Depending on several factors, a hot tub can add anywhere between 10-20% to your energy bill, but that is just a guesstimate.
Even big manufacturers don’t have an answer. The cost will depend on many different variables, including the use of the hot tub, the price of energy where you live, the outdoor temperature, the quality of your equipment, etc.
With energy costs on the rise, saving each kilowatt is becoming more and more important. That is why we put this list together of the top 10 energy-saving tips for your hot tub.
1. Get a Quality Spa Cover
Reducing hot tub energy costs is crucial to keep your utility bill under control. To achieve that, the number one tip is to invest in the right hot tub cover for your environment. Depending on the area you live in, you may want to consider purchasing a custom cover. A well-made cover will help trap heat inside your tub, so your heating system and pumps won’t have to work so hard, ultimately reducing energy usage.
Check the Cover Hinge
It’s also important to check your hot tub cover hinge regularly. The hinge is a common culprit for heat loss, even with a new or high-quality cover. Most hot tub covers come with two steam stoppers at each end of the middle hinge, which are typically sufficient for most climates. However, if you live in a colder climate, upgrading to a full-length steam stopper is a wise investment.
Make Sure the Cover Fits Snugly
In addition to checking the hinge, it’s essential to ensure that the cover fits snugly. A cover that’s too small or too big can cause water and heat loss, resulting in higher energy bills. Therefore, make sure your cover fits perfectly to maximize its energy-saving benefits.
If you want to make sure your cover has the perfect fit, Consider purchasing a custom cover
2. Set up a Wind Block
If your hot tub is situated in a windy area, consider installing a windbreak around your spa to reduce heat loss and create a more comfortable environment. You can use various options such as fences, trees, or privacy panels that complement your backyard design. This will not only prevent wind from cooling your water but also make your hot tub experience more enjoyable.
3. Lower the Thermostat
Lowering your hot tub’s thermostat is another effective way to reduce your energy bills, and it’s a close second to using a high-quality hot tub cover. By decreasing your thermostat by just a few degrees, you can significantly decrease your hot tub’s energy consumption. Although you may not notice a significant change in water temperature, your hot tub’s heater certainly will.
For instance, reducing the temperature from 104°F to 100°F can have a significant impact on your energy usage. In fact, lowering the thermostat by each degree can save you approximately 10% on your hot tub energy bill. Not only does this reduce your energy costs, but it also prolongs the lifespan of your hot tub’s heating system.
4. Vacation Mode
Lowering the thermostat or turning off your hot tub when you’re on vacation is an often-overlooked way to save on energy bills. In the summer, you can even turn off your hot tub entirely to save energy. However, in the winter, you need to ensure that your hot tub has a minimum amount of heat to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to your hot tub.
5. Heat During Off-Peak Hours
Did you know that your hot tub heater works harder during peak energy times, which are typically in the mornings and evenings, especially around dinner time? This is because every household is using electricity simultaneously, putting a strain on the energy grid. To reduce your hot tub’s energy consumption, you can adjust the heating schedule to off-peak hours.
Optimal Heating Hours
Setting your hot tub to heat during off-peak hours, such as between 11 PM and 7 AM, can significantly reduce your energy usage and save you money on your utility bills. With a high-quality hot tub cover, the heat will stay trapped inside your hot tub, allowing you to enjoy a warm soak even after dinner without requiring additional heating.
6. Close the Blowers
Air features can provide a unique and refreshing massage experience to your hot tub, but they can also bring in cold air, which can decrease the water temperature. As a result, the hot tub has to work harder to maintain the desired water temperature, increasing energy consumption.
To reduce your hot tub’s energy usage, we recommend turning off the air toggles when you’re not using the hot tub. Doing so will help prevent cold air from entering the hot tub, which will, in turn, reduce the amount of energy required to heat the water.
7. Monitor Energy Consumption
It can be challenging to determine which appliances or habits are driving up your energy bill, but monitoring your monthly energy bill can provide valuable insights. By checking your bill from month to month, you can establish a baseline for your energy usage and identify any significant changes in your consumption.
Once you have established a baseline, you can make changes to your habits and monitor how these changes affect your energy usage. For example, you can make any of the changes recommended in this article to reduce your energy consumption. By monitoring these changes, you can gain a better understanding of how your hot tub is using energy and make informed decisions about how to balance performance and efficiency.
Get a SMARTTUB®
If you’re looking for an even more convenient way to monitor your hot tub’s energy consumption, consider using the SMARTTUB® app from Jacuzzi® and Sundance®. This app enables you to monitor your energy usage in real-time, allowing you to make adjustments and optimize your hot tub’s energy efficiency immediately.
With the SMARTTUB® app, you can track your energy usage on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, receive notifications when your hot tub needs maintenance or when the water temperature falls outside of the desired range. This feature-rich app is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to take control of their hot tub’s energy usage, optimize its performance, and save money on utility bills.
8. Clean and Change Your Filters Regularly
There is no point in working hard to keep your water balance if you cycle it through a dirty filter. Not only will this complicate your water care efforts, but it is also less energy efficient. If your filters are clogged, dirty or even just worn out, it will greatly affect your circulation and put strain on your motor and heating elements.
Filter Cleaning Schedule
Rinsing your filters once a week and cleaning them once a month with a cleaning compound will keep them performing at their peak. Replace your filter at the recommended time frame, even if it looks clean. This will save you energy and money by keeping your water clean.
Buy an Extra Filter to Keep On-Hand
Keeping a spare filter for your hot tub is an excellent idea for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you can replace a faulty or dirty filter immediately, without having to wait until you have time to visit a supply store. This not only saves you time and effort but also minimizes the downtime of your tub.
Additionally, using a spare filter during cleaning allows you to keep your tub running while you are cleaning the other. That way, you won’t have to sacrifice your hot tub experience while cleaning your filter.
Get a spare filter
9. Get a Floating Thermal Blanket
Adding a thermal blanket to your hot tub is an excellent way to provide an additional layer of heat protection while also reducing energy consumption. If your hot tub cover is still in good condition, a thermal blanket is a cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your hot tub.
Save Energy
Thermal blankets work by reducing water evaporation and heat loss by over 90%, thereby helping your hot tub retain heat and reducing energy consumption. This can result in significant savings on your energy bill, and you may recoup the cost of the blanket within just one year.
Protect Your Cover
Moreover, a thermal blanket can also protect the underside of your hard cover from chemically charged steam, which can cause wear and tear over time. By using a thermal blanket, you can extend the lifespan of your hot tub cover, ensuring that it lasts for many years.
10. Fill with Warm Water
If you find that you have no other option but to undertake a full water change for your hot tub, we recommend doing so every 3-4 months, even with good routine maintenance. When refilling your hot tub, it’s more energy-efficient to use water warmed from your domestic hot water supply, ensuring that the temperature is no hotter than 40 degrees Celsius.
Using pre-warmed water from your domestic hot water supply is more energy-efficient than filling your hot tub with cold water and relying solely on the heating element to bring the temperature up. This reduces energy consumption, saving you money on utility bills, and also helps your hot tub reach the desired temperature more quickly, allowing you to enjoy it sooner.
More Tips From Galaxy Home Recreation
If you would like some more energy saving tips or information on our most energy efficient hot tubs, stop by our showroom. Our trained and friendly staff are ready to answer your questions and help you with whatever you need!
