SmartTub™ vs. WiFi Control Systems: Which is Best for Your Hot Tub?

Modern Hot Tub Technology: Comparing SmartTub™ and Traditional WiFi Control Systems

In today’s world, remote control systems are becoming essential for hot tub owners, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor your spa from anywhere. However, not all control systems are created equal. While many hot tub brands rely on WiFi-based systems, Sundance Spas’ SmartTub™ stands out by using the cellular GSM network, offering unique advantages that make it more reliable and efficient.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between SmartTub™ and traditional WiFi control systems, helping you decide which is best for your hot tub experience.

1. Connectivity: WiFi vs. Cellular GSM Network

The most significant difference between SmartTub™ and other spa control systems is how they connect to your spa.

• WiFi Control Systems: These systems rely on your home’s WiFi network. While this works well for indoor devices, achieving a strong, consistent WiFi signal in your garden or backyard can be challenging. WiFi signals weaken with distance and can be blocked by walls, trees, or outdoor structures, causing connection issues when you need it most. Some newer systems have transitioned to a two part stem that uses a proprietary RF transmitter to extend range and improve reliability.
• SmartTub™: Instead of WiFi, SmartTub™ connects via the reliable cellular GSM network, just like your smartphone. This provides a strong, stable connection no matter your home’s WiFi coverage. Whether your hot tub is steps from your backdoor or nestled in the far corner of your yard, SmartTub™ ensures constant connectivity and control.

Another significant advantage of SmartTub™ is its ability to alert you to a power outage. Thanks to a backup battery, it can notify you when your spa loses power—a feature that WiFi systems, reliant on your home router and without backup batteries, cannot provide.

Winner: SmartTub™ offers more reliable connectivity, especially in outdoor settings where WiFi signals can be inconsistent. Its battery backup ensures connectivity, even during power outages.

2. Energy Monitoring: A SmartTub™ Exclusive

One of the standout features of SmartTub™ is its energy monitoring capabilities, which you won’t find in standard WiFi-based systems.

• WiFi Control Systems: While WiFi systems allow basic remote functionality like temperature adjustments, most do not provide insights into your spa’s energy usage. Without this data, it’s harder to manage energy consumption or identify opportunities to save.
• SmartTub™: SmartTub™ goes further by offering detailed energy usage reports. You can view your spa’s energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kW), with daily, weekly, and monthly breakdowns. This gives you the power to make informed decisions, reducing your energy usage and lowering your bills.

Winner: SmartTub™ offers unparalleled energy monitoring, a feature unmatched by WiFi systems.

3. Smart Heat Technology: Efficiency Without Sacrificing Comfort

Maintaining your spa at the perfect temperature requires balancing comfort and energy efficiency. SmartTub™’s Smart Heat technology makes this effortless by intelligently adjusting water temperature based on your usage patterns.

• WiFi Control Systems: These systems allow you to manually adjust the temperature via your phone, but they don’t offer smart features for energy optimization. You need to monitor and adjust the temperature yourself to avoid wasting energy when the spa isn’t in use.
• SmartTub™: The Smart Heat feature automatically adjusts the temperature when the spa isn’t being used, optimizing energy efficiency without compromising comfort. Whether you’re planning to use the spa later in the evening or won’t use it for days, Smart Heat makes sure the temperature is managed efficiently.

Winner: SmartTub™ offers superior convenience and energy efficiency with its Smart Heat technology.

4. Maintenance Made Easy

Proper maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your spa and ensuring clean, clear water. Both WiFi and SmartTub™ systems offer maintenance reminders, but SmartTub™ takes a more integrated approach.

• WiFi Control Systems: Some WiFi systems offer basic notifications for tasks like filter cleaning, but the information is often limited.
• SmartTub™: SmartTub™ offers detailed and timely reminders for key tasks such as changing the water, cleaning filters, and replacing your UV bulb. This proactive approach helps you keep your spa in peak condition year-round, reducing the guesswork.

Winner: SmartTub™ provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly maintenance reminder system, making spa care easier.

5. Full Spa Control: Temperature, Lights, and Pumps at Your Command

Both SmartTub™ and WiFi systems allow control over essential spa functions, but SmartTub™ offers a more seamless, reliable experience.

• WiFi Control Systems: These systems typically let you adjust the temperature, lights, and pumps, but connectivity issues (due to weak WiFi signals) may prevent you from accessing these features reliably.
• SmartTub™: With SmartTub™, you enjoy uninterrupted access to all functions—temperature, lights, and pumps—without worrying about WiFi signal strength. Whether you’re at home or away, you can always count on a stable connection through the cellular network.

Winner: SmartTub™ delivers superior, reliable control of your spa settings without connectivity concerns.

6. Advanced Alerts: Power Outages, Leaks, and More

SmartTub™ takes spa protection to the next level by providing advanced alerts.

• WiFi Control Systems: Basic WiFi systems generally do not offer advanced alerts.
• SmartTub™: SmartTub™ keeps you informed with alerts for power outages, freeze protection, and overheat prevention, along with a backup battery system to ensure you’re notified of issues even during power outages. SmartTub™ also offers wireless sensor upgrades, including the Spa Cover Sensor (which alerts you if the cover is left open), the Water Sensor (which detects moisture around sensitive components), and the Drain and Refill Sensor, which simplifies maintenance.

Winner: SmartTub™ stands out with its advanced alert system, offering greater peace of mind and protection for your spa.

Conclusion: Why SmartTub™ is the Better Choice

While WiFi control systems offer basic functionality, they come with limitations—chiefly the need for strong, reliable WiFi coverage in your backyard and the lack of advanced features like energy monitoring.

In contrast, SmartTub™ provides a superior experience with reliable cellular connectivity, energy usage insights, and intelligent features like Smart Heat and maintenance reminders. Whether you’re focused on efficiency, convenience, or enjoying your spa without worrying about connectivity issues, SmartTub™ is the clear winner for Sundance Spas owners.

Choosing the right control system for your hot tub can make all the difference in how you enjoy your spa. With SmartTub™, you’re investing in a system that enhances both your comfort and control, providing peace of mind and convenience at every step.

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