This is your complete guide on answering the question – how much electricity does a hot tub use? On average, running a hot tub costs around $20 to $60 per month, with the older models tending to cost more than the newer ones. However, modern hot tub manufacturers now offer more energy-efficient models that can cost as little as $1 a day to run.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill, but also to become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful! It makes it easier for you to know more about how much a hot tub costs. Be sure to also check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
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How Much Power Does a Hot Tub Use?
Manufacturers often claim that a hot tub costs about $1 a day to operate, but actual costs can vary significantly depending on your usage and the type of hot tub you have. The heater is the most energy-intensive component, with hot tub energy consumption ranging from 1.5 kWh to 6 kWh per hour (1,500 to 6,000 watts), depending on the heater’s power and the desired water temperature.
For comparison, an average television uses about 1 kWh if operated for an hour each day. If you use your hot tub frequently, especially daily, expect a substantial increase in your monthly electricity bill. Even with the most energy-efficient models, running a hot tub daily could add around $30 or more to your monthly expenses.
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How Much Electricity Does a Hot Tub Tub Use Per Month?
A hot tub’s energy consumption primarily comes from its heater, which can range from 1,500 watts to 6,000 watts, depending on the heater’s voltage (120-volt or 240-volt) and the time of year. In addition to the heater, you should account for other components like pumps, lights, and accessories, which may add around 1,500 watts to your overall energy usage.
The energy costs of running a hot tub depend on how often it’s used and the components operating. For instance, maintaining the water temperature when the hot tub is not in use represents the lowest cost. However, actively using the hot tub requires continuous operation of the water pump and heater, which increases electricity usage and, consequently, your bill.
Monthly Cost of Running a Hot Tub
On average, expect to spend between $20 and $40 per month on electricity for a hot tub. Here’s a quick calculation to help you estimate your costs:
- Small Hot Tub with 120-volt Heater: Consumes around 2 kWh for the heater and 1.5 kWh for the water pump, totaling 3.5 kWh per hour. If used for 50 hours a month, this equates to 175 kWh. At an average rate of 14.77 cents per kWh, the monthly cost is about $26.
- Hot Tub with 240-Volt Heater: Uses approximately 7.5 kWh, which could double the cost to about $50 per month.
Your actual costs will vary depending on your local electricity rates and how frequently you use your hot tub.
Yearly and Seasonal Costs
To calculate annual costs, multiply your monthly cost by 12. For example, a hot tub that costs $26 per month to run would total around $310 per year. Costs can be higher or lower depending on factors like usage, heater size, and energy efficiency.
Winter Usage: Running a hot tub in the winter can be more expensive due to the energy required to heat colder water. Heating a hot tub from 50℉ to 100℉ might use an additional 40 kWh or more, depending on the starting water temperature. Even with limited winter use, the cost to heat your hot tub could be around $5 per use.
By understanding these factors, you can better estimate the ongoing costs associated with owning a hot tub and budget accordingly.
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What Other Costs Come with Hot Tub Energy Usage?
As we mentioned above, your hot tub’s electricity cost can significantly vary depending on the different factors that come with your hot tub. We think when trying to calculate how much a hot tub costs in electricity, it is important to outline all of the factors that can increase your electric bill.
Factors that affect the cost of running a hot tub:
- Outdoor climate and temperature (air temp and wind speed)
- Size of hot tub
- Quality and age of hot tub
- Type and fit of hot tub cover
- Hot tub thermostat setting
- Age and quality of water heater
Each of these factors will have a major role in calculating how much it will cost to run your hot tub for any amount of time. One of the largest factors in hot tub energy cost is the size and how much water your tub holds. Remember, the more water in your tub, the more overall energy you use to heat it. It is also super important to keep on on maintenance and cleaning of your hot tub. Poorly maintained parts can contribute to high hot tub electricity costs due to not working at their fullest potential and sucking energy.
How much does it cost to clean a hot tub?
As we mentioned, maintenance is a huge part of keeping a clean and efficient hot tub to make sure that you aren’t wasting any money due to faulty parts. The best way to reduce your hot tub energy usage is to keep up with all required cleanings and other required upkeep that comes with owning a jacuzzi. Many new hot tub owners do not consider that you have to drain and replace the water at least once a year, which requires an addition of chemicals to keep your water clean.
It is smart to budget an extra $100 a year, just in case, to preserve the quality of a brand-new hot tub. That includes any extra lighting that you might need to purchase, as well as part replacement as necessary.
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Tips and Tricks on How to Save Money on Hot Tub Electricity Use
If you think you are ready to commit to all of the extra hot tub energy costs, then we are happy to inform you that there are things you can do to keep your cost of hot tub electricity down. Luckily, many of these tips are things you should be doing or considering long before you start pricing out a hot tub for your home!
What are ways to help save energy with a hot tub?
- Get a good quality, well-fitting cover – A good quality hot tub cover might set you back, but you must purchase a cover that has steam stoppers and fits perfectly on your hot tub.
- Use during the right time – Maybe you live in a colder climate and have to consider not running your hot tub during the winter. It also costs you more to run your appliances during peak hours, so try going for an evening soak rather than earlier in the day.
- Lower your thermostat – With a hot tub, hotter may be better, but to cut down on hot tub electricity, we suggest lowering your hot tub heater by a few degrees. You will see a rather noticeable effect on your electric bill afterward!
- Use a thermal blanket – Thermal blankets work extra hard to make sure that the heat stays in your tub and your heater doesn’t have to work at all to maintain temperatures.
- Keep your tub and filters clean – When filters are clogged, it puts an extra strain on your motor and heating elements, which can cause a spike in electricity consumption. Make sure to replace your filter at least once a year on your hot tub!
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Hot Tub Energy Use FAQ
Q: How much energy does a hot tub use per month?
A: Hot tub manufacturers claim that it only costs about $1 to run your hot tub a day but claim it can be as much as $50 per month on the high end. Depending on how much you use your hot tub, the size of your hot tub, and the maintenance of the hot tub, that number can fluctuate.
Q: How much does a hot tub raise your electric bill?
A: You should expect to be paying, at minimum, an extra $30 a month for a brand-new hot tub with a small heater that is properly maintained. On the higher end, you could be paying up to $50 – $60 a month for your hot tub costs, so make sure you do your research. The cost of a hot tub can fluctuate significantly depending on so many factors, which all should be considered before making your purchase.
Q: How many watts does a hot tub use?
The most energy your hot tub uses is from the heater, which makes sense due to how hot the temperature of the water is in your jacuzzi. Between the varieties of heaters, we see hot tub energy consumption kWh between 1.5 kWh – 6 kWh (1500 watts – 6000 watts).
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home, be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts