What’s the Overall Cost of Operating a Hot Tub in the Winter Months?

Keeping your hot tub running throughout the winter is a great way to avoid winterizing it—and, of course, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of your hot tub throughout the entire year. But many people wonder about cutting costs in winter with their hot tub.

Generally, it costs about a dollar per day to keep a 500-gallon hot tub running throughout the winter.

Here’s how to save money in winter while operating your hot tub in Oxford, CT:

• Get a quality winter hot tub cover: About 60 percent of your hot tub’s heat escapes from the water’s surface. The best way to keep that heat where it belongs is to get a high-quality, insulated winter hot tub cover. If you get a good cover with a radiant heat shield on the inside and a high R-value, you’ll notice lower energy bills and warmer water. This is the single best thing you can do to insulate your hot tub when it’s not in use—which means it will be warm and ready to go when you do.
• Keep up with your cleaning schedule: The cleaner your hot tub, the more efficient it will be to operate. Cleaning the hot tub and changing the filter will ensure that the water can circulate easily. Don’t let a dirty, sludgy filter increase your energy costs; maintain your regular hot tub cleaning schedule throughout the winter months. Plus, you want to keep it clean and sanitary so that it’s healthy and safe for you and your guests to use.
• Turn down the jets: You already know that 60 percent of the heat escapes from the water’s surface, but did you know that jets contribute to that problem? Jets blow air into the water, which can contribute to more heat escaping as you use the tub. Instead of letting the heat dissipate in the cold winter air, turn the jets way down (or off) to preserve the temperature.
• Lower the temperature: You can also save some money by lowering the temperature in your hot tub. A temperature of 100°F to 102°F is usually quite comfortable during the winter months. If you need it to be hotter, plan ahead, and turn up the heat about two or three hours ahead of your soak.
• Consider a thermal blanket: Finally, consider purchasing a thermal blanket to use on the water’s surface. These sit on the water, underneath the cover, and can further prevent heat from escaping into the cold air around your hot tub. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean, making them a smart investment for any Connecticut hot tub owner.

As you can see, it’s not hard to save money on winter hot tub operating costs. By making a few simple adjustments (and purchasing insulating covers or blankets), you can keep the water warm even when it’s snowing outside.

For more information about how to lower your winter hot tub operating costs, get in touch with the team at A-1 Pools & Spas today.

Categorised in: Hot Tubs