Author: Lisa Ruggles
Read time: 3-5 minutes
Owning a hot tub can be a luxurious way to unwind after a long day, but the costs associated with maintaining it can sometimes be a point of concern. One common question hot tub owners often ask is whether it’s cheaper to leave the hot tub on all the time or to turn it off and only heat it when needed. Let’s dive into the factors that influence this decision and help you determine the most cost-effective approach for your hot tub use.
The primary costs associated with running a hot tub include:
1. Heating Costs: The energy required to heat the water to the desired temperature.
2. Maintenance Costs: Regular upkeep such as cleaning and chemical treatments.
3. Electricity Costs: Running the pump and other electrical components.
Leaving your hot tub on all the time means it stays at a constant temperature, typically around 38-40°C. Here are some reasons why this might be more cost-effective:
1. Energy Efficiency: Modern hot tubs are designed to be energy-efficient with good insulation and efficient pumps. Maintaining a constant temperature can sometimes use less energy than reheating the water from a cold start, which requires a significant energy boost.
2. Convenience: If you use your hot tub frequently, having it always ready for use means you avoid the waiting time and inconvenience of heating it up from scratch.
3. Consistent Chemical Balance: Maintaining a constant temperature can help in keeping the water chemistry stable, reducing the amount of chemicals needed and potentially saving costs on maintenance.
Turning off your hot tub when not in use and only heating it up as needed might seem like a logical way to save on electricity, but there are several factors to consider:
1. Initial Heating Costs: Heating a hot tub from cold to the desired temperature can be energy-intensive. Depending on your usage pattern, the cost of repeatedly heating the water might outweigh the savings from turning it off.
2. Frequency of Use: If you use your hot tub infrequently, turning it off might make more sense. The energy saved by not maintaining a constant temperature could outweigh the cost of heating it occasionally; however, your water will become stagnant without the water filtering. We would only recommend turning it off if you are not using it for a long period of time and then it should be drained. Please bear in mind that hot tubs are not designed to be empty and it can cause parts to cease.
3. Ambient Temperature: In colder climates, more energy is required to maintain the temperature, which can make turning it off more appealing. However, if the temperature drops significantly, reheating from a very cold state can be quite costly.
1. Insulation Quality: The better the insulation of your hot tub, the less heat it will lose, making it more efficient to leave on. Check the insulation of the cabinet, cover, and shell.
2. Usage Patterns: Analyse how often you use the hot tub. Frequent use favours leaving it on, while occasional use might justify turning it off.
3. Electricity Rates: Consider your local electricity rates. If you have variable rates with higher costs during peak times, you might want to plan your hot tub usage accordingly.
4. Weather Conditions: In milder climates, the difference in energy consumption between maintaining a constant temperature and reheating might be negligible. In colder climates, the decision could be more impactful.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to whether it’s cheaper to leave a hot tub on all the time. It largely depends on your usage frequency, the efficiency of your hot tub, local energy costs, and the climate in your area.
For frequent users with a well-insulated hot tub, keeping it on is often the more economical choice. For those who use it sporadically, turning it off might yield savings. Ultimately, monitoring your energy consumption and experimenting with different approaches can help you find the most cost-effective method for your specific situation.
