5 Ways to Run a Hot Tub Economically

There’s no getting around it: having a hot tub means higher energy bills for as long as that tub is in use. However, you can still take measures to ensure that this increase is as small as possible. Lowering the energy costs associated with running your hot tub is as easy as trying out these 5 simple tips.

1. Lower the Temperature

All hot tubs need to be heated, but they don’t necessarily have to be equally hot. If you lower the temperature of your hot tub by a few degrees, you won’t need as much power to warm it up to that point. Even that small reduction should be enough to lower your energy bills a bit.

2. Replace Your Old Hot Tub Cover

Hot tub covers don’t just keep bugs and yard debris out of the water; they also help to keep the heat in. An old worn-out cover will let too much heat escape and will force your heater to work overtime to keep the water warm. Getting a new one with no tears and proper insulation can make it much easier to keep the tub warm while using less power.

3. Fix Any Leaks

Hot tubs are insulated to hold in the heat they’re producing, but this insulation loses its effectiveness when it gets wet. If you have any leaky spots on your tub, your insulation isn’t working as well as it should. Fix the leak and replace the insulation that was sitting beneath it and you’ll have gotten rid of those weak spots that were leeching your heat and driving up your energy costs.

4. Use a Circuit Timer

Many people waste a lot of money by heating their hot tubs constantly. With a circuit timer on the thermostat, you can control when your hot tub will be heated instead of having to heat it all the time. If you run the heating only during off-peak hours when electricity costs less, you’ll be able to shave some money off your electrical bills each month.

5. Clean Your Filters Regularly

Don’t forget that it’s not just the heating system in your hot tub that uses power – the pumping system does too. A dirty hot tub filter is harder to move water through, which means that your pump uses more energy when you’ve let your cleaning regimen slide a bit. Try to give your filters a thorough chemical wash at least every few months and replace them entirely about every year; you should see enough improvements in efficiency to lower your energy bills a bit.

Owning a hot tub will never be free, but you don’t have to settle for high costs, either. Take action now and you could bring your energy expenses down significantly and keep your hot tub budget in check.