If you’re like most people, you’re not only conscious of your hot tub usage from a budgetary standpoint but also one from an energy usage standpoint. This is why choosing an energy efficient hot tub is the key to reducing your hot tub running costs and also your bottom line. The good news is there are many ways you can reduce your hot tub running costs to keep your electric bills down and also limit your impact on the planet. This article provides the answer to the question, “How do I reduce hot tub running costs?” and offers the best hacks and tips. Read on to learn more about the many ways you can reduce your hot tub running costs — which your wallet and our planet will be thankful for.
What impacts the running costs of a hot tub?
The running costs of your hot tub consist of essentially everything it takes to operate the hot tub so you can enjoy it. To factor how much you may spend on your hot tub running costs, consider the many variables that affect the running costs of a hot tub. These factors include:
-How often you use your hot tub
-How long you use your hot tub for
-What time of day you use your hot tub
-The size of your hot tub
-The temperature of your hot tub water
-The quality of your hot tub’s materials, particularly insulation
-The age of your hot tub
-Whether you use a hot tub cover and the quality of that cover
-Whether your hot tub meets and/or exceeds energy efficient standards
-The application of smart technology to help monitor and manage usage, conserve energy and reduce running costs
Read on to learn more about how each of these factors can impact your hot tub running costs — and what you can do to manage their effect on your bottom line.
How often you use your hot tub and for how long
Naturally, how often you use your hot tub and the duration of each soak will impact your running costs. The more often you use it and how long you spend in it each time will translate to an increase in your electric bill. You don’t have to cut your hot tub enjoyment time short in the name of saving money, however. But you might be surprised to learn that you can reap the benefits of an incredible hydrotherapy session in less time than you might think.
The Cleveland Clinic reports you can achieve a multitude of wellness benefits such as reduced muscle aches, improved heart health, stress relief, lowered blood pressure, and improved sleep from even a short soak in the hot tub. Furthermore, in an article on the clinic’s website, Integrative Medicine Physician Irina Todorov, MD, states that you don’t need to stay in the hot water for more than 15 minutes to reap these benefits.
A high-quality hot tub from a premium brand, such as a Jacuzzi® hot tub with specialized Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets designed to effectively target key muscles, should provide you with a complete hydrotherapy experience in an efficient amount of time that is ideal for your body while being pocket-book friendly. The old adage “less is more” can be equated to the efficiency of a hydrotherapy soak in a Jacuzzi® hot tub.
What time of day you use your hot tub
Just like running your dishwasher and your washer and dryer, your hot tub running costs can be affected by the time of day at which you use them. Many power companies offer reduced rates during off-peak hours. These would be ideal times to take advantage of a soak in your hot tub while benefitting from reduced running costs. Check with your power provider to see what their off-peak hours are. Generally, these occur at night or on the weekends, which tend to be great times for you to enjoy a soothing soak in your hot tub, with the peace of mind that you’re taking advantage of reduced running rates.
The size of your hot tub
It turns out size does matter — at least when it comes to the impact of your hot tub running costs. This comes down to the simple fact that you will need more energy to heat more water in a larger hot tub. The more water a hot tub holds, the longer it can take to heat the water to your comfort level. Beyond this, jet function, hot tub pump, water management systems, and filtration systems can also play into costs. For example, the more pumps your hot tub has, the more energy will be required to run them. A high-quality control system can also help you reduce hot tub running costs by only enabling the jets you are using at the time of your soak as well as other energy-saving features.
The temperature of your hot tub water
The hotter the water, the harder your hot tub functions will have to work. This will impact your hot tub running costs. The same aforementioned Cleveland Clinic article advises not to let the water temperature exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit and suggests checking the temperature with a tub thermometer.
However, you may not need to keep your water at that temperature to enjoy the benefits of warm water therapy. Simply reducing the temperature by a degree or two or three, you can reap the benefits of reduced running costs. If you want to save money and conserve energy, Connexus Energy in Minnesota suggests setting your hot tub thermostat between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. You will likely not be able to notice a one- or two-degree water temperature reduction, but you will probably happily notice the reduction on your electric bill.
The quality of your hot tub’s materials
Quite simply, the materials that your hot tub is made with and the initial design and engineering can make a difference when it comes to your running costs. A high-quality hot tub from a luxury brand will be made with materials that properly insulate the hot tub to help retain its water temperature. The importance of a full foam insulated hot tub cannot be understated. If you want to reduce running costs and reduce electricity usage, seek a hot tub with excellent insulation. Ultimately, a low-cost hot tub may help you save money on the initial cost, but it may have limited insulation panels around the cabinet of the spa or a very minimal amount of foam sprayed directly onto the spa’s shell. While you may spend less on the purchase of the hot tub itself, you may end up paying more over time on your electric bills.
The age of your hot tub
An older hot tub may not have the updated materials, insulation, and technology that today’s hot tubs have that are intended to reduce running costs and electricity usage. According to HomeServe: “Older hot tubs tend to be less energy efficient and often have to work harder to heat the water, therefore requiring more power to raise the water temperature to optimal zones.” When it’s time to upgrade your old hot tub, consider the energy efficient aspects of a newer model.
Whether you use a hot tub cover — and the quality of that cover
HomeServe also notes the importance of using a well-insulated hot tub cover and ensuring it fits snugly over the tub lip. Just as with insulation, a hot tub cover is essential for retaining the water’s heat for longer. In addition to a good-quality cover, HomeServe suggests: “Keep the cover in good condition. Most heat loss occurs through the spa cover. Replace the cover if the interior foam breaks or becomes saturated.”
Whether your hot tub meets or exceeds energy efficient standards
An excellent hack for reducing hot tub running costs that requires little effort on your part is to select a hot tub that meets or exceeds energy efficient standards. When searching for your future hot tub, ask your local dealer about the energy efficient aspects of models you are interested in. For peace of mind plus energy conservation, all Jacuzzi® hot tubs meet or exceed standards set by the California Energy Commission.
The application of smart technology to help monitor and manage usage to conserve energy (and thus, running costs)
Another easy tip for reducing hot tub running costs is to utilize technology to help manage and monitor energy consumption. For example, the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® system is an option that allows you to monitor, schedule, and adjust energy usage to fit your lifestyle. There are multiple features of this system and app that allow you to reduce standby power by up to 25%, thus reducing your running costs at the touch of a button.
There are additional factors that will affect your hot tub running costs, such as:
-Your climate and the changing seasons
-Where you place your hot tub; more exposure to elements may require more power to heat the water and maintain that temperature
-Chemicals and supplies
-Routine maintenance
Looking for a high-quality energy efficient hot tub? A Jacuzzi® hot tub might be right for you. Visit an authorized dealer who can help answer any additional questions about reducing running costs of your hot tub.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.
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Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.