Hot tubs are amazing. They help you relax and sleep better. It’s even easier when you have one at your home that you can just hop in for a few minutes at your convenience or the end of a long day. Even so, some people may have concerns about energy use considering the skyrocketing cost today.
How much electricity does a hot tub use? The heater draws between 1,500 and 6,000 watts on average in an hour, depending on its size. The water pump draws an additional 1,500 watts. Using those figures, the 120-volt heater and pump use around 3,000 watts, and a 240-volt heater with a pump can use 7,500 watts.
These figure into 3-kilowatt hours (kWh) and 7.5 kWh for every hour of use.
The article below explains how to figure out the energy used by hot tubs and how to conserve as much as possible.
Hot Tubs Made Today
Being energy efficient is the buzz phrase today and many hot tub manufacturers are touting their products save energy and are inexpensive to run. The standard advertising line is hot tubs cost around a dollar a day to run. Some say they cost $50 a month to run.
Modern hot tubs have new technology that keeps them energy efficient. Most will have energy cost estimates and guarantees to help you understand the total cost of running a hot tub at home.
Even with energy-efficient hot tubs, the heater is the main source of energy consumption. Those tubs with additional features, like lights and stereos, will consume more electricity.
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Factors Affecting Energy Use
Many factors affect how much energy your hot tub uses. One of the key factors is climate. Those who live in a mild climate will not see the energy use of those running their hot tub in a harsher climate.
That’s because the hot tub heater must work harder in colder climates to keep the water at the correct temperature.
Remember that the heater runs all the time. It runs more when you are using the hot tub but it does stay on even when not in use to keep the water at a specific temperature.
Another major factor affecting energy use is the hot tub owner’s habits. Little things like how much the hot tub is used, if the cover is put back on immediately after use, and maintenance habits all affect how well and efficiently the hot tub runs.
Other factors affecting how much energy your hot tub uses include:
- The tub size
- The thermostat setting
- The age of your heater
- Quality of insulation in the tub
- Quality of the cover for the tub
- Thermal blankets used for insulation
- Use of a heater timer
All of these things contribute to how much electricity it takes to run your hot tub. They also factor into how much it costs you.
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The Cost of Running a Hot Tub
One of the difficulties in estimating energy costs for hot tubs is different electrical companies price kilowatt-hours differently. You may need to look at your bill and plug in your local cost to get a more accurate estimate.
Using our amounts of 3-kilowatt hours (kWh) and 7.5 kWh, you can figure in a basic rate of $.15 per kWh. That would give you a cost of $.45 per hour of use and the larger heater would cost $1.12 for an hour of use.
How to Cut Energy Costs?
Ways exist to save energy used on hot tubs. One of the key things you can do is make sure the hot tub stays covered when you aren’t using it. Also, cover it up immediately after use. That will keep water hot and prevent the heater from overworking.
Make sure the cover fits the hot tub perfectly. Don’t use a cover picked up somewhere that doesn’t go with your exact tub model.
A thermal blanket helps to add insulation that traps heat in the tub. A heater timer can save money because you can set it to heat more during off-peak hours when energy is at a cheaper rate.
Keeping your hot tub in good working order and keeping up with cleaning will also help save energy. Ill-working heaters that get clogged with dirt cost more money in both energy and repairs.
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Other Costs for Hot Tubs
There are other costs for maintaining a hot tub beyond the purchase and the energy cost.
You will need to pay for the water that needs replacing approximately four to six times a year. There are also chemical additives required and that can total more than $100 a year in operating costs.
Filters will need to be replaced on a routine schedule. Tubs that use UV light to kill bacteria will need a new bulb annually.
UV bulbs are expensive.
The cost of installation can be expensive even before you use the tub. You may need to pour a concrete slab or get more support for your deck to hold the additional weight. There may be new wiring and a dedicated circuit required to run the pump and the heater.
It’s best to consider all the costs over a year before deciding to buy a hot tub or which one to buy.
One pro-tip is to get a home warranty when you buy a hot tub. These warranties cover all appliances and even hot tubs. That way you won’t be out of pocket if there is a repair issue.
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FAQs
How much can a hot tub add to my energy bill?
Most experts tell you a hot tub can increase your energy bill between 10 and 20 percent. However, others insist it will only cost around $30 more a month.
Should I leave my hot tub on all the time?
Yes. Hot tubs are meant to run all the time and work best when they do. They can keep the water at a regulated temperature so it won’t take long to get it perfect when you use it. It actually takes more electricity to turn the tub off and then reheat the water for you to use it than it does to leave them on.
How much does it cost to heat a hot tub in the winter?
Most estimate a 500-gallon spa tub costs around $1 a day to keep in use. However, you will need to look at the energy guide on your specific tub to figure out exactly how much it costs.
How often do you need to drain and change the water in a hot tub?
You will need to change out the water once every three months, depending on how much you use it.
How long does it take a hot tub to warm up the water in winter?
An inside hot tub with an air temperature of approximately 76 degrees will warm up the water to 100 degrees in four hours. It will take longer if it’s outside, cold, and windy. Most advise leaving the cover on while it warms up to make it get hotter faster.
Do you have to use chemicals in a hot tub?
Yes, you must use chemicals to keep safe. Circulating warm water without chemicals creates the ideal environment for things like bacteria, algae, and other nasty contaminants.