This post breaks down the cost to run a hot tub so you can create a backyard oasis!
Owning an outdoor hot tub is one way to make your home feel more like a vacation destination. Sitting out under the stars, breathing in the warm steam, and allowing your muscles to relax is an experience you’ll find yourself wanting again and again, especially if you’re renovating a home! There’s nothing quite like a hot tub after a long day of swinging hammers or painting walls.
The real question is, How much does a hot tub cost? The good news is that owning a hot tub doesn’t have to be expensive. While a new hot tub from your local retailer will likely cost between $5,000 and $10,000, you can find used hot tubs on sites like Facebook Marketplace in excellent condition for half the price.
What Affects the Cost of Running a Hot Tub?
When you’re considering buying a hot tub, you’ll want to consider the preparation costs and running costs. This includes where you will set it and whether you need to pour a cement slab or run new electrical closer to where the hot tub will be located. The most significant cost to consider is how much electricity you will use each month and the overall cost of keeping your hot tub running, especially in colder months.
1. Energy Bills
Hot tubs are electric-powered, and the heater keeps the water warm. To keep those energy bills under control and lower your power consumption, consider running your hot tub during the hours when the cost of electricity is lower, such as nights and weekends. You can also use economy mode on your hot tub, which adjusts the heating cycle to run during off-peak hours when electric rates are typically lower.
I compared our energy bills when the hot tub is not running in the summer to our energy bills in the cold winter months. This is just a guideline, but based on our monthly electric bill, the average cost of running a hot tub is about $50 each month in the winter.
Keep in mind that energy bills will add up quickly if the temperature is set higher for a longer period of time. On average, a hot tub uses between 2 and 6 kWh (kilowatt hour) per day. This depends on the time of year and average water temperature, but also how well the hot tub is insulated (more on that below).
Hot tub heaters are usually either 120-volt or 240-volt. A 240-volt heater is more energy efficient because even though it requires more power, it heats the water faster and maintains the water temperature better. In other words, a 240-volt heater will use more electricity initially but does a better job keeping the hot tub at a steady temperature, requiring less electricity than a smaller 120-volt heater. In short, the smaller the heater, the longer it takes to heat the water, and the more energy is required to maintain the temperature.
2. Water Temperature
As mentioned above, your water temperature significantly impacts your electricity costs. If you set your hot tub to a higher temperature, such as the standard water temperature for a hot tub of 104°F, more electricity will be required to maintain that heat. A lower temperature, such as 98°F, requires less electricity. When the hot tub will not be used for a while, consider dropping the temperature to save on operating costs. Even dropping the temperature a little bit, such as 5°F, can lead to significant savings.
Consider that colder climates or winter months require your hot tub to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, increasing heating costs. To save money, you could lower the temperature when the hot tub is not in use or use a thermal blanket to help trap the heat. Click here to save money with a thermal blanket!
3. Size of the Hot Tub
Larger hot tubs naturally have a higher energy consumption due to the amount of water that needs to be heated. A hot tub with a capacity for six or more people will use more electricity than a smaller hot tub model. Additionally, larger hot tubs require larger heaters, whereas smaller hot tubs or those with fewer jets will typically cost less to run daily.
4. Type of Hot Tub
If a portable or in-ground hot tub does not fit your space or budget, you might consider an inflatable hot tub. Buy an inflatable hot tub here! Inflatable hot tubs are often smaller and easier to assemble, and they provide many of the same benefits as a portable or in-ground hot tub. However, they are less insulated and require more energy to maintain the water temperature, which could mean higher power bills or electrical cost.
5. Insulated Cover
A good hot tub cover is one of the easiest ways to lower electrical costs and energy usage. A high-quality cover, preferably with insulation, reduces heat loss, keeping the water warm without overworking the hot tub heater. Investing in a hot tub cover will lower your electricity bill since it won’t require much energy to maintain the set temperature, even in cold weather. Click here for a customizable option!
Click here for the hot tub steps featured in this photo!
6. Regular Maintenance
This tip is key! Maintaining your hot tub is essential for keeping it energy-efficient and lowering the cost. Regular maintenance, which includes cleaning filters and checking for leaks, ensures the heater operates efficiently. Hot tub filters prevent debris from clogging the system, allowing the water to circulate more effectively and lowering the need for extra energy usage.
In addition to replacing filters, maintenance costs include adding chemical additives to help maintain proper pH levels. Proper care of the water chemistry ensures that your hot tub does not become too acidic or too alkaline. If your hot tub is too acidic, you could end up with corroded hot tub parts. If your hot tub is too alkaline, you could have mineral scaling that stains your tub.
Here are some recommended hot tub maintenance chemicals:
- Hot Tub Sanitizer
- Hot Tub Shock
- Alkalinity Increaser, pH Decreaser, pH Increaser
- Calcium Hardness Increaser
- Hot Tub Line Flush Cleaner
- Scum Bug (as seen below)
The total cost of running a hot tub will depend on your unique situation, but with these things in mind, you can budget to make your hot tub dreams a reality.
Best Ways to Cut Down on the Cost to Run a Hot Tub
Here is a summary of the essential tips covered in this post: The best way to reduce energy bills and save on the cost to run your hot tub is to run it during off-peak hours, when electric rates are lower, such as nights or weekends. Many hot tubs also come with an economy mode, automatically adjusting the temperature and heating cycle to maximize efficiency and minimize electricity consumption. You can also use less energy by investing in an insulated cover, such as this one here. A quality cover traps heat and provides energy efficiency, especially in a cold climate. Lastly, regular maintenance will ensure your hot tub use can be enjoyed for years to come!
The ongoing costs of running a hot tub will vary depending on your usage, maintenance, and local electricity rates. But in the long run, you can manage these expenses without breaking the bank through efficient use, an insulated cover, and proper maintenance.
Whether relaxing after a home renovation project or pretending to be on vacation, a little care and planning can keep your hot tub enjoyable and affordable for years to come.
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