When relaxing in our hot tub, the last thing we want to be worrying about is our energy bill. Our guide will give you ten easy tips to ensure you save money as well as energy, to reduce the cost of running a hot tub. Save the planet, save your pocket.
1. Go for the real thing
Ditch the supermarket inflatable hot tub that represents a rubber dingy - they just don’t come hand in hand with getting your money’s worth.
When it comes to energy saving, cheaper inflatable hot tubs lack insulation which means they can’t contain their heat and you’ll be constantly turning up the temperature once inside.
They also don’t have a lengthy lifespan like an acrylic hot tub. These energy saving hot tubs are built to last five to 20-plus years, guaranteeing at least two decades of enjoyment. So much so, there are many pre-loved hot tubs available too. They are just as luxurious and can be much more cost-effective.
If you're looking for a blow-up hot tub, consider reputable brands such as Lay-Z-Spa.
Gone are the worries of a fallen bottle top, broken glass, or over-crowding bursting your bubble. An acrylic hot tub may be a higher investment at first, but it will be more cost-effective in the long run.
2. Monitor the temperature and cover up
Keeping the temperature between 36C and 38C is an average protocol when it comes to setting your temperature, but always adapt according to age, weather and health conditions. You can go as high as 40C according to BISHTA, but anything higher may impact your health. And definitely your energy bills.
In summer there’s no need to have your hot tub on full whack. It should be warm enough to provide comfort, but this is achievable between 26C – 35C. Of course, it is all down to preference but turning your hot tub down when it’s warm out can save money.
For those winter months, crank up the heat but make sure you set a target temperature for that session and aim to leave at that. If you're not planning on using your tub over the colder months, you could save money and winterise your hot tub, find out more in our guide. You can also book a hot tub winterising service with us.
Take into consideration that if your hot tub is full, you won’t need the same temperature as you would if you were in there alone.
A thermal cover will ensure maximum heat retention all year around, as well as maintaining your water quality, reducing the amount of times you need to drain and refill the water. By investing in a high quality shelter, such as wooden gazebos, your hot tub will have another layer of protection from the elementsand colder temperatures.
Get more advice on hot tub temperatures in our guide.
3. Test the water
If you already have a hot tub, you will be familiar with the different chemicals needed to keep pH and alkalinity levels balanced. But this needs to be monitored to keep it efficient. Testing the water with test strips is an affordable way to get your chemical balance right.
By keeping an eye on the chemical balance, you will avoid a turbulent change in your water enabling you to act accordingly every other day. Hot tub testing strips are much cheaper than having to completely empty and refill your tub after a bad turn in the water’s pH or chlorine levels.
After the chemical reading, you will know what chemicals or cleaning products you will need to rebalance the water, keeping yourself and your company free from harmful germs that can circulate in a badly cared-for hot tub.
4. Clean carefully with quality chemicals
Let’s talk about the importance of buying the best hot tub chemicals for your money. Though there are many on the market they aren’t always legit and can do more harm than good.
The chemistry involved in the maintenance of your tub’s water may seem confusing, so take a little science lesson and read our chemical guide before you start.
Opting for a starter kit provides a bundle of chemicals that you need to maintain your hot tub, so you don’t need to buy everything individually.
Buying your hot tub chemicals in bulk is one of the most efficient hot tub saving tips, as it is usually cheaper to do so. Our chlorine granules provide 1KG of stabilising products at only £8.99. Sprinkling a drop of these into your water, or as needed, will keep your hot tub water balanced and safe for months on end.
5. Take care of your filters
The thought of the upkeep of an acrylic hot tub may sound tiring, however it is the complete opposite.
Besides the extra care you must take when using an inflatable hot tub, you also have to change the water, sanitise and even clean the filters more often than an acrylic tub.
We advise that your filters are cleaned once a week and it can be done easily and inexpensively by using a filter cleaner sachet.
