How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Operate?

The truth is, there are different variables that can have a significant influence on your hot tub's operational costs.

Some of these factors include:

• The model you choose (quality of insulation)

• The temperature of the water

• Climate (ambient temperature)

• Usage (pumps on or off)

• Cost of hydro/electricity

Many spa manufacturers use several different types of insulation inside their hot tubs.

Depending on the model you purchase, the quality of insulation could differ significantly. Some of the most thoroughly insulated spas on the market today use high-density, multi-layered polyurethane spray foam. This type of insulation solidifies and fills cracks and tiny spaces between the acrylic shell and cabinet.

How often the hot tub is used, and the amount of time jet pumps are running will certainly play a factor in operational expenses.

Think of it this way: having the jet pumps running at a high speed is comparable to stepping on the gas pedal in your automobile – when you step on the pedal, more fuel is used – comparably, when you run your pumps consistently, more energy is utilized. Most hot tubs on the market now have either 1 jet pump or 2 jet pumps based on the model and size. Sometimes larger hot tubs can be found with 3 jet pumps and even 4 jet pumps, drawing more electricity.

In addition to insulation and frequency of use, the climate you live in can drastically impact the cost of operating your hot tub.

Consequently, depending on where you live, your kilowatt rate per hour can vary along with the number of kilowatt hours needed to operate the spa.

Today many spa manufacturers are required to meet more stringent energy standards set by the state or country where they are manufactured.

Some of the most efficient spas available on the market today are manufactured in the state of California and all models have to be certified to meet the California Energy Commission (CEC) standards and APSP 14 – the national energy efficient standard for portable spas. Some of the premium and luxury hot tub models available are packed with creative innovation and impressive features designed to keep operational expenses at a minimum, with energy efficiency primary focus.

Most hot tub manufacturers will advertise or state the operational expenses of different models on a monthly basis. Usually, if the figure that’s presented to you sounds too good to be true, generally it is! As a customer, it is incredibly important to do your due diligence and read the fine print when shopping for a hot tub. As a sales representative in the industry, I would strongly encourage going to a third-party source where you can submit your own energy data and calculate your operational expenses before purchasing your hot tub or spa. It may not be accurate to the penny, but it is a terrific indicator – no big surprises! The HotSpring Spas website features an energy calculator that allows you to input model of spa and climate and rate per kWh to estimate monthly costs. What’s important to note is the fine print underneath the energy calculator… ‘Based on a medium-sized Highlife Collection spa set at 102 °F used 6 times per week, 15 minutes with the jets on, 15 minutes with the jets off during each use.’ The estimates are clearly based on a heavy hot tub user soaking at a hot temperature for an extended period of time with jet pumps running.

The cost to operate a high-quality hot tub is approximately $11 per month to $70 per month based on factors discussed above.

If you live in a harsher, colder climate and/or you’re going to be a heavy hot tub user I would strongly suggest investing in a high-quality spa that’s going to save you money in the lifetime of spa ownership.