Are Hot Tubs Expensive To Run?

Hot tub purchase is an important decision that needs to be thoroughly researched. It is only normal to have a few questions prior to your purchase: are hot tubs expensive to run? What are the running costs for a hot tub? How much does it cost to fill a hot tub?

The answer isn’t, however, straightforward, because they all depend upon a range of factors. Join us then as we look at the subject of hot tub running costs so that you can get a good feel for whether jacuzzi baths are expensive to run.

How much does it cost to run a hot tub?

When you first install your hot tub and fill it for the first time, you’ll see a marginal rise in electricity costs. Following that, the amount you pay to run your hot tub will be subject to a variety of factors.

Ambient temperature

The temperature in the vicinity of where your hot tub is located will influence how much it costs to run. Hot tubs located outdoors will cost more to run on a cold winter’s day than in the height of summer, or compared to tubs that are located indoors.

Getting water up to temperature is what makes the electricity metre spin. However, if you lower the water temperature by a few degrees during the colder months, you’ll find it’s a lot more efficient to run and your hot tub electricity costs will be lowered. Read our post on using a hot tub in the winter for more tips on cold weather use.

You could also consider building a hot tub shelter, which should help to keep the water warmer for longer.

Energy tariff

Your energy tariff will influence how expensive your hot tub is to run. By ensuring you’re on the most cost effective tariff, you can keep the running costs down. Have a look at an energy price comparison website to see if you can get a better deal if necessary.

Size of hot tub

The size of your hot tub will impact upon how much it costs to run. Generally, a smaller 2-seater home spa will cost less than one that seats a family of 4 or 6.

For this reason, make sure you choose a tub that suits your needs perfectly, rather than one that’s larger than necessary.

Frequency of use

It stands to reason that the more you use your hot tub, the more you’ll pay for running costs. What you do need to remember though is that when you’re not using your jacuzzi spa, it’s important that you don’t turn it off.

Once the tub has reached the desired temperature, it’s best to leave it where it is. This is because heating the hot tub is what uses up most energy. Plus, if you’re switching off, the water won’t be circulated and cleaned. What you can do is turn the temperature down slightly overnight, say by around 2 or 3 degrees Celsius, and by around 10 degrees Celsius if you’re going to be a way for a while.

Insulation

A well-made hot tub cover that fits well will help preserve the heat inside the tub. The same goes for high quality insulation at the base of the shell, as well as around the plumbing system.

Some hot tubs are designed with only a single layer of insulation. This can lead to heat escaping, which can make hot tubs expensive to run. Hydropool hot tubs, however, are constructed with two layers of insulation which protect the shell and retain the heat. What’s more, the insulated thermal shield blanket reflects the heat back into the spa, keeping the heat in and the cold out.

Pump efficiency

Some brands of hot tub need to have their pumps running for 24 hours a day. This can lead to higher hot tub running costs.

Hydropool hot tubs, however, have very efficient pumps and self-cleaning filtration, which only need to run for 6-8 hours per day so that the cleanliness of the water is maintained. The pumps can be set to run off-peak too, as well as in economy mode, which is perfect if you’re not planning to use the jacuzzi spa for some time.

Self-cleaning technology

If you choose a hot tub that needs to be drained and re-filled with clean water over and over again, this will use more energy to heat from scratch every time, which will make your hot tub expensive to run.

Choose a self-cleaning hot tub from Hydropool however, and there will be no need for costly refilling on a regular basis, because all the hard cleaning work will be done for you.

Looking to buy an energy efficient hot tub? Talk to Hydropool Surrey.

It’s worth considering that not all hot tubs are made equal. With varying features such as insulation, pumps and self-cleaning technology, the energy efficiency and therefore the cost to run a hot tub can all be influenced.

Here at Hydropool Surrey, we have been supplying hot tubs Surrey wide for 35 years. Our range of energy efficient, self-cleaning Hydropool hot tubs is available for you to try for yourself at our purpose-built indoor showroom in Addlestone, Surrey.

For personalised advice, and a hot tub range that will keep your running costs down, you are welcome to get in touch today.