Running Costs of Hot Tubs

Most people who are looking into buying a hot tub will question how much it will cost to run it. There is no definitive or straightforward answer here as there are several different factors that will affect running costs. This blog serves to break down a few of these costs so that you can get an idea of what costs are involved. It is worth mentioning though that running a hot tub is not as expensive as you might expect! Whilst your initial costs of purchasing and setting up a hot tub will be high; the maintenance cost is likely to be quite low. 

On average in the UK, energy-efficient high-quality hot tubs cost about £1 a day to run. When opting for a cheap model, you run the risk of increasing this amount potentially up to £5 a day. To put that into perspective, investing in a quality hot tub can cost you as little as £365 a year to keep it heated, whereas choosing a cheap import or low-quality model can cost you up to £1825 a year to keep warm. That is why it is best to choose reliable and energy-efficient models like the ones we sell here at Simply Spas, as they are designed to maintain heat efficiently.

So, what factors might affect this cost, and what do I need to consider?

1) Usage

Of course, your electricity costs may differ depending on how often you use the hot tub, if you are using it every day, then your costs will be higher as the hot tub will need to be heated every day. Additionally, if you opt for a model with build in jets that get used daily, then this may also boost costs. It is important to note that it is more energy efficient to always keep the hot tub running, set to an economy mode which lowers the temperature by a few degrees and keeps it heated. This means that the hot tub doesn’t have to heat up all the water from a low temperature each time, using less energy.

In the winter, it is suggested that you drop the temperature even further by a couple more degrees. This is because the hot tub won’t have to work as hard to maintain a hot temperature when the weather outside is cold. You also need to check that your covering is airtight and keeps the warmth in.

2) Hygiene and Cleaning Solutions

Hot tubs need proper care, and they need to be hygienic. Filters need to be changed once a year, and PH levels need to be checked regularly, usually once a day, and replace things such as chlorine blocks once a week. The average cost of buying cleaning solutions tends to total around £250-£350 annually.

This figure may change depending on the size of your hot tub, usage, and care.

3) Servicing and maintenance

As with many appliances, cars, boilers, etc., hot tubs will need maintenance to ensure the upkeep and efficient performance. Hot tub engineers will typically offer services such as checking parts, replacing filters, draining, and replacing the water and valeting. The cost varies by company, but a one-off service usually sits at around £150, though plans are available. To make an additional point, whilst it is recommended to have an engineer come once a year, some hot tub owners may not use qualified engineers as often as this. It is highly recommended that you hire someone once a year, but if you do not you must still drain the water once a year, clean the tub and refill.

WhatSpas estimates the total cost breakdown of owning a hot tub as follows:

• £275 – £365 in electricity
• £150 – £300 in service costs
• £250 – £300 for consumables and water care

Making the total cost of running a hot tub £675 – £965 a year.

The Bottom Line

Whilst the initial costs of a hot tub are high, running costs are relatively low. However, opting to buy a cheap hot tub will be a reverse scenario, with low upfront costs and very high maintenance costs. It is strongly recommended that you buy a sturdy, reliable model made with high-quality parts so that you don’t end up paying a fortune in the long run. It is also important when considering the costs, to consider the benefits of owning a hot tub. From a social, physical, and mental well-being perspective. The figures listed above aim to act as an estimate for pricing, though it is up to the consumer to purchase the best plans, products, and hot tub models for their needs.