Based on the excellent insight provided on this board, I've decided to connect my 1999 Hot Spring spa (Sovereign model) using 110. I may go with 220 later, based on my experience. The previous owner of the tub disconnected the power cord from the spa control box. Now I need to know which wires go to which terminals. The power cord has a white, black and green wire and I can tell from the manual that terminals 3, 5, and 7 should be used. Anyone know (with 100% confidence) the proper configuration? The manual doesn't really get into 110 hookup, but it can be found at:

http://www.hotspring.com/Hot_Tub_Custom ... structions

Also, I have a 70' run from my main panel to the outside outlet, can I use #12 wire over that distance (manual says #12 or larger).

Finally, it appears that the circuit in my main panel needs to be GFCI protected, and the power cord appears to have built in GFCI protection. Can I just go get any outside/covered outlet that fits the male prong of the power cord (I'm hoping HD or Lowes will have something). The previous owner won't give me the outside outlet that probably came with the tub, because he doesn't want to unhook it and won't let me unhook it.

Thanks!

Starting with your last question first:

Do not under any circumstances replace your existing outdoor 15A outlet with a 20A outlet. Your home's circuitry won't be able to handle the hot tub as it is. You will need to run a dedicated 20A circuit to the outside for the tub. That is, nothing else ever hooked up to the hot tub circuit at any time. You will need to use 12ga wire from the main panel to the outdoor outlet you install. The cord going to the hot tub should be just fine at the 70 foot mark using the 12ga cord. General rule of thumb, up to 100'.

#7 is your ground, green wire
#6 #5 and #4 should all be jumpered together, and is your neutral (white)
#3 and #2 should be jumpered together, and is your hot (black)

Those are based on the manual for the 1999 Sovereign. The jumpers should already be set properly if the spa was already used on 120V. If not, you may have to contact Hot Springs, or look at the cover of the panel as it may be noted there.

Thanks for the advise. I'll make sure the jumpers are still in place and correct. I was planning to run a new dedicated circuit for the new outlet, although I can see how my post was confusing on that point. My real question there, assuming the dedicated GFCI circuit and GFCI power cord, do I need a special outlet, or can I go with any outside outlet that will fit the male prongs on my power cord? I may go to HD and determine my choices are rather limited anyway, and maybe I'll have to visit my local Hot Spring dealership, but I'm hoping HD or Lowes will have what I need.

Thanks again!

your spa SHOULD have a standard 20A 120V plug on it. The only difference with that compared to a standard plug is that one of the prongs is sideways. I think even wal-mart has those outlets.