Hot tubs can be expensive to run if you choose a poor-quality spa and leave it on constantly, but costs vary widely depending on how you use it. Modern energy-efficient spas with full foam insulation typically use 3–6 kWh per day, so at the typical UK electricity price of around 28p per kWh you can expect to pay £25–£50 per month for electricity. On top of that you’ll need around £5–£10 per month for chemicals, £1–£2 for water and £10–£20 for routine servicing and repairs.
Key factors affecting running costs
- Energy efficiency and insulation: Cheap inflatable spas often lose heat quickly because they’re poorly insulated. A rigid shell hot tub with dense foam insulation retains heat much better, meaning the heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Heating and water temperature: The biggest energy cost is heating the water. If you like to keep your tub at 38 °C all year, you’ll pay more than someone who only heats it when they use it.
- Usage frequency: The more often you use your tub, the more electricity it will consume. Using it every day will cost more than just two or three times a week.
- Size of the spa: Larger spas have more water to heat and more jets to run, so they cost more to operate.
- Electricity tariffs: Prices vary by provider. Switching to an off-peak or economy tariff can significantly reduce your costs.
Tips to reduce running costs
- Choose a well-insulated spa: Invest in a hot tub with a rigid shell and full foam insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Use a thermal cover: Keep the lid on when the tub isn’t in use. A good cover prevents heat loss and reduces evaporation.
- Lower the temperature when not in use: Dropping the water temperature by a few degrees when you’re away for a week can save a significant amount of energy.
- Run the tub on an economy or off-peak tariff: If you can, heat and filter the water during cheaper tariff periods.
- Keep filters clean and water chemistry balanced: Dirty filters and unbalanced water put extra strain on the pump and heater.
- Shop around for the best electricity tariffs and consider off-peak or smart tariffs: Switching supplier or tariff can cut your electricity costs considerably.
Summary
Hot tubs aren’t cheap to run, but choosing an energy-efficient model and adopting good practices can make costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly £30–£60 per month for electricity, chemicals, water and maintenance – insulation, cover quality and energy tariffs are key factors in reducing your bills.
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