Extension Cords

[phost]

This probably sounds terrible, but since I've bulit a new deck and moved my Marquis Hideaway away from the house I've had to use an extension cord to make it to thte nearest outlet. This spa can be plugged into a 120V 15A outlet, but the instructions of course say not to use an extension cord. My question is, is it really that hazardous to use an extension cord? Should I have an electrician come out and wire up an outlet closer to the spa? Another bummer is that whenever my wife dries her hair with the spa on, it trips the circuit breaker. The guy who bulit my deck said something about getting a 20Amp outlet (even though the wiring is smaller than code) Does anyone know anything about this?

[J._McD]

CALL AN ELECTRICIAN and put in a dedicated circuit and while you are at it, you might consider a 240 circuit if you have that option.  You will experience a voltage drop with the extension cord that is NOT good for the spa, it's equipment or your safety.  If it is runing with an extension cord now, go out and feel the plug on the cord.  The heat is what sucks up energy, costing you $$$$ and starts fires.

Extension cords are a NO NO.

[stuart]

This probably sounds terrible, but since I've bulit a new deck and moved my Marquis Hideaway away from the house I've had to use an extension cord to make it to thte nearest outlet. This spa can be plugged into a 120V 15A outlet, but the instructions of course say not to use an extension cord. My question is, is it really that hazardous to use an extension cord? Should I have an electrician come out and wire up an outlet closer to the spa? Another bummer is that whenever my wife dries her hair with the spa on, it trips the circuit breaker. The guy who bulit my deck said something about getting a 20Amp outlet (even though the wiring is smaller than code) Does anyone know anything about this?

I would agree with JMcD, we use a very heavy cord at shows to run the Hideaway but I would not do that in a permanent setting. Do not ever put a larger breaker on smaller wire. That’s an accident waiting to happen

[Mendocino101]

I am not saying to do it....but if you are going to make sure it is no less than a 12 gauge cord.

[Brewman]

I agree.  Don't use an extension cord, but theoretically, you'd want one the was absolutely 12 gauge and only long enough to reach.  
I'm thinking that any damage to your spa electronics caused by an extension cord will not be covered under warranty- something to consider.  

[hottub.pool_boy]

ditto