Beatrice Lang
Hot tubs are notorious for increasing utility bills, but there are ways to reduce the cost of running one. From adjusting the temperature to adding insulation, these simple strategies can help you save energy and money without compromising on comfort. Whether you're looking to buy a new hot tub or optimize your current setup, this guide will explore the best ways to enhance energy efficiency and cut down on those soaring bills.
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What You'll Learn
Lower the temperature
Lowering the temperature of your hot tub is one of the easiest ways to cut back on running costs. Most hot tubs are set to run at 40° C, but you can significantly reduce energy consumption by lowering the temperature to 38° C or 29° C. Even a one-degree temperature change will not be noticeable, but it will make a difference to your energy bill over time.
If you are going on vacation, you can save energy by turning off your hot tub completely. However, if you will only be away for a few days, it is more energy-efficient to leave the hot tub running at a lower temperature, such as 80° F (26.6° C). This will prevent the need to reheat the water from scratch when you return.
To further reduce energy consumption, you can also program your hot tub's filtration cycles to run during off-peak hours. This will reduce pressure on utility rates, as well as the amount of time the heater needs to be on.
In addition to lowering the temperature, it is important to prevent heat loss. Most heat will escape from the top of the hot tub if it is not covered. A good-quality, well-fitting cover will prevent evaporation and keep the heat in. A full foam seal will insulate the gap between the two halves of the cover, maximising the cover's insulative properties.
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Install a hot tub cover
Hot tubs can increase your utility bill by 10-20%, so it is important to consider ways to reduce the running costs. One of the most effective ways to do this is to install a hot tub cover.
A cover will prevent water from evaporating and keep the heat in, reducing your heating needs by nearly half. This will save energy and money. A good cover can be costly, but they are incredibly energy-saving.
When purchasing a new hot tub cover, make sure it has a "full foam seal". This is an added piece of foam that insulates between the two halves of the hot tub cover when the cover is closed. Without a full foam sealer, hot tub covers typically only come with two small pieces of foam on either end. These are useful for preventing evaporation but leave an uninsulated gap between the two halves of the cover.
Old hot tub covers are often the largest source of heat loss. Over time, the cover will begin to take on water as the vapour barrier slowly breaks down. A water-logged cover will increase energy consumption from heat loss. You will know your cover is starting to take on water when it begins to feel heavier than normal.
To keep your cover in good condition for longer, consider using a lifting system. This will make the cover easier to handle and extend its life.
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Fix leaks and insulate
Leaks and inadequate insulation can cause significant energy losses in hot tubs, so it's important to address these issues to save electricity and money.
Fixing Leaks
Even minor leaks can lead to substantial energy losses over time. Not only do leaks slowly saturate the hot tub's insulation, reducing its effectiveness, but they also require you to constantly top up the water. This means replacing water you've already paid to heat with cold water that requires additional heating, increasing your energy costs. Therefore, it's important to repair any leaks as soon as they are detected. After fixing a leak, be sure to remove all wet insulation and replace it with fresh, dry material.
Insulation
Insulation plays a crucial role in retaining heat within your hot tub, reducing the need for constant heating and lowering your electricity costs. Here are some key areas to focus on when it comes to insulation:
- Hot Tub Cover: A well-insulated, snugly fitting cover is essential for preventing heat loss and evaporation when the hot tub is not in use. Look for covers with a full foam seal, as standard covers often have small pieces of foam at each end, leaving an uninsulated gap in the middle. Consider using a lifting system to handle the cover more easily and extend its lifespan.
- Hot Tub Cabinet: The space between the bottom of the shell and the cabinet can be a significant source of heat loss if not properly insulated. Inspect your cabinet and identify areas that could benefit from additional insulation. You can use standard wall insulation or spray foam insulation to fill in these gaps and reduce heat escape.
- Under the Tub: Adding foam insulation under the tub before setting it in place can also help prevent heat from escaping from the bottom.
- Windbreaks: Reducing wind exposure around your hot tub can greatly minimize heat loss. Consider natural windbreaks, such as shrubs and fencing, or create artificial windbreaks using enclosures or privacy panels.
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Use energy-efficient settings
One of the easiest ways to save electricity is to change the settings on your hot tub. Consult your owner's manual to see if your hot tub has an ""economy" or "energy saver" mode. Most hot tubs are set to run at 40° C, but lowering the temperature to 38° C or 29° C will significantly reduce energy consumption.
Another way to save electricity is to use a hot tub cover. A good cover can increase water temperature by 2 to 5° C, reducing heating needs by almost half. Look for a cover with an energy-reflective underside, made from silvery, reflective material. This bounces heat energy that escapes from the water back into the tub. It also protects the cover from water and chemical damage. You can also use a bubble cover or a floating thermal blanket to prevent water from evaporating.
If you're purchasing a new hot tub, consider investing in an energy-efficient model. Modern hot tubs are designed with energy efficiency in mind and can make a big difference in your energy consumption. For example, the SilentFlo 5000® circulation pump uses less energy than a 40-watt light bulb, reducing the need for long heating cycles and filtration.
Small changes to your hot tub maintenance habits can also improve energy efficiency. Regularly clean and replace your filters to ensure proper water circulation and reduce strain on the pump and heating system. Additionally, program your filtration cycles to run during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs without sacrificing water quality.
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Maintain the hot tub
Maintaining your hot tub is essential for keeping energy costs down. Firstly, ensure your hot tub is placed in a spot that is protected from winds. If there isn't a natural windbreak, you can put up shrubs, fencing, or enclosures to block the wind. You can also add insulation to the inside of the cabinet to reduce heat loss. Use standard wall insulation or spray foam insulation to fill the inside of the cabinet.
Secondly, keep your hot tub covered when not in use. A good cover will prevent evaporation and keep the heat in, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain the temperature. Look for a cover with a full foam seal and an energy-reflective underside. The reflective material bounces heat energy that escapes from the water back into the tub. It also helps protect the cover from water damage.
Thirdly, keep your hot tub clean and well-maintained. Regularly change the filters to ensure the water circulates properly and to reduce strain on the pump and heating system. If your hot tub has jets, be mindful of your energy usage by setting a timer for how long you want them on.
Finally, if you're going on vacation or won't be using the hot tub for a while, turn it off or set it to ""economy mode" if available. This will save energy and money, as it's more costly to reheat the water from scratch every time you turn it on.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce the electricity costs of your hot tub:
- Lower the temperature of the water.
- Reprogram your hot tub's filtration cycles to run during off-peak hours.
- Use a high-quality, well-fitting cover to prevent heat loss.
- Install solar panels to heat your tub during the day.
The amount of electricity a hot tub uses depends on several factors, including its size, quality, design, location, and outdoor temperature. A hot tub can add anywhere between 10-20% to your energy bill.
When purchasing a new hot tub cover, make sure it has a "'full foam seal'. This insulates between the two halves of the cover when closed, preventing heat loss. Keep the cover in good condition and replace it if it becomes water-saturated.
With some systems, you'll need to drain and refill your hot tub two to three times per year. However, heavily used hot tubs should be drained every three months. Draining and refilling the hot tub will increase your electricity bill as you'll need to heat the new water.
