A hot tub is a good investment, especially if you look forward to a warm and relaxing bath after coming home from a tiring day. However, hot tubs are luxury items that cost premium prices, and the expenses continue even after a hot tub has been placed in your home. Your monthly energy cost will increase noticeably if you keep that water heated and moving.
It is why every hot tub owner’s question when buying a hot tub is, how much electricity does a hot tub add to the electric bill? This is essential knowledge for hot tub ownership. This article will walk you through the energy incurred in running a hot tub as well as the factors that cause a spike in electricity expenses.
Power Usage Of A Hot Tub
Hot tub energy costs are advertised by modern hot tub manufacturers as being around $1 per day, with the highest cost being $50 per month. A hot tub’s energy usage is determined mainly by the heater, which typically consumes 1,500 to 6,000 watts.
At 1,500 watts, the pump is another significant energy consumer. Your energy cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh), your area’s environment, and your maintenance and usage habits will all affect how much energy it costs to run a hot tub.
Electricity Costs Of Using A Hot Tub Per Month
So, how much electricity bill does a hot tub use?
You will need around 7.5 kilowatts to power a hot tub with a 240-volt heating system. Decide how much electricity and how many hours a hot tub is utilized each month to assess the overall amount of electricity required. Afterward, multiply it by 7.5. The total will be roughly 10 hrs times 7.5, which is 75 kW hours each month.
The average electric bill price for hot tubs in the United States is rough.13 cents per kilowatt-hour. 75 kWh times 13 cents equals $10 or $1 per hour of consumption.
Factors That Affect Energy Usage Of Hot Tubs
The costs and the electric bill provided above are just a rough estimate, and the actual expenses would still depend on many factors, such as the following:
- Improper Maintenance. Your hot tub will use less electricity if you take good care of it by using an excellent, well-fitting insulating cover and cleaning the filters frequently.
- Frequent Usage. The expense of running a hot tub depends on how frequently it is used. A hot tub uses more electricity the more it is utilized. The system and parts of the hot tub must work harder because increased use results in increased heat loss.
- Regular Water Heating. The cost of heating water is more than keeping it continuously at a high temperature. Your following electric charge will be significantly larger than in succeeding months after you warm up your new hot tub for the first time.
- Refilling Water. Replacement of the spa’s water is a routine maintenance task. With some setups, you may be required to drain and refill the hot tub twice to 3 – 5 times a year. The water in your spa needs to be heated after being filled, which will significantly increase your subsequent electric bill.
Additionally, there are factors affecting the electricity consumption of hot tubs that are out of your control. This usually includes the following:
- Per kilowatt energy costs in your area.
- The quality of your hot tub�s custom cover.
- The weather condition or climate in your place
- The size of the hot tub.
Tips To Save Energy Consumption Of Hot Tubs
While you may feel guilty over consuming too much of this commodity, thankfully, there are proven and tested tips that can help you save energy and save money for your electric bill when using your hot tub.
Water Volume
The amount of water in your hot tub is an important thing to consider. 250 gallons is about how much water the ordinary hot tub can carry, while larger ones can store up to 500 gallons. Your tub will use more electricity to maintain the temperature of the water the more water there is in it. There for, if you want to save energy in this part, consider less water volume if it can suit your need.
Energy Efficient Mode
Reducing the water temperature options should be included in a hot tub’s customizable settings. Maintain the temperature of your hot tub a little lower than when you’d normally use them. Less energy enables an energy-efficient hot tub that will only be required to maintain this temperature the closer it is to the temperature of the surrounding temperature.
Use The Hot Tub Cover
Keep the cover on when not using the hot tub to prevent heat from escaping through the top. It will prevent the system from continually warming the water to maintain the desired temperature. Pick a good cover with a tapering shape, solid construction, locality, and insulating vents around the folding.
Efficiently Working Pumps
Take this a consideration when buying a hot tub for the first time. Compared to conventional pumps, an energy-efficient pump can save your hot tub’s energy usage up to 32%. Find a pump that produces the least energy while providing the highest flow rate. This will affect how much energy a spa can run.
Certified CEC Model
Choose a CEC-certified hot tub model if you want maximum energy efficiency. They have established a stringent requirement only given to hot tubs that meet the highest energy efficiency standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions to guide you in knowing how much power a hot tub uses.
How Much Electricity Does A Hot Tub Use In The Winter?
Expect a rise in your monthly electricity bill of $20 to $30 a month to run a hot tub during the winter. But, the price could increase by as much as fifty dollars a month for inflatable hot tubs, plug-and-play bathtubs, or bathtubs with poor insulation.
What Size Breaker Do I Need For A Hot Tub?
Most spas can function properly with a 50 amp, 2 poles standard circuit breaker. Some spa manufacturers require a 60amp breaker. While some manufacturers claim that their spas can use 8 gauge wiring for a 50amp line. However, it is always advised to use 6 gauge wiring for installations of 50/60 amps.
Can You Plug A Hot Tub To A Regular Outlet?
Because plug-and-play hot tubs operate on a common 110-volt 15 to 20-amp residential circuit, just like your typical household outlet, they may be connected to a regular electrical outlet.
Is It Cheaper To Keep A Hot Tub On?
One of the key explanations for continuously keeping the hot tub running is on the cost. Once the water in your hot tub reaches the desired warm temperature, maintaining that temperature only needs a minor amount of power.
To Sum Up
Normal-sized hot tubs use about c1,500 to 6,000 watts depending on the pump’s efficiency. Per month, the estimated electricity expenses can amount to 13 cents equals $10 or $1 per hour of consumption. If you want to cut on this cost and save energy while using the luxury that your hot tub can offer, consider using a good hot tub cover, use the energy-saving mode, lessen the water volume, look for high-quality pumps and search for hot tubs with a CEC model certificate. It should help you lessen the costs incurred in using your hot tub.
