Sometimes issues like cloudy or unbalanced water can make owning a hot tub more stressful than soothing. Many hot tub owners hesitate to change their water due to perceived high costs, but the reality is, it’s much more affordable than you might think.
The misconception about water costs
One common concern among hot tub owners is the cost of changing the water. Many believe that refilling their spa can be a costly affair, often quoting figures as high as $50, $150 or even $300. However, the actual cost is surprisingly low.
The average cost of municipally-supplied water in the U.S. is around 1.5 cents per gallon, including sewer/discharge fees. This means filling a standard 400-gallon hot tub costs approximately $6. Even in areas with higher water costs, like San Diego, where water costs about 1.82 cents per gallon, it will only set you back $7.28 to fill a 400-gallon spa.
“By having the client provide their water bill, or by looking up water costs online, we can calculate the cost,” says Tim Rodger, water care expert with The Spa Marvel Company. “It always comes down to about 1.5 cents per gallon.”
Calculating the real cost
But what about heating the spa water once it’s been refilled? Let’s break down the costs with a practical example.
Water Cost: Filling a 400-gallon hot tub with municipal water (including sewer charges) costs around $6.
Heating Cost: Heating your spa from 62°F (typical tap water temperature) to 104°F takes about 6 hours with a 5-kilowatt heater, costing around $4.86 in electricity based on the U.S. average rate of 16.21 cents per kilowatt-hour.
In total, changing and heating the water in your 400-gallon hot tub costs approximately $10.86. This is far cheaper than continuously trying to balance water chemistry with chemicals like shock, clarifiers and pH adjusters, which can quickly add up.
Why water changes are important
Regular water changes are crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable hot tub experience. Over time, water quality can degrade due to bather load, body oils and environmental contaminants, leading to issues like cloudy water and unpleasant odors.
“When helping people with water care, we often run into situations, such as cloudy water from bather overload and abuse, where the simplest and fastest way to fix the issue is to drain and refill a spa,” Rodger says.
By regularly changing your hot tub water, you can avoid these problems and ensure that your spa remains a clean and inviting place for relaxation.
So, the next time your hot tub water starts to look a little cloudy or you’re struggling with water balance, remember that a quick water change is a simple and cost-effective solution. Don’t let the misconception of high costs keep you from enjoying a clean, fresh hot tub experience.