How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Hot Tub
Soaking in your hot tub can be a dream. But sky-high maintenance costs can turn this dream into a nightmare. Operating a hot tub can become expensive between electricity costs, service fees, and water care. But how much does it cost to maintain a hot tub? Keep reading to discover how you can enjoy your hot tub without breaking the bank.
Average Monthly Electricity Cost
You'll find that some hot tub manufacturers advertise their spas as costing around $50 a month to maintain. However, your energy bill will vary.
Your hot tub's heater consumes the most energy. Depending on the size, your spa heater will draw 1,500 to 6,000 watts. Your water pump also consumes a lot of energy—drawing about 1,500 watts.
When your spa isn't in use, the heater will run sporadically to maintain the water temperature. But when you're soaking, it will run constantly. So you can estimate that a hot tub with a 120-volt heater consumes 3,000 watts while in use. A larger 240-volt heater uses about 7,500 watts. So these wattages equal 3 kilowatts-hours (kWh) and 7.5 kWh.
How can you use this to calculate your energy bill? First, multiply your spa's kWh by the kWh rate on your bill. Your rate will vary depending on where you live, but the average kWh rate is $0.15.
Let's say you spend an hour a day in your spa. That's 30 hours a month—30 hours multiplied by 3 kWh per hour equals 90 kWh per month. And 90 kWh multiplied by 15 cents per kilowatt per hour comes to $13.50 per month.
But many other factors impact the cost of electricity. For instance, if you live in a climate with warm winters, it will cost less to keep your spa toasty. But conversely, your heater will work harder if you live in an area with colder weather.
How much electricity does a hot tub use? Here are factors that contribute to your energy bill:
- Spa size: Large spas cost more to heat than smaller ones
- Use frequency: The more you use your hot tub, the more you'll have to run the heater.
- Weather/climate: Hot tubs are more expensive to heat in the winter
- Hot tub treatments: For example, ozonators require a lot of electricity to operate
- Insulation: A poorly insulated hot tub will cost more to heat
- Hot tub cover: The quality and fit of the tub's cover impacts how well it retains heat
Average Water Care Cost
The cost of water care depends on the water care system you have. Basic water care supplies (bromine, pH increaser, etc.) costs around $200 per year. If you have a saltwater treatment system, you will need to replace cartridges every 18 months—which costs between $300 and $500 for ozone systems, and annual check-ups cost between $100 to $200.
Average Monthly Service Rates
Manually testing and checking your hot tub's chemistry can be time-consuming. So, hiring a professional may be the right option. A technician comes to your home each week to provide chemical testing, water balancing, and filter cleaning. The more services your want, the higher your monthly maintenance bill. Weekly hot tub maintenance services range anywhere from $50 to $120.
Maintenance Visit Fees
A maintenance visit provides more in-depth and preventative care for your hot tub. A professional will check your electrical panels, assess for leaks or faulty parts, and perform other troubleshooting. The amount you will pay depends on the extent of wear and tear. An average 2-hour service call costs around $75.
Tub Draining Fees
A hot tub professional drains the water, cleans the tub, and checks the filters. How often you drain your spa depends on how many times you use it. For example, if you occasionally use your spa, you might need to drain the spa two to five times a year. However, if you host nightly hot tub parties, you may need to have it drained two times a month. Draining fees will depend on the company, but the average cost of professional pool draining costs between $130 to $150.
Service Calls
Sometimes, your hot tub will need repair. While you can try to fix the problem yourself, it's best to call a technician. Many professionals will provide service at an hourly rate, and some will charge for a minimum number of hours. But the average cost of a hot tub repair ranges from $75 to $150. This cost also accounts for overhead, transportation, and equipment.
Tips for Saving on Hot Tub Maintenance
Worried that maintaining your hot tub may break the bank? There are ways to reduce your spa expenses. Check out the ways you can keep your hot tub in tip-top shape without spending a lot of money:
- Cover your hot tub: Invest in a high-quality hot tub cover. Shielding your hot tub can ensure you retain heat and save on heating costs. It also prevents debris from getting in.
- Close your pressure jets: Your pressure jets consume a lot of energy. So, you can save energy by closing them when they're not in use. Not closing your jets could also accelerate heat loss.
- Regulate pH levels: The ideal pH of your pool falls between 7.2 to 7.8. Keeping your pH levels balanced ensures your sanitizer works efficiently. And with a clean spa, you won't have to drain it as often. Also, balanced chemistry helps prevent damage to your spa.
- Choose a low-watt pump: Opting for a pump with a lower watt provides an energy-efficient experience.
- Enhance your insulation: It takes more energy to heat a spa than it does to retain it. Layered insulation helps keep your spa at the perfect temperature without putting pressure on your heater.
- Choose LED: LED lighting systems are more energy-efficient than conventional lights.
Enjoy Your Hot Tub Without the Extra Cost
Keeping your hot tub in shape is not cheap, but the greatest cost to maintain a spa comes from the heater. However, you can save on heating with proper insulation and a high-quality cover. But this isn't the only way to save on energy. Learn more with our tips for reducing hot tub electricity costs.
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