How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Run Per Day in the UK?

If you’re thinking about getting a hot tub, you’re probably wondering what it’ll do to your electric bill. It’s one of the most common questions we hear. 

While it’s true that years ago, hot tubs used quite a bit of power to keep the water hot, thankfully things have come a long way and modern hot tubs are much more energy-efficient than those of yesteryear, especially if you’re buying from a trusted brand. 

So, how much does it actually cost to run a hot tub these days? Let’s break it down:

What to expect on your energy bills

On average, most people see their electric bill go up by about £1 to £1.70 per day (£30–£50 a month) when they start using a hot tub. That’s when you’re using a well-insulated tub from a reputable brand, and you’re keeping the cover on when it’s not in use. 

Buying a cheaper spa, however, especially from internet retailers who are just shifting units, results in far higher hikes to owners’ energy bills. Simply put, to be able to produce a spa cheaply, costs need to be cut and good quality insulation is invariably one of those costs.

Of course, your exact costs will depend on how often you use your hot tub, how much water is being heated, your local weather, your energy rates, and how well you look after it (like cleaning the filters and making sure the cover fits snugly). So, the more efficient your tub and the better you take care of it, the less you’ll spend over time.

A well-insulated hot tub costs less to run each day than a cup of coffee from your favourite coffee shop - and the health benefits and family connection it brings make it worth every penny.

Does frequent use cost more?

A little bit, but not as much as you might think. The biggest impact on your energy bill comes from heating your tub when it’s first filled. Once it’s warm, your hot tub just needs to maintain that heat, which is surprisingly efficient.

The main thing that adds to your bills is how often you take the cover off. When the cover is off, heat escapes, so the heater has to work harder to bring the water back up to temperature.

Should you turn it off between uses?

No.

Definitely no,  and that’s a common mistake.m because  costs more to reheat your hot tub from cold than it does to keep it warm. Even if you’re only using it on weekends, it’s better to leave it running. If you’re going away for a while, turning the temperature down can help save some money.

Are bigger hot tubs more expensive to run?

Yes, but not by as much as you might expect. Take, for example, a large 7-person Grandee® which holds 1,725 L and can add around £47 a month to your household bill. A smaller 3-person Jetsetter® on the other hand, which only has to heat 950 L of water (just over half the volume of the Grandee), may be closer to £37 a month. 

So if you’re trying to decide between sizes, it’s good to know the running cost difference isn’t too dramatic.

How to keep costs down

Here are a few simple ways to keep your monthly bills as low as possible: 

• use a thermal blanket or mat under the tub to help hold in heat, 
• lower the temperature by a degree or two - 37°C can feel just as nice as 39°C, 
• turn off the air valves when you’re not using them as they pull in cold air, 
• keep the filters clean, 
• check the cover to make sure it still fits well.

If you’re replacing an older hot tub, you’ll often see a noticeable drop in energy costs right away just because newer models are more efficient.

What about water and chemicals?

In terms of water costs, filling a 1,000-litre hot tub costs about £4 on average. 

For chemicals, plan to spend around £200–£350 per year, depending on whether you’re using chlorine, bromine, or a salt water system.

Which are the most energy-efficient hot tubs the industry has to offer?

Let’s be frank, being a Hot Spring dealer it’s going to be no surprise that we advocate their hot tubs. 

But their commitment to energy efficiency is actually one of the main reasons we chose to partner with them. Hot Spring is always finding new ways to improve their high-quality products and lower your hot tub operating costs, and almost every aspect of a Hot Spring hot tub is designed with energy efficiency in mind:

• The SilentFlo 5000® circulation pump, found in the Highlife® and Limelight® collections, cuts down on long heating and filtration cycles by continuously circulates water (while using less energy than a forty-watt light bulb). 
• WaveMaster® jet pumps only power on when needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
• The SmartJet® system lets you choose which jets to power, meaning you only use the energy you need.
• Custom-fit spa covers prevent heat loss. Made with multiple layers of polyurethane foam, they trap heat inside the spa and expand and contract to fill gaps, keeping your water warmer for longer.
• Hot Spring uses the latest technology in insulation. Their Limelight® and Hot Spot® spas feature proprietary FiberCor® insulation, while their luxury Highlife® spas use multi-density full foam insulation to hold in heat.

Looking for a hassle-free hot tub for your holiday let?

If you’re after something low-maintenance and energy-efficient, we recommend checking out the Freeflow® hot tub range. They’re easy to use, durable, and perfect for holiday lets too because they’re fully HSG282 compliant.

Any questions?

We’re always happy to talk you through your options, show you different models, and help you find the right hot tub for your space and budget. Just give us a ring or come by the showroom, we’re here 7 days a week and we’d love to help!