Hot Spring Rhythm vs Flash hot tubs compared
Short answer
The Hot Spring Rhythm seats 7 with no lounger in 84 x 84 in; the Flash seats 7 with no lounger in 84 x 84 in. The Rhythm has 40 jets to the Flash's 41, as the maker counts them. The Rhythm is $12,999 (maker's list price, Oct 2026); the Flash $17,499 (maker's list price, Oct 2026).
| Measure |  Hot Spring RhythmHot Spot |  FlashLimelight |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup | ||
| Series | Hot Spot | Limelight |
| Priceas labeled under each figure | $12,999Maker's list price (MSRP), Oct 2026 | $17,499Maker's list price (MSRP), Oct 2026 |
| Size | ||
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Length | 84" | 84" |
| Width | 84" | 84" |
| Height | 36" | 36" |
| Water | 330 gal | 360 gal |
| Dry weight | 845 lb | 845 lb |
| Filled weightwater, no people | 4,820 lb | 5,070 lb |
| Jets and pumps | ||
| Jetsas the maker counts them | 40 | 41 |
| Jet pumps | 2 | 2 |
| Electrical | ||
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Amperage | 50 A at 230 V | 50 amp |
| Breaker | Not published | 230 volt, 20A and 30A single-phase GFCI-protected circuits |
| Heaterat 240V | 4 kW | 4 kW |
| Build and water care | ||
| Insulation | FiberCor® | FiberCor® |
| Cover thickness | 4" | 4" tapered |
| Shell | acrylic and UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene)… | acrylic |
| Cabinet | simulated wood (per warranty); "advanced composites" (product… | Everwood® (rigid polymer with an exterior acrylic film) |
| Filter area | 65 sq ft | 100 sq ft |
| Ozone | FreshWater® III high-output ozone (corona discharge) | FreshWater® III high-output ozone system (corona discharge… |
| Salt system | FreshWater® Salt System | FreshWater® Salt System (optional) |
| Warranty | ||
| Shell structure | 5 years | 7 years |
| Shell surface | 2 years | 5 years |
| Equipment | 2 years | 5 years |
| Plumbing | 2 years | 5 years |
| Cabinet | 2 years | 5 years |
Verdict: The Hot Spring Rhythm suits buyers who want a lower price ($12,999 against $17,499) and less water to heat and treat (330 gal). The Flash suits buyers who want a longer shell warranty (7 years against 5 years).
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What is the difference between the Hot Spring Rhythm and Flash?
Both seat 7. They share one shell size, 84 x 84 x 36 in. The Rhythm has 40 jets to the Flash's 41, as the maker counts them. Prices: the Rhythm $12,999 (maker's list price, Oct 2026), the Flash $17,499 (maker's list price, Oct 2026).
Both are Hot Spring hot tubs, the Rhythm from the Hot Spot line and the Flash from the Limelight line. Every figure is the maker's own, with a dot that links the page or PDF it came from. Where the published specs differ:
- Water. Rhythm: 330 gal; Flash: 360 gal
- Filled weight. Rhythm: 4,820 lb; Flash: 5,070 lb
- Jets. Rhythm: 40; Flash: 41
- Shell. Rhythm: acrylic and UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene)…; Flash: acrylic
- Cabinet. Rhythm: simulated wood (per warranty); "advanced composites" (product…; Flash: Everwood® (rigid polymer with an exterior acrylic film)
- Filter area. Rhythm: 65 sq ft; Flash: 100 sq ft
- Ozone. Rhythm: FreshWater® III high-output ozone (corona discharge); Flash: FreshWater® III high-output ozone system (corona discharge…
- Salt system. Rhythm: FreshWater® Salt System; Flash: FreshWater® Salt System (optional)
Will the Rhythm or the Flash fit my space and deck?
The Rhythm is 84 x 84 in, about 49 sq ft and 36 in tall; filled, it weighs 4,820 lb, about 98 lb per sq ft before anyone gets in. The Flash is 84 x 84 in, about 49 sq ft and 36 in tall; filled, it weighs 5,070 lb, about 103 lb per sq ft before anyone gets in. Leave room around the tub for the cover lifter and the service panel, and have a builder check any deck for the filled weight plus people. See hot tub sizes, hot tub weight and what to put a hot tub on.
What electrical hookup do the Rhythm and Flash need?
The Rhythm runs on 230 V. The Flash runs on 230 V. The table lists amperage and breaker as each maker prints them. A licensed electrician sizes the circuit and the GFCI protection for the model you buy. See hot tub electrical requirements.
