What Do Hot Tubs Cost to Run?

If you have recently purchased a hot tub you may be wondering what you can expect for ongoing monthly running costs. Electricity and chemicals are the two main cost factors, with the water chemicals typically costing about $20 a month. Electricity costs can vary based on your local rate, time of day being used and other usage habits, but typically if you have purchased an energy efficient hot tub, the increase in your electric bill should only be about $1 or so per day.

Perhaps a more helpful question to ask is how you can save money running your hot tub. Keep reading below to learn some helpful tips and advice on how to keep your hot tub expenses manageable.

Invest in a Cover

If you didn’t purchase a hot tub cover when you bought your hot tub, now is the time to do so. Using an insulated, fitted and lockable cover is your first major step in saving on your energy costs. A decent cover will typically cost a few hundred dollars and you will quickly save that amount and more which can be used for other costs like water chemicals.

Why is a cover so important? It will trap and reuse the water heat, reduce evaporation and prevent chemicals from evaporating as well. In addition to saving money on your electric bill, using a cover will also save on your monthly chemical costs. Using a cover can also help save you time from reducing the chance of leaves, branches, and debris being blown into the hot tub and the water having to be cleaned more often.

Keep Your Hot Tub Clean

Keeping your hot tub clean not only makes it more enjoyable to soak in but also helps your filtration system work better. When too much dirt, oils, bacteria, etc. are left in the hot tub it takes a toll on the plumbing systems that have to work way harder to try and compensate as well as can be damaging to surfaces. This will cause parts of your hot tub to fail sooner or having to replace water filters way more often.

Keeping your hot tub clean and following the recommended schedule for draining and deep cleaning will keep it in good working order and maximize the longevity of parts and accessories.

Shield from the Wind

Outdoor hot tubs can cause a few challenges such as debris or bugs ending up in the water, but one element that can cause your energy bill to rise is the wind. While it may seem surprising, the more that the air around your hot tub moves and the faster it moves, the quicker your water will evaporate. It will also cause the water to cool quicker. This makes it harder to maintain your preferred temperature and requires more water to refill the tub.

By strategically placing a few plants or bushes around your hot tub, you can reduce wind exposure and save money. If you haven’t decided on your hot tub location, consider an area that is not especially windy or has some coverage from part of your home or landscaping.

Lower the Temperature

Just because the maximum hot tub temperature recommendation is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, doesn’t mean that you need to leave it at this setting all the time. Choosing a slightly lower temperature will save money by reducing the energy costs, reduce evaporation and preserve the water chemicals. Try reducing it by one degree at a time until you find your ideal temperature. Many people enjoy about 100 degrees.

When you save money on your hot tub expenses, soaking in it is even more relaxing and enjoyable. To learn more about hot tub maintenance requirements and suggestions, download a hot tub buyer’s guide.