Find Out If It Really Costs A Lot To Maintain Your Hot Tub.

Customers who are researching hot tubs for the first time frequently turn to Google to research eco-friendly hot tubs or call us to inquire about running costs, as they need to know how much a hot tub costs to run before they can consider purchasing one. It's a valid point, so let's get to the bottom of it here.

You can either watch the short video below or read the entire article to get all of the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase a hot tub.

What is the cost of running a hot tub?

Okay, so it's a multi-part answer. We know you'd prefer it if it were simple. But bear with us here because you need to understand all of the different factors that influence how much it costs to run a hot tub at home. There are several factors to consider here, including where you live, your energy provider, the quality of the hot tub, and how you intend to use it. Let's get this party started.

It's cold outside, baby.

One of the first factors that will influence your hot tub's operating costs is Where will it reside?

The outside temperature has an impact on your hot tub's energy consumption because in colder climates, the heating system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. The time of year will also have an impact. If it's winter and the temperature is low enough to warrant putting on a sweater, it will have an impact on your hot tub's heating system and how efficient it can be at getting the water up to temperature or keeping it there.

We strongly advise customers to reduce their water temperature by 2-5 degrees Celsius. °C during the winter months to improve efficiency To learn more about this, read our winter hot tub tips.

Give me some energy.

Your energy tariff is another consideration. Making sure you're on the most cost-effective electricity tariff is critical to lowering your hot tub's operating costs. If you're thinking about getting a hot tub, use a price comparison website like Look After My Bills to see who has the best energy deals and make sure you're on the most efficient electricity tariff for owning a spa.

We recommend that customers look for energy providers that offer lower cost electricity rates at night, when the ambient temperature is cooler and your hot tub is keeping things warm, because it means your heating system will kick in less frequently, consuming less electricity.

When asked how much it costs to run a hot tub, WhatSpa says that "the most energy-efficient hot tubs on the market will cost between 75p and £1." 00 per day at energy rates of 12-13p per kWh "

Of course, the energy market has recently gone insane. Based on our research and real-world customer feedback in 2022 with current energy price cap tariffs of £0 34 per kWh, running a hot tub in the UK costs around £3 - £4 per day for a 5-6 seater family spa. This will be closer to £2 for smaller spas or 13A eco-friendly spas. £50 - £30.00 per day Plug & Play hot tubs can often benefit from lower operating costs for those looking for a more cost-effective option.

We also provide a selection of energy-efficient hot tubs with air source heat pumps. which reduces electricity consumption by up to 75% - this can be great during the current period of high energy costs because it reduces running costs almost to what they were before the market went crazy. Furthermore, once things settle down, it will make your hot tub extremely energy efficient.

Remember to keep your hot tub running at all times for maximum efficiency, and when checking or changing an energy tariff, choose the lowest unit rate for electricity rather than focusing on the standing charge.

How frequently will you employ it?

The frequency of use will influence the operating costs of your hot tub. It should go without saying, but the more you use your hot tub, the more expensive it will be to operate. More use necessitates more heating. It's quite simple, and it's something to keep in mind.

Many people wonder if they should turn off their hot tub when not in use. This is a bad idea that should not be carried out.

Once you've selected your preferred temperature on your spa's control screen, simply leaving it there will save you both energy and money. It would take a lot of energy to heat up the hot tub again if you turned it off. Keep in mind that most spas heat water at a rate of 1-2 degrees per hour, so it would take nearly a full day of solid heating to reach your desired temperature.

Furthermore, if there is no power, there is no filtration, and your water will become murky and foul. It will eventually require a drain, clean, and refill.

What we do recommend is lowering the temperature by 2-5°C overnight, and by up to 10°C if you're going away for a week or more.

Give me that heat!

Many people mistakenly believe that a larger heater will be more energy efficient; however, this is not always the case. A hot tub's heater system will have a variety of kW ratings (typically lower for Plug and Play hot tubs because they can't draw too much power from a 13A plug socket).

A hot tub with a higher kW rating for its heater will definitely heat the water faster. It will also require less time to heat your water to the temperature you specify. However, a lower kW rating heater will take longer but use less energy.

In theory, a 3kW heater could take 1 hour to raise the temperature by 1 degree Celsius. 5°C versus a 1 A 5kW heater would take 2 hours to complete the same task. So it's actually quite even. and you don't have to choose between speed and energy consumption.

Bigger does not always mean better.

Naturally, the larger the volume of water in your spa, the more energy is required to keep that water warm. Consider how many people will use the hot tub on a regular basis when choosing a model. If you're just the two of you, there's no point in investing in a large 6-seater spa that's larger than you need. We recommend 250 litres of water per person.

Other considerations

Cleaning your hot tub may necessitate a thorough drain and refill, which may necessitate a day of solid heating time once you've filled it back up with fresh water. Your hot tub should be drained and refilled three times a year. Learn more about how to clean your hot tub in our article.

Insulation in your hot tub will impact its energy efficiency. The insulation materials used inside the cabinet of your hot tub will include spray-on foam insulation on the underside of the spa's shell, as well as foil-wrapped insulation around the cabinet to reflect heat back inside. Some spas spray full foam inside the hot tub cabinet, but use caution. It can be difficult to access parts for maintenance, and your pump and heating system both require adequate airflow to function safely and efficiently.

The lid of your hot tub is also crucial. When cleaning your hot tub, make sure the lid is in good condition and does not absorb too much moisture. If your lid begins to bow, it will rise at the sides, allowing valuable heat to escape. not what you want

Check out our article on how to keep your hot tub running costs low for more information.

Are you ready to embark on your hot tub adventure?