How to Run a Hot Tub Economically

For those who are planning to install a new hot tub, they may be initially wondering how much it will cost to run.  There are several factors that will determine the actual dollar amount that you’ll need to budget for, but there are also several methods for ensuring you don’t end up paying much more than necessary.  To help potential and new hot tub owners run their hot tub without breaking the bank, we’ve come up with an article with tips on how to run a hot tub economically.

The Type of Hot Tub You Buy

The fact is that not all hot tubs are built the same.  Some are manufactured and equipped with components that are much more energy-efficient than others.  Of course, there will be an upfront cost for this energy efficiency, but over the long run, it’s very likely to cost you less money.

Because heating your hot tub will generate the greatest expense, insulation plays an important role in keeping costs down.  A well-insulated hot tub will hold its heat much better than one without a decent layer of heat-retaining materials. 

Inground hot tubs are naturally insulated by the earth that they’re embedded in.  The main drawback of inground hot tubs is that they’re much more expensive to install and aren’t easily moved.  However, they can be some of the best heat retaining hot tubs available.

If you have an above ground hot tub, the amount of insulation around the cabinet and plumbing will determine how efficiently they retain heat.  Some hot tubs are built for warm climates and have relatively little insulation compared to those that are manufactured to run throughout a cold winter.  Take into account your local weather conditions and how you plan to use your hot tub to choose the right insulation levels for you.

Another consideration when it comes to insulation to prevent heat loss is the hot tub cover.  Regularly using a good fitting and well-insulated hot tub cover will reduce the amount of heat loss the water experiences when the hot tub isn’t in use.  This can be one of the most significant ways to control the water temperature and bring down the cost of operation, so don’t cheap out when it comes to a cover.

Of course, the size of your hot tub will also determine how much it costs to run.  The more water you need to heat, the harder your water heater will have to work.  But there’s no sense in buying a hot tub that’s too small just to save you some money on heating costs.  You’ll want to choose a hot tub size that meets the needs of you, your family and your friends.  Saving a few bucks on size can cause you huge headaches in inconvenience.

Other Tips for Reducing Operation Costs

It may sound counterintuitive, but it when it comes to heating the water, it costs less to keep the heater running constantly and maintain a stable water temperature than it does to reheat the water each time you want to use the hot tub.  The colder it is outside, the more this principle takes effect. 

One way to bring down costs when your hot tub isn’t being used for short periods of time is to turn off the air valves.  This will lower the rate of temperature loss while using less electricity.

The only time it may make sense to turn off the water heater is if you don’t plan on using the hot tub for several weeks.  If you’re going on a short vacation, simply turn down the water temperature rather than turning off the entire system.

If you don’t plan on using your hot tub over the winter, you’ll need to drain your hot tub completely.  Failure to do so can result in the water freezing and causing damage to the tub and its components.

For more information, download your free hot tub buyer’s guide today.