When searching for a hot tub, it’s easy to get caught up in finding a great deal from a reliable retailer. However, you also need to consider the monthly costs to keep your hot tub running so you can use it regularly. Hot tub energy costs can vary widely due to several factors.
Size
It will cost less to run your hot tub each month if it is a 2-person spa when compared to a 7-person spa or a swim spa. While a larger hot tub may be nice for the occasional get together with friends, ask yourself how many people will be using the hot tub regularly. If the majority of the time it will be your family of four, then a smaller spa will help you to save on energy costs. A one-time purchase of a fire pit can help spread out guests for the occasional backyard party.
Temperature
The temperature of your hot tub contributes to energy costs as well. Most homeowners prefer hot tub water to be between 100- and 102-degrees Fahrenheit, and the standard maximum temperature for most manufacturers is 104 degrees.
The hotter your hot tub is, the more it will cost to keep it that way. A secure hot tub cover will help to maintain water temperature when the spa is not in use to help with energy consumption. If you use a circuit timer to lower the temperature of the water when not in use and only heat the water during peak use hours, this will also lower your energy costs.
Amount of Use
Another contributing factor with spa energy costs is how often you use your hot tub. Using the spa means that in-line automated sanitizing systems will kick in to help balance the water after use. Using your hot tub daily will obviously use more energy than every other day or once a week. However, the difference in energy costs in daily use versus monthly use would only be a matter of a few dollars, so you shouldn’t let energy cost concerns keep you from using your hot tub regularly.
Climate
The energy cost is also going to vary between the summer and the winter, especially if you live in a climate that sees a distinctive change in weather and temperature between seasons. For example, if you live in a climate with a distinctive winter season and plan to use your hot tub all year, then heating your hot tub in the winter will likely cost a bit more than it will in the summer months.
Studies show that typical hot tub use comes out to about $1 per day, with an average of $20 to $30 per month. You can determine what you will pay on average per month simply by multiplying the kilowatt hours it takes to operate your hot tub by the rate you pay per kilowatt-hour.
Fortunately, for the ‘math-a-phobic,’ there are several energy calculators available online to help you choose the right hot tub for you — like this one from Beachcomber hot tubs or this one from Hot Spring Spas. While several factors can cause the amount to vary, hot tub energy costs should be considered part of your overall hot tub budget when you buy.