Ensuring your filter is cleaned thoroughly, properly, and regularly will prevent it from limescale and blockages. This maintenance will help save you money in the future, improving the lifespan of your hot tub elements. Take cover seriously and this will keep dirt and debris out, preventing any blockages.
For more information, discover our guide on how to clean your hot tub filters.
6. Draining the water
Every three to four months you should drain your hot tub fully to eradicate a build-up of chemicals and give it a full clean. After spending many days and nights in your hot tub, you must do this to elevate your hot tub hygiene levels.
Unlike a pop-up hot tub that needs draining every four to six weeks, a built-in hot tub consists of high performing filter systems that reduce the need to drain the water as often.
When it comes to draining your hot tub, you must turn off the insulator as forgetting to do so can result in damaging your pumps which is another expense.
It is a hot tub myth that you need to change your water after every use, in fact, by putting extra care and consideration into the draining process you can boost the lifespan of the water for up to a year!
Get more tips on keeping your hot tub clean in our guide.
7. Prevent your hot tub from foaming
Seeing a surge of foam in your water can be expensive and time costly if it becomes a recurring problem. It can happen for several reasons, such as dirty water, contamination, or body and hair products disagreeing with the hot tub.
If this happens, you may need to completely drain your water and fill it up again, using more chemicals. Some causes of foamy or discoloured water may be a build-up of algae from insufficient chlorine or bromine levels.
For tips on how to clear your water, check out our guide on preventing foamy, cloud and green tub water.
After ensuring your water remains clean and balanced, you may want to regulate what products parties bring into the hot tub, this could prohibit guests from using the hot tub with body make-up on or drinks.
As mentioned, cheap chemicals can be a huge deterrent to the upkeep of your hot tub and often cost you a lot more in the long run. Don’t forget to use products to prevent foaming, such as no foam chemicals and shock treatments at grade 5 or above.
8. Check your tub has enough insulation
Are you one of the many hot tub owners who have yet to turn their hot tub on due to running costs? Or are you running at a minimal level because of running costs? Then our insulation may be the answer you've been looking for.
Insulation prevents the heat of the water from escaping from the sides of the tub, making your hot tub more efficient to run. Most hot tubs have basic insulation, we've developed the next level with our new eco insulation.
Every hot tub is built with space within the cabinet which can reduce the efficiency of a hot tub if it is not insulated properly by introducing cooler air and allowing heat to dissipate. Our new eco insulation helps to solve this problem. Made from high-quality insulation material, the eco-insulation fits inside your tub, adding an extra layer of efficiency to your tub. The insulation is installed inside your tub, making it invisible outside, so you and your guests would never know. Our eco insulation creates additional efficiency without compromising on the look of your hot tub.
9. Invest in an air source heat pump
An energy-saving air source heat pump reduces the running costs of your hot tub, saving you up 50% a year on your energy bills, and your money back after 2 years.
Heat pumps offer a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to traditional hot tub heating systems. An air source heat pump is one of the most efficient heating systems available for hot tubs, providing up to three times more heat than standard heating options.
Not only does it save you money, but you will also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Find out more about our energy-saving accessories.
10. Picking the best hot tub for your money
So now you know the best money saving tips for maintaining your hot tub, you may wonder which ones are best for your money.
We offer a range of high-quality hot tubs, from budget to high-end. Choose from compact one to two-seat tubs, classic 4 person and 6 seater hot tubs, all the way to an eight person plus spa.
If you are buying a hot tub that will be often communal, ask the parties involved to go Dutch!
We also believe that the financial benefits of investing in an acrylic hot tub can save more money than using cheaper alternatives.
Besides all the tips this guide has covered, you can also opt for finance options that open opportunities for you to not pay a thing for 12 months as well as interest-free finance over two to three years.
A hot tub can be friendly on both the pocket and the planet. By following simple tips when it comes to maintaining your tub, you can avoid costly issues that are just no fun at all.
Parting advice
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.
Not near one of our Yorkshire hot tub showrooms? No problem, if you’re looking for a new hot tub you can explore our virtual showroom or book a video call with our showroom team
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