Although inflatable hot tubs are relatively cheap, there is still a monthly expense you need to pay just to run them. We know that unless you’re a multi-millionaire, money-saving tips could come in handy. Here are our best tips to reduce the running costs of an inflatable hot tub.
Insulation Is Not Just For The Winter
Even though insulation is usually an inflatable hot tub winter precaution that many owners need, it doesn’t hurt to keep some insulation all year long, because it can significantly reduce the energy needed to cover heat loss. Just make sure that the heating equipment and water pump are uncovered during the summer months to avoid overheating the unit.
Insulating the bottom of your inflatable spa is still recommended to save your energy bill from skyrocketing.
Keep It Running
Although this may feel counterintuitive, if you intend to use the hot tub regularly it would be more energy efficient to keep it running. Once you turn off the heating element, the water will begin to cool down and you will need to heat it back up (which could take up to 24 hours, depending on how much the water cools down and the weather). If you keep it running, you save a lot more in the long run.
Windchill Is A Major Factor In Your Energy Bill
You might have noticed that most hot tubs (whether fixed or inflatable) are usually installed near a wall or a fence of some sort. This is a way to prevent wind from cooling down the water, and thereby forcing the heating unit to spend more energy keeping the water temperature steady. So, always make sure to install your hot tub near a windbreaker. Luckily, inflatable hot tubs are portable and you can drain and move them if you notice that there is a significant windchill where your hot tub is placed.
You Won’t Feel A Slightly Lower Temperature, But Your Bills Will
Most of us can’t tell the difference between 102F and 104F. By decreasing the temperature setting on your hot tub, you reduce the energy needed to bring the water up to temperature, and the energy needed to maintain it. You won’t be able to tell the difference temperature-wise, but there will be a significant reduction in your bills, and the savings will add up over time.
Unless you’re running the hot tub during the winter, you probably don’t need to keep it at the maximum recommended temperature.
There’s No Need To Fill It To The Max
Your inflatable spa will generally show that there is a maximum and a minimum fill line for the water level. You need to fill the water up to the minimum fill line, but there is no reason to fill it all the way up. The extra water will require extra energy to heat it up and maintain its temperature. So, consider using less water – you may be surprised with how little difference that extra water makes to your hot tubbing experience – and how much you’ll save from using less water.
