30, 50, or 60 AMPs for Optima?

[bulmer4nc]

Got a question for Optima owners out there...

We're just getting ready to have an electrician come out and rig up the wiring for our Optima and I see there a 3 different settings (50 Amp being the default).  If my service at the house can support a 60 Amp circuit should I do that?  Or, do most people leave the tub set at 50 Amp and only have the heater running when 1 of the pumps are running?  I'm not sure how hard it is to change the configuration of the tub.  Is this something that the delivery guys would do if I wanted something other than the default?

Ken

[Chris_H]

Ken,
I would recommend the 50 amp GFCI.  It is the standard hookup.  The heater will only shut off if you have the air-blower on and the 2 jet pumps on.  Some really prefer the 60 amp, but just go with the standard hookup.
Chris H

[Netnutty]

I have the Cameo coming day after tomorrow. I asked my dealer the same question.

He said that while it will work fine in the 50 amp position, he has a customer located on a hill who said that in the winter when the wind blows he's glad he has the 60 amp setting so that he can continue to heat the tub with everything running.

The dealer suggested as long as I'm setting things up if the price difference isn't significant I should go with with the 60 amp setting.

My electrician charged an extra $50 for the 60 amp breaker, which changed my cost from a total of $600 to $650. To me that small amount was worth it knowing I would never have to worry about it again.

Netnutty

[Ready2Buy1]

The "amp" selection is just a jumper setting on the main panel and the installation crew actually changed ours to 60 amp in about 5 seconds upon installation...it was that easy.

We opted to go with the 60 amp cause we are in the colder climate of the Northeast and it only cost a few extra dollars to have our electrician go from 50 to 60 amp.

[CalicoskiesNC]

I see no reason not to go with the 60 amps since the cost between 50 and 60 should be zero to $50 bucks at the most in most cases. Since you are in a warm climate the need for all items to be running at the same time is low but even if it is once a month or two why should you have to sit in cool water or turn a massage off waiting for water to heat up. Jumper is changed at installation and takes a few seconds since the panel is open to add the ozone in your case.  Since we have the same dealer they will call you a day or two in advance and ask what the amps is set to at your house and get directions. I sent you a private message also to clairfy.

[Brewman]

I wired our spa for the 60 amp configuration.  In my case, I had to use the Square D pro line of breakers, and for that line the 60 amp breaker was about $20 cheaper than the 50 amp breaker.  So for me it was an easy decision, living in a cold winter area and all.
But do go with at least the 50 amp.  
Brewman

[johnnythunders]

Since you are spending alot for the spa you should go all the way and get the 60amps.....Remember winters around the corner lol.Jt

[doodoo]

The incremental cost of going to 60amps from 50amps was also about $50 for me.  Because of our colder climate I chose the 60amp route for many reasons. And the jumper setting was done by my dealer at installation time in about 5.2 seconds.