Backyard hot tubs are the ultimate way to create your own relaxing oasis in your home. This explains why you’re dying to have one, and trust us — we TOTALLY understand! But before you jump into owning a hot tub, you may be wondering what it will do to your utility bills. Just how much will it cost each month? Since it depends on which hot tub model you choose, there’s no black and white answer here. If you choose a high-end hot tub, your utility bill should go up just $10-20 per month. But, if you buy an entry-level hot tub, your power bill could be significantly higher. Obviously, if energy efficiency is a top priority, you’ll want to choose a high-end spa. But what makes an energy-efficient hot tub so different?
Insulation
High-quality insulation makes a big difference when it comes to how efficient your hot tub will be. Entry-level hot tubs have low-quality or little insulation so they lose heat through all four sidewalls. Not only does that mean your hot tub has to use more energy to keep the water heated, but the components work a lot harder. This is a big reason high-end hot tubs can last 20 years or more, while entry-level ones usually have a 5-7 year lifespan.
Base Pans
When the weather is cool, the ground will suck heat out of anything touching it (you may be uncomfortably familiar with this concept if you’ve done much camping!). So, high-end hot tubs have base pans that provide a thermal layer between the base layer that touches the ground and the shell, which holds the warm water. This base pan layer not only protects your water from losing heat, it also protects you from painful heating bills.
Hot Tub Cover
A nice fitted hot tub cover is your first line of defense against heat loss. When your cover doesn’t fit well, or it’s damaged, heat escapes and your hot tub has to work harder to keep the water at temperature. If your cover isn’t on well, you’ll see a spike in your utility bill. Also, this is why it’s so important to replace a cracked or sagging cover. Damage is a sign your cover can’t do its job any longer.
If keeping your utility bill low is one of your biggest priorities, make sure your new hot tub ticks these three boxes. To find out how the specific hot tub you’ve got your eye on might affect your bill, come talk to us! Want to learn more about the differences between high-end and entry-level hot tubs? Read this.