Do the Rhythm and Flash carry the same warranty?
Hot Spring Rhythm: 5 years on the shell structure, 2 years on the shell surface, 2 years on the equipment, 2 years on the plumbing and 2 years on the cabinet.
Hot Spring Flash: 7 years on the shell structure, 5 years on the shell surface, 5 years on the equipment, 5 years on the plumbing and 5 years on the cabinet.
Read the warranty card before you sign: labor after year one, travel charges, and whether coverage moves to a second owner. The hot tub warranty comparison lines up every brand.
What do the Rhythm and Flash sell for?
Hot Spring lists the Rhythm at $12,999 (maker's list price, Oct 2026). Hot Spring lists the Flash at $17,499 (maker's list price, Oct 2026). Delivery, the pad, the electrician and the cover lifter are extra. Each model's price and where it comes from: Hot Spring Rhythm price and Hot Spring Flash price.
Which costs less to run, the Rhythm or the Flash?
The Rhythm, by 36 W on standby, about $4.78 a month. Standby is what a tub draws to hold its temperature with the cover on and nobody in it. California tests it the same way for every spa sold in the state, so it is the fairest running-cost figure we have.
The Rhythm draws 173 W in California's standby test (filed at 312 gallons), about 126 kWh and $22.97 a month at the U.S. average rate. 66% of the 122 filed tubs its size draw more; their median is 182.5 W.
The Flash draws 209 W in California's standby test (filed at 350 gallons), about 153 kWh and $27.75 a month at the U.S. average rate. 34% of the 134 filed tubs its size draw more; their median is 197 W.
Costs use the U.S. average residential rate of 18.19¢ a kWh (January to July 2026, EIA). Your own rate, climate and how often you use the jets change the bill. Hot tub running cost works it out by state, and measured standby watts lists every filed model.
What to check in the showroom
- Sit in both, dry is fine, in the seat you would use most. On a running display tub, feel the jets with the back of your hand. Seat depth and where the jets land matter more than the count.
- Climb in and out: step height and the lounger's length suit some bodies and not others.
- Ask for each model's California Energy Commission listing and the warranty card.
The full spec sheets: Hot Spring Rhythm hot tub and Hot Spring Flash hot tub.
Other model comparisons: Hot Spring Rhythm vs Relay, Caldera Vanto vs Hot Spring Rhythm, Hot Spring Pulse vs Flash and Hot Spring Flair vs Flash.
Still deciding? Get the price range on both.
- Hot Spring Rhythm$12,999Maker's list price (MSRP)
- Hot Spring Flash$17,499Maker's list price (MSRP)
Free price range, then one dealer.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Hot Spring Rhythm and Flash?
Both seat 7. They share one shell size, 84 x 84 x 36 in. The Rhythm has 40 jets to the Flash's 41, as the maker counts them. Prices: the Rhythm $12,999 (maker's list price, Oct 2026), the Flash $17,499 (maker's list price, Oct 2026). The table lists every published figure side by side.
Which is bigger, the Rhythm or the Flash?
They take the same floor space: 84 x 84 in, about 49 sq ft each. The Rhythm holds 330 gallons and the Flash 360.
Which costs less to run, the Rhythm or the Flash?
The Rhythm: 173 W on standby against 209 W in California's tests, about $22.97 against $27.75 a month at the U.S. average of 18.19¢ a kWh (EIA, January to July 2026). Heating fresh water and running the jets add to that.
Do the Rhythm and Flash have the same warranty?
No. Shell structure: 5 years on the Rhythm, 7 years on the Flash. Shell surface: 2 years on the Rhythm, 5 years on the Flash. Equipment: 2 years on the Rhythm, 5 years on the Flash. Plumbing: 2 years on the Rhythm, 5 years on the Flash. Cabinet: 2 years on the Rhythm, 5 years on the Flash. Read the warranty card for labor and transfer terms.
How much do the Rhythm and Flash cost?
Hot Spring lists the Rhythm at $12,999 (maker's list price, Oct 2026). Hot Spring lists the Flash at $17,499 (maker's list price, Oct 2026). Delivery, the pad and the electrician are extra.
Sources
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- Hot Spring Rhythm product pagemaker's specifications
- Hot Spring Flash product pagemaker's specifications
- Hot Spring Flash specification sourcesize, jets and electrical
- Hot Spring Flash specification sourcesize, jets and electrical
- Hot Spring warrantyFlash warranty terms
- California Energy Commission appliance database (spas)standby watts
- EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.BU.S. average residential rate, 18.19¢ a kWh, January to July 2026