The vast majority of people who think about the benefits of installing a hot tub always have the same question in mind – how much does a hot tub cost? Understanding how much it costs to run a hot tub is important, as it will be a major factor in whether you purchase a hot tub in the first place, but even if you do, you’ll have some idea of what to budget throughout the year and the different choices open to you that could reduce costs.
How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
To work out how much it costs to run a hot tub there are a few different factors. These all come together to give you an idea of what it would cost for you. Remember, that every household and your choice of hot tub will also be a factor in the cost of running one.
Electricity costs
It is difficult to put a 100% accurate figure on how much a hot tub will impact your electricity bill, but you can consider a few of the variables that impact the energy consumption attached to it. This includes the size and model of hot tub, the ambient temperature outside it, how often you use it and for how long, how long you have the jets on, and the temperature of the water. On top of this your specific energy tariff will have an impact.
An example: based on an average of using a hot tub three to four times a week, for between 30 and 45 minutes, there are energy-efficiency hot tubs on the market that cost between £1.00 and £1.30 per day with energy tariffs of around 28p per kWH (figures from April 2022).
Not all hot tubs are built with energy efficiency in mind (think older models), so you do need to consider purchasing a newer model of hot tub to be more energy efficient and cost-effective. The energy efficiency of a hot tub will depend on its heater, the pumps, air blowers and other electrical components, the volume of water, and how well insulated both the hot tub and surrounding area is.
Servicing and maintenance costs
As you would service other big-ticket items in your home, such as your boiler, on an annual basis, we would recommend that you do the same with your hot tub and get it serviced by a qualified engineer annually. A typical one-off hot tub service can cost between £150 and £200 on average, but there are also service plans where you can pay around £30 per month to cover maintenance issues and servicing. This also highlights the benefits of finding a hot tub supplier that you trust.
Water care products
The water quality maintenance part of running a hot tub is often overlooked at first and can creep up on hot tub owners. It is important you have the right equipment, chemicals, and replacement parts such as filters, to ensure you are covered for all maintenance issues and that the water quality remains high at all times. Replacing the filters alone can cost up to £350 per year.
Estimated cost of the average hot tub in the UK
Putting all of this together and considering that every individual household will have a different way of using their hot tub, the average cost of running a hot tub in the UK would be between £800 and £1,100 per year. This would include up to £500 for electricity, up to £300 in service costs, and up to £300 in water care and extras.
How to keep hot tub costs down
There are a few different things that you can do to try and keep the costs down when running a hot tub. You don’t have to take away the enjoyment of using it, just be careful with your use. Consider;
- Buying a quality, recent model of hot tub that is well insolated
- Shield it from the wind to maintain a steady temperature
- Switch energy providers if it gives you a lower tariff and electricity price
- Seal the cover every time you get out of the hot tub
- Turn down the temperature by a few degrees to cut costs without losing the impact
- Close the air jets when you’re not using them
- Maintain pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure chlorine and other treatment products are effective
- Clean your filter and replace when necessary
- Use economy mode / away mode (Options for newer hot tub models)
Now that you have a better understanding of hot tub costs, the next step is to find a supplier of hot tubs that has the experience and the skills to help you find the perfect fit for your back garden or yard. Although there are obvious purchase, installation, and maintenance costs associated with a hot tub, you also need to consider that by using a hot tub regularly at home, you are less likely to go out and spend money elsewhere, so you do make savings. Find your perfect hot tub and create your dream garden this summer.