Are hot tubs expensive to run?
If you’re thinking of buying a hot tub, then no doubt you are wondering how much it’s going to cost you to run it. It’s hard to put an exact figure on how much you can expect to pay because so many variables can affect the running cost. It may seem obvious but things like how big the hot tub is and how often you use it will make a big difference.
When it comes to budgeting for a hot tub, the main things you should consider are:
- The cost of heating the water
- Servicing and maintenance
- Consumables/water care
In this blog, we’ll look at these things in more detail and consider what you can do to increase the efficiency of your hot tub, saving you money on your monthly outgoings.
How much electricity does a hot tub use?
The cost of heating the water in your hot tub – and maintaining its temperature – may not be as much as you think. There are lots of variables to factor in, for example:
- the size of the hot tub
- how often you use it
- how long you use it for
- the ambient temperature
- your current energy tariff
It might seem obvious but the more water your hot tub holds, the longer it will take to heat up and the more electricity it will use. If there are just two of you using the hot tub, then consider opting for a smaller-sized model to save you money on running costs.
TOP TIP: when you’re choosing a hot tub, plan for 200 to 250 litres of water per person.
The temperature outside
The ambient temperature will affect how efficiently your hot tub runs. The colder it is outside, the harder your heater will have to work to get the water up to temperature. To combat this, try turning down the thermostat by two to five degrees in winter.
We also recommend leaving your hot tub plugged in to maintain its temperature – it costs less than reheating the water every time you turn it back on. And, if you’re going away for a week or two, then lower its temperature by at least ten degrees.
Most people prefer their water temperature somewhere between 38 and 40°C, but for every degree lower, you could save approximately 10% on your electric bill.
In January 2022, WhatSpa magazine updated its estimate for electricity consumption on an average-sized, good quality hot tub. It reports that using a hot tub three to four times a week (for around 30 to 45 minutes) will cost between £275 to £365 per year.
Choosing a good quality hot tub
Good quality hot tubs have better performing parts and more insulation, so you can expect them to run more efficiently – saving you money in ongoing costs.
Insulation is particularly important for maintaining the water temperature and has a direct impact on how much electricity you can expect to use. When you’re choosing a hot tub look for one with insulation around the inside of the cabinet and under the shell.
The Wetherby 4-person hot tub, for example, has a composite wood cabinet and an insulated acrylic shell and base. This patio hot tub is incredibly economical, and yet it still has all the features you’d expect of a much bigger spa, including 16 hydro jets.
Make sure your hot tub comes with a good-fitting lid that has an airtight heat seal. Most of the heat your hot tub generates is lost through the surface of the water, so it pays to make sure your lid fits well. To stop the lid bowing, we recommend cleaning it regularly and using a stand when it’s not in use – see our hot tub accessories section for more.
Other running costs to consider
Servicing and water care are the two other areas that need to be factored into your running costs.
Servicing
Most hot tubs are serviced once per annum, which usually includes a full drain and re-fill so it can be cleaned properly. It costs between £150 and £200 for a one-off service, but some providers also offer a monthly service plan.
Water care
To keep the water in your hot tub healthy, it’s essential that you use the right treatments and change the filters regularly. You can expect to pay around £250 for a year’s worth of products (see more in our hot tub accessories).
It’s also worth taking into consideration anything else you might want to buy in the future for your hot tub. Hot tub gazebos, for example, are incredibly popular with our customers for creating a space in the garden dedicated to relaxation. They also provide a shelter for your hot tub so in bad weather it stays clean and dry.
The bottom line – budgeting for a hot tub
When it comes to budgeting for the monthly costs of running a hot tub, there are three main things you should factor in: electricity, servicing, and water care.
Obvious things like its size and how often you use it will affect how much energy your hot tub uses, but you can expect to pay between £275 and £365 for electricity. According to WhatSpa, when you add in an annual service and water care treatments, the cost of owning a hot tub works out at less than buying a coffee every day for a year.
Investing in a good quality hot tub is the best way of making sure that your machine is running efficiently and saving you money on your running costs. Hot tubs that seem too good to be true usually are, so be wary of buying cheap imports from unknown sellers.
If you’re looking for a trusted supplier of hot tubs (Yorkshire), then we can help.
At Hot Tubs & Living, we specialise in energy-efficient hot tubs that combine affordability with quality. Our York showroom has over 150 square metres of hot tub inspiration, and our knowledgeable team are ready to welcome you.
