | 240V, often 50 amp or more | Larger wire, sometimes two circuits, sized to the spa |
| Electric sauna heater | 240V, often 30 to 60 amp | A dedicated circuit, heater controls and heat-rated lighting |
Not sure what yours needs? Send us the make and model of your tub or sauna heater, or a photo of the spec label, and we'll tell you.
Plan the spot before delivery day
A few things decide how simple your install is. If you're still choosing a spot, we're happy to help.
Where it will sit
The distance from your panel to the tub or sauna is the biggest part of the price.
Your panel size
Hot tubs and saunas are big loads. Some panels need an upgrade or a subpanel first.
How the wire gets there
Along the house, through a crawlspace, or trenched underground to a patio or yard.
Overhead power lines
Hot tubs shouldn't sit under overhead power lines. We'll check your spot.
Ready to get your hot tub or sauna running?
Tell us the make and model of your tub or sauna heater and where it will sit, and add a photo of your panel. We'll get back to you with next steps.
Rather talk now? Call or text (360) 474-3338
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What our hot tub customers say
Need Hot Tub electrical done? Look no further than Post Electric Company. The electrician from Post Electric Company came out and installed wiring and a disconnect box for our hot tub. The electrician was timely in his communication, provided a fair estimate and did a Great job installing. It is hard to find companies now a days that provide quality work and quality customer service. I highly recommend Post Electric for your electrical needs.
After getting quotes from several companies, we decided to go with Post Electric. From the estimate onward the electrician was very thorough, friendly and willing to listen to what we needed. We had several jobs from not so simple light fixture swaps to a more complicated hot tub wiring. Everything Post Electric did was done well and efficiently as possible.
★★★★★ 5.0 from 75+ Google reviews · Read them on Google →
Hot tub & sauna wiring FAQs
Straight answers to what homeowners ask us most. Still have a question? Call or text us.
Do I need an electrician to install a hot tub?
Yes, for any hot tub that isn't plug-and-play. A 240-volt hot tub has to be hardwired on its own circuit with a GFCI disconnect, and in Washington that work needs a licensed electrical contractor and a permit. Post Electric Company is licensed in Washington (L&I #POSTEEC790RM) and Oregon (CCB #250544) and wires hot tubs across Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground and across Clark County, WA, plus the Portland metro.
What does a hot tub need electrically?
Most hot tubs need a dedicated 240-volt circuit sized to the manufacturer's specs, often 40 to 60 amps, plus a GFCI-protected disconnect. The disconnect has to be within sight of the tub and at least 5 feet from its inside wall, unless there's a permanent barrier. Plug-and-play spas need a dedicated 120-volt GFCI outlet, never an extension cord.
What affects the cost to wire a hot tub?
Mostly the distance from your panel to the tub, how the wire gets there (along the house, through a crawlspace or trenched underground), the size circuit your tub needs, and whether your panel has room. Send us the make and model of your tub, a photo of your panel and where the tub will sit, and we'll price it for you.
Will my electrical panel handle a hot tub or sauna?
Both are some of the biggest loads in a home. Many newer panels have room, but a full or 100-amp panel may need an upgrade or a subpanel first. Post Electric Company checks your panel before anything else.
What does an electric sauna need?
Most electric sauna heaters need their own hardwired 240-volt circuit, often 30 to 60 amps depending on the heater size, plus the heater's control panel and heat-rated lighting. Some heater manufacturers don't allow GFCI protection on the heater, so we always wire to the heater's installation manual.
Do I need a permit to wire a hot tub or sauna in Washington?
Yes. A new circuit for a hot tub or sauna needs an electrical permit and inspection. Inside Vancouver city limits the permit comes from the City of Vancouver; in the rest of Clark County it goes through Washington L&I. When a permit is required, Post Electric Company handles the permitting process under its license and coordinates the required inspections.
How does a hot tub or sauna install work?
Send Post Electric Company the make and model of your tub or sauna heater, a photo of your panel and where it will sit. We size the circuit, plan the wire route and go over pricing with you, handle the permit and inspection when one is required, then run the circuit and connect your tub or sauna. The work is backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Why does my hot tub breaker keep tripping?
Usually it's a wiring problem, a GFCI picking up moisture or a failing heater or pump, or a circuit that's too small for the tub. Post Electric Company can test the circuit and disconnect, find the cause and fix the electrical side.
Based in Clark County. Working across the metro.
Southwest Washington
Clark County & nearby
- Vancouver
- Camas
- Washougal
- Salmon Creek
- Hazel Dell
- Felida
- Orchards
- Cascade Park
- Fishers Landing
- Brush Prairie
- Hockinson
- Battle Ground
- Ridgefield
- La Center
- Yacolt
Permits through the City of Vancouver or Washington L&I. Meter work coordinated with Clark Public Utilities.
Portland Metro, Oregon
Licensed in Oregon, CCB #250544
- Portland
- Gresham
- Troutdale
- Fairview
- Beaverton
- Hillsboro
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- Lake Oswego
- West Linn
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Happy Valley
- Clackamas
Permits through the local city or county. Meter work coordinated with PGE or Pacific Power.
Don't see your town? Call or text (360) 474-3338. If you're nearby, we probably cover it.