28 July 2021
Owning a hot tub is a dream come true for many. And why wouldn’t it be? Everybody wants to have the capability to take a load off and relax in their own space, a quality hot tub provides you with the perfect vessel to do just that.
However, we understand that buying a tub is a big commitment, and before money can change hands, you need answers first. A common question we are asked surrounds hot tub running costs.
We’ve put together this guide to help you to determine whether a hot tub is right for you, and to explain the ongoing hot tub running costs, taking into account factors such as:
- Electrical running costs
- Service & maintenance
- Tips to keep costs as low as possible
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Hot Tub in the UK?
When discussing hot tub running costs, energy is one of the most common concerns. However, the average cost to run a hot tub in the UK is between £1-£1.30 per day, a relatively low figure in return for access to some much-needed and immediate rest and relaxation from the comfort of your own home.
On the flip side, if your hot tub will likely only see occasional use, for social events like parties or during the summer holidays, an additional £30+ per month onto your bills can seem a bit steep.
Factors that go into how much it costs to run a hot tub in the UK includes:
- Your energy tariff
- The amount you use the hot tub per week/month
- How new your hot tub is (more modern models may be more energy efficient)
- The size of your tub (the smaller the tub, the less energy will be needed)
- The temperature setting when used
- The outdoor temperature
- The quality of your water heater
What About Hot Tub Water Costs?
How to Reduce Hot Tub Running Costs
Working out how to reduce hot tub running costs is much less of an issue today as it perhaps was in the past due to modern tubs being significantly more energy efficient. However, there are still steps you can take to keep energy costs as low as possible, including greater insulation, hot tub covers, and reducing the heat.
Steps you, as the owner of a hot tub can consider to reduce the running costs include:
Insulation
The insulation materials used inside the cabinet and underneath the shell and plumbing systems can save you a great deal on your hot tub running costs.
The best cost saving materials for hot tubs are generally either partial or full foam insulation. Other types of insulation are generally significantly worse than the foam option, to the extent that you should always seriously consider if you truly want to commit to a hot tub without at least partial foam insulation.
While full foam insulation is likely to lead to an increase in the initial outlay, it is designed to protect the pipework and keep the whole unit properly insulated. This means that in the long run, you will likely save a lot more money.
Hot Tub Covers
Around 60% of a hot tub’s heat escapes from the surface, so when not in use, . There are three main covers you need to know about: soft, hard, and aluminium.
Soft covers are made from vinyl fabric. They’re considered the more affordable option, but they don’t retain as much heat as the alternatives. Hard covers on the other hand retain a significant amount of heat, but are much heavier, often requiring two people to remove. Much like soft covers, aluminium covers are much lighter than a hard cover alternative but are not as effective when it comes to trapping heat.
In addition to minimising heat loss and making your hot tub more energy efficient, a hot tub cover can also be useful for keeping out airborne debris like leaves or bird droppings, as well as wildlife.
Reduce the Temperature
Much in the same way that the faster you drive your car the more fuel you use, the more you drop the water temperature, the lower your hot tub running costs will be.
When the weather is bright and sunny, you’ll probably want the water to be a little cooler anyway, so it’s always worth dropping the temperature by a degree or two if you can. And if you won’t be using your hot tub for a while (such as in the winter or if you are going on holiday), you can turn the heat down even further for greater efficiency.
Should I Leave My Hot Tub Running All the Time?
It’s surprisingly more efficient to leave your hot tub running all the time instead of turning it on and off with every use. This is because most hot tubs heat water at a rate of around 1-2 degrees every hour — meaning that if you want to get to the perfect heat from off you could be waiting all day.
If you’re not planning on using your hot tub for a while, it might be worth considering turning the temperature down and raising it a couple of days before you’ll use it again. This is actually deemed to be the most energy efficient and cost effective way to reduce your hot tub running costs. However, some forward planning is required to pull it off properly.
How Much is Hot Tub Maintenance?
Another of the common questions surrounding hot tub running costs surrounds how much maintenance is. Fortunately, your hot tub is likely to be lower maintenance than you would have realised. Innovations in the field mean that hot tubs don’t require nearly as much day-to-day work as they used to. However, maintenance accessories and servicing should also be factored in.
When it comes to hot tub maintenance it’s important to keep the following in mind:
Maintenance Accessories
To ensure your hot tub is at peak efficiency so you are able to get the most out of it, you’ll need to thoroughly treat the water and clean the every few weeks or months depending on how often you use your tub.
Making sure that you regularly clean your filters can ensure that you don’t need to replace it. Filter cleaner packs start at £13.98 which can be used to keep your filter running at maximum efficiency for longer. Conversely, replacing a filter regularly due to lack of care can quickly add up. Our range starts at £19.99, and our premium filter options are closer to the £60 mark.
Our Hot Tub Maintenance Packages
We recommend having your hot tub serviced by a licensed professional at least once a year. At Hot Tubs Direct we have available, both for an affordable price. Our Gold (£300 p/a or £25 p/m standing order) and Platinum (£600 p/a or £50 p/m standing order) packages both include:
- Service to maintain jets, pipework and pump heaters
- Emptying, cleaning, and refilling your hot tub
Additionally, the Platinum package comes with one more service per year, as well as a 35% discount across our range of cleaning chemicals and filter products.
Total Hot Tub Running Costs
Ultimately, when you add up all the numbers and figures, the average hot tub running costs will be around £750-£900 per year. This figure includes:
- Energy costs
- Water
-
- Professional maintenance
In addition to this figure are a selection of the one-off costs that you could decide are necessary such as a cover or .
In the grand scheme of things, the enjoyment of owning a hot tub far outweighs the running costs. A hot tub is perfect for spending quality time with friends and family — and that’s before you even begin to consider the benefits it can bring to your physical and mental health.
How Hot Tubs Direct Can Help Pair You With Your Dream Hot Tub
At Hot Tubs Direct we feel that a hot tub should be seen as a long-term commitment, not a short term outlay. You’ll get years and years of pleasure and benefits that are sure to far outweigh your hot tub running costs.
However, we appreciate that everybody’s circumstances are different. This is why we feel so passionately about our Hot tub financing makes the life of luxury more accessible for all thanks to 0% interest rates and the option to spread the costs between 6-48 months.
Make sure to if you decide owning one is right for you. If you have any questions, or you would like to learn more about a particular hot tub model, feel free to with a member of our team.
