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. Years ago, hot tubs used quite a bit of power to keep the water hot, but thankfully, things have come a long way.
Modern hot tubs are much more energy-efficient, 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 £30–£50 a month when they start using a hot tub. That’s if you’re using a well-insulated tub from a reputable brand and you’re keeping the cover on when it’s not in use.
Of course, your exact costs will depend on how often you use your hot tub, the size of the tub, 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.
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 Using It More 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, and that’s a common mistake. It actually 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. For example, a large 7-person Grandee® might cost around £47 a month, while a smaller 3-person Jetsetter® might 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, and keep the filters clean and 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?
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 salt water.
Looking for the Most Energy-Efficient Hot Tub the Industry Has to Offer?
Energy efficiency is important to us here at Hot Tubs Oxfordshire. That’s why we only supply hot tubs from the best manufacturer in the world. Hot Spring is always finding new ways to improve their high-quality products and lower your hot tub operating costs. Every aspect of a Hot Spring Spas hot tub is designed with energy efficiency in mind:
- The SilentFlo 5000® circulation pump, found in the Highlife® and Limelight® collections, continuously circulates water while using less energy than a forty-watt light bulb. This pump cuts down on long heating and filtration cycles, saving you money on electricity.
- WaveMaster® jet pumps only power on when needed, saving energy and reducing your monthly bill.
- 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.
- All of their spas use LED lighting, which draws less electricity than traditional bulbs.
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!
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