Many dream of relaxing in a hot tub on a chilly weekend. However, the reality of the associated costs can be a harsh wake-up call. The luxury of a hot tub not only entails a significant initial investment, but the ongoing operational expenses can also strain your budget.
With modern variants of hot tubs claiming to cost $1 per day and a maximum of $50 per month, their actual running cost could extend even further. So, a detailed overview is crucial.
This guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of hot tub’s energy requirements and offer practical and cost-effective alternatives to operating your Jacuzzi.
How Much Power Does A Hot Tub Need?
The most energy-draining part of a hot tub is its heater, which usually consumes between 1000W and 6000W of electricity, depending on the heater size and the hot tub's model. The water pump follows the heater, which uses around 1500W to 2000W water.
It's important to note that even if you are not using your tub, the heater will run in short intervals to sustain water temperature. However, during regular operations, the running time boosts, though still in intervals, but more frequently, leading to a power requirement of 3000W for a 120V heater and 7000W for a 240V heater.
These are just rough estimates. Several other factors also come into play when calculating a hot tub's energy needs. These include your temperature settings, the size of the tub, and the overall conditions of the tub and the outside environment.
How Much Does Running A Hot Tub Cost?
The running cost of the hot tub is a common inquiry both among its owners and individuals aspiring for this. We can calculate the average cost of a hot tub using the energy usage mentioned above.
So, suppose we are running a 120V hot tub for one hour, which will use 3000W power. Because the electricity is provided in kWh, let's convert watts by dividing them by 1000, and your per-hour consumption will be 3kWh.
Now the average cost per kWh in the US is $0.23. Following this, here is the calculation for per-hour cost.
Running cost of hot tub for one hour = Electricity consumed in kWh x price per kWh
Running cost of hot tub for one hour = 3 kWh x $0.23 = $0.70
This is the cost under standard conditions, which is not applicable in the real world. So, on average, a hot tub costs between $20 and $100 per month, which translates into $240 and $1200 annually.
These cost differences are due to temperature settings, maintenance, and, most importantly, the model. The modern derivatives of hot tubs consume significantly less power than their old counterparts. Another important factor in this regard is hot tub usage hours. During peak electricity hours, consumers are charged more per kWh than in non-peak hours.
What Factors Affect The Electricity Costs Of A Hot Tub?
Heaters are among the most electricity-intensive appliances in a home. Being the primary component of a jacuzzi, they make their power consumption high. However, several factors affect the electricity costs of a hot tub, as explained below.
Efficiency Of Hot Tub
A well-maintained and energy-efficient hot tub uses much less power than conventional tubs. Various parameters are important to gauge energy efficiency, including insulation, proper ventilation for heather, good spacing, filter conditions, and the type of hot tub cover.
Location
Location is a critical factor impacting your jacuzzi’s energy use. The warmer the surroundings of a tub, the less energy it will need for water heating. Conversely, in a cold place, energy usage boosts. Also, in cold environments, the water gets colder fast, requiring more frequent operations for temperature maintenance.
Hot Tub Size
There are big-size hot tubs available in the market that can entertain more than two people. Because they have more water, they require more heat to warm up than small tubs.
However, one positive aspect of big hot tubs is their retention capacity. This means they keep water warm for more time when switched off compared to regular-sized tubs.
Insulation
Heat follows the principle of Conduction which means it transfers from a hot body to a cold body. This is a critical factor in hot tubs as they should store heat for maximum time. Hot tub insulation acts as barries against this dissipation.
A good hot tub has a minimum of 6 inches of insulation inside, which can also be upgraded manually. To further boost heat efficiency, it is recommended that the hot tub pipes be insulated, too.
Model
Technological advancements have made appliances highly sustainable and energy efficient, and hot tubs are not an exception. The new hot tub model performs exceptionally well in terms of energy efficiency compared to older ones.
How Can I Make My Hot Tub Energy Efficient?
By practicing some simple tips, you can effectively boost your hot tub’s energy efficiency. Insulation is first in this regard.
As discussed, insulation is crucial in hot tub heat retention. Thus, while making purchases, ensure that you opt for a tub with good insulation, but if it is not available, ensure that insulation is updated manually later on.
Next comes the hot tub cover. It not only keeps the water clean but also curtails heat loss through the water's surface. Covering your tub also minimizes the heating time.
Lastly, a thermal blanket is also a good choice to prevent heat loss. The blankets work by covering the water surface and can also be used while in the tub. Combining these techniques can effectively curb your tub’s power requirement, eventually lowering the running costs.
How To Save On Hot Tub Electricity Bill?
After the upfront cost, the operational cost of a hot tub is critical. While a grid power supply can be a good option, high energy bills can take a toll on your budget at the end of the month.
Solar power by using solar generator kits is the best alternative in this regard. Solar energy is not only free but also sustainable, making it both a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
Below reviewed are two top solar generator choices from BLUETTI that are explicitly designed to run your hot tub while also supporting your other appliance's power needs.
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2*B230 + 3*PV200
This expandable power station comes with a 2200W pure sine wave inverter with a surge capacity of 4800W, which is enough to run your hot tub effortlessly. Other components of this solar kit include a 2048Wh LiFePO4 battery which stores enough power to fulfill the power needs of all your home appliances for hours. Its modular design further allows it to extend the battery capacity up to 8192 Wh with additional B230 batteries.
Furhter, to ensure you never run out of power, the unit supports 7 different charging streams and can be charged through AC, solar, car battery, lead battery, and AC+solar. To experience efficient charging you can use a 1400W charging rate by combining solar with a wall outlet and it will take only 2 hours to charge your power station fully.
Its portable and modular design not only makes it best for use inside the home but could also be your reliable power source off the grid. Lastly, what makes AC200MAX truly exceptional is its price match guarantee, which means if you find any other system of the same capacity that is lower priced than this, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of purchase.
BLUETTI EP500 + 3*PV200
With an exceptional 5120Wh battery capacity and a 3000W pure sine wave inverter, the EP500 is best whether you want to run your hot tub or need a reliable power backup during off-grid camping. The LiFePO4 battery boasts a 6000+ exceptional charge cycle range extending its life span to more than 20 years with one charge cycle per day.
Its integrated battery management system (BMS) ensures operational safety and boosts durability. Further, a microcomputer makes operations smooth, and systems can be operated through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the BLUETTI smart app.
Unlike conventional power generators, the system does not need to be started manually when grid power is down. It starts automatically and keeps all your appliances powered while ensuring zero noise, no toxic gas emissions, and zero carbon footprints.
Lastly, to experience an exceptional outflow of solar power, connect the unit with a 1200W MPPT solar charger and reap the benefits of solar energy at its maximum without affecting your stored battery. EP500 is not better. It is the best answer to all your power needs.
The Bottom Line
Hot Tub baths are a good way to convert boring weekends into super entertaining home vacations. However, their operational cost could be a burden on your pocket. That, too, can be decreased significantly if managed properly. For this, ensure your tub is properly insulated and maintained.
Further, if you want to cut down on your tub’s operational costs completely, the BLUETTI solar generator could be your way to go. They are not only suitable for powering your jacuzzi but can also significantly lower your monthly bills. So worry not, and make your move now.
