Are Hot Tubs Expensive to Run?

Hot Tubs are becoming an increasingly sought-after luxury for many households across the UK. Most consumers thinking about buying one, however, will have to budget accordingly. This means considering all costs involved, including running costs. In this article we'll break down the costs of owning a hot tub and offer advice on how to keep these costs to a minimum.


 

Electricity/Running Costs

It's no secret that hot tubs require electricity to run, but modern hot tubs aren't quite the power guzzlers you may think they are. In fact, most modern hot tubs are built to be as energy efficient as possible. Hot tubs use electricity to keep the water nice and hot as well as power the controls, jets and various other features. WAmong these, heating the water is the main contributor to power consumption in a hot tub. Thankfully, it is also one of the easiest things to monitor and control.

To keep water warm while minimising electricity costs, the best thing to do is keep the water at a moderate temperature. The hotter the water, the higher your bills so choose a consistent temperature that feels comfortable for you and your family. Turning down the set temperature by even just one degree could make a significant reduction to your daily running costs. Furthermore, cooler temperatures tend to be safer for bathing and allow for longer soaking time! For even better savings, consider investing in an energy-efficient hot tub model. Look for spas that offer insulation on the shell and base and use with a good quality, insulated cover.

The actual daily running cost of a hot tub will vary depending on the size, model and various other factors, including how hot you like to keep your water. The more often you use your hot tub, the higher your electricity usage will be as the heater has to work harder to maintain the water temperature when the jets are running. In addition, the jets themselves also require power to run. On average, daily hot tub running costs can be expected to be around £1 to £3 or more depending on these variable factors.

Water Costs

In addition to electricity, hot tub owners need to consider water expenses. Hot tubs require regular refilling and treatment to maintain water quality. While the frequency of water changes varies depending on usage and maintenance practices, it's essential to factor in the cost of water and any associated fees for disposal.

To reduce water expenses, consider investing in a quality cover to minimise evaporation and maintain water cleanliness for longer periods. Additionally, implementing a regular maintenance routine and using chemical treatments wisely can help extend the lifespan of the water and reduce the frequency of refilling.
 

Maintenance and Chemical Costs

A hot tub needs regular chemical treatments and upkeep to stay clean and effective. This includes doing things like checking adding sanitiser on a regular basis as well as inspecting for signs of wear and damage.

Chemical Treatments

Regular chemical treatments incur additional costs but are essential to the longevity Frequent chemical treatments are a cost to consider, but they are necessary for your hot tub's longevity and functionality—not to mention the water's cleanliness. Fortunately, chemical treatments are among the least expensive hot tub maintenance costs. In addition to sanitisers, it's also important to consider other chemical balancing treatments such as PH balancing solutions, anti foaming agents and shock treatments. Again, all of which are fairly inexpensive relative to the amount needed per usage. On average a 1kg tub of shock treatment should last several months while the same amount of PH increase/decrease will typically last even longer.

Maintenance

Regular checks are also important for hot tub health and a factor to consider when it comes to running costs. While inspecting the hot tub yourself is free, its also advisable to get your spa serviced annually to maintain longevity. The cost of a spa service will vary depending on location. At Direct hot tubs, we offer several types of servicing ranging from £199 to £299.

Weighing Costs and Benefits

Even though maintaining a hot tub can appear costly there are several advantages to take into account. Some of the the numerous health and wellness benefits linked to hot tubs include decreased stress, relaxed muscles, and better sleep, (to name a few!).

Consider the benefits a hot tub might bring to your daily life while evaluating the costs associated with running one. Many find that the pleasure and relaxation that comes from using a hot tub greatly outweigh the costs. It's like having a five-star spa at home, after all!

Top Tips for Minimising Operating Costs

To minimise running costs, consider the following tips:

• Invest in an energy-efficient hot tub model.
• Keep temperature settings moderate (even a few degrees lower can make a difference).
• Use a quality, insulated cover to minimise heat loss and water evaporation.
• Ensure regular maintenance or servicing to avoid costly repairs.
• Use chemical treatments sparingly and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Conclusion

The running costs of a hot tub are generally determined by three factors: usage patterns, water temperature and hot tub make and model.

By understanding and considering how these factors influence running costs, its possible to implement cost saving strategies accordingly. By budgeting wisely, everyone can indulge in the luxury of a hot tub without straining their finances. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of hot tub costs and compare the running expenses to the value a hot tub could bring to your lifestyle. Hot tubs can offer numerous health and wellbeing benefits including stress relief, muscle relaxation and improved sleep (to name a few!). After all, it's like having your own personal spa at home!

Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether hot tubs are expensive is dependant on the individual and their personal budget.