One of the questions we’re asked most often here at Outdoor Living is: what’s the cost of running a hot tub? Well, you’ve got a whole host of things to think about, and in this article, we’ll break it down for you.
We know that energy prices have soared in recent months, and you might be worried about what it means for your hot tub running costs, so we’re here to put your mind at ease.
Grab a brew and let’s dive in.
Buying a hot tub
Undoubtedly, the biggest expense associated with a hot tub is the initial purchase. For help with your purchase, check out our buying guide, which has everything you need to know about buying, installing, and maintaining your hot tub.
How much does a good hot tub cost?
You get what you pay for; cheaper hot tubs don’t always work out as the best value, as they cost more to run or need a more rigorous cleaning regime. When you spend more, you’ll get higher-end features like more powerful hydromassage jets, LED lighting and Bluetooth speaker systems. At the moment, an entry-level hot tub can be a few thousand pounds, mid-range tubs can be up to £10,000 and premium tubs with patented Jacuzzi® features can be up to £25,000.
How much does hot tub installation cost?
Our spas come with free delivery in UK mainland (Ts & Cs apply). This means that when you buy a hot tub from us, you’ll be paying very little (if at all) for delivery and installation, depending on your location.
How much do hot tub accessories cost?
Our hot tubs come with a free starter pack of chemicals and filters, which includes everything you need to get set up. The chemical starter kit includes chlorine, pH balancers, no foam solution and chemical testing strips. You’ll also get hot tub steps, covers and locks with your purchase, so you’re ready to go.
Electricity
As of May 2023, a hot tub costs around £2.74 a day to run. This figure is based on an average hot tub and average UK energy prices when powered on permanently. The cost may differ depending on overall usage, weather, temperature, cover, insulation, changes in energy costs and the age and efficiency of the hot tub.
It’s more expensive to run a hot tub in winter, as the pump and the heater have to work harder to maintain the water temperature. If you're not planning on using your tub over the colder months, you could save money by winterising your hot tub, find out more in our guide. You can also book a hot tub winterising service with us.
Newer hot tubs feature energy-efficient technology, so the change in your energy bill may be much less than you fear.
Do hot tubs use a lot of electricity?
According to WhatSpa, hot tubs use around 3.5 – 6 kWh of electricity per day with normal usage. Bear in mind this can change, depending on how often you use it, the water temperature, the air temperature, the quality of insulation and many other factors.
What is the cheapest way to heat a hot tub?
Air source heat pumps are a great way to reduce your running costs. They use renewable energy to heat your hot tub water, reducing your running costs by up to 50% a year. They usually pay for themselves within a few years, and you could save up to a whopping £7,500 over the lifetime of your spa. Insulation also plays a big part in reducing electricity costs, as it reduces heat loss. Make sure your hot tub has good quality insulation, find out more about our energy-saving accessories here.
How to reduce electricity costs
Hot tubs are designed to be switched on all the time; this is the most efficient way of running them. When you switch it off, it uses a lot more electricity to get the water back up to temperature than it does to just keep it at temperature. However, you can lower the temperature when you’re not using it to help keep costs low. Check out our energy-saving hot tub tips here.
Water
Another cost involved in hot tub ownership is water. Of course, you’ll need to fill it when you first get it, but you’ll also have to drain and refill it every three to four months, to make sure the water is clean and safe.
How much water do hot tubs use?
Hot tubs vary in how much water they hold depending on their size. Check out each individual listing to see the capacity. As an example, the Jacuzzi® J335™ is a popular option for an average-sized hot tub, and it holds 1325 litres of water.
Chemicals
You need to keep up with chemicals, or you’ll have contaminated water that needs to be drained and refilled. Check out our chemicals guide for a full run-down of all the chemicals that you’ll need, but when you first buy a hot tub from us, you’ll receive a chemical starter kit.
Top tip: buying your chemicals in larger quantities usually works out cheaper in the long run.
Parts
Another thing to consider is the cost of parts; some need replacing regularly, and some may break. If the parts are properly maintained, they’ll last longer and won’t need replacing as often, so make sure you’re taking care of your hot tub. We offer a huge selection of replacement parts should you need them.
A hot tub cover need replacing every three to four years, as over time they become saturated with evaporated water from the spa, making it heavy and less effective.
Filters need replacing every 12 months, or 18 months if you’re rotating them while one’s being cleaned, plus it’s always handy to have spares. The price of a filter depends on which hot tub you own.
Hot tub pillows need replacing every two to three years, as the constant contact with water and chemicals causes the material to disintegrate. Changing them means that they stay comfy and supportive.
All current Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature a ClearRay™ water purification system, which uses a UV-C bulb to kill the bacteria in the water. This bulb needs changing every year, and a replacement bulb is readily available. You can fit it yourself following our instructions or have one of our engineers fit it during your annual service.
Servicing
We recommend that you get your hot tub serviced yearly. It’s like an MOT, where we check for any signs of parts that need replacing to ensure it stays in pristine condition. If any parts need replacing and it’s under warranty, we’ll sort it for you. Click here to book a service with our expert engineers.
Quick money-saving tips
- Position your hot tub in a less exposed location so the wind doesn’t affect the heating of the water, you could even try a hot tub shelter or a windbreak.
- Make sure the chemicals are always balanced so the water lasts as long as possible.
- Try running the hot tub at a lower temperature.
- Keep the filters clean so they can work most effectively.
- If your energy saving hot tub has it, use economy mode as this is designed to run the hot tub most efficiently.
- Check your electricity tariff to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Parting advice
So, there you have it, we hope that’s answered all your questions about hot tub running costs.
Need more advice? Give us a call on 01482 212322 or email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk and we’ll help you out. Or drop in and see us in our Hull or Leeds showrooms to see our hot tub chemical range for yourself.
Not near one of our Yorkshire hot tub showrooms? No problem, if you’re looking for an energy-efficient hot tub you can explore our virtual showroom or book a video call with our showroom team.
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