With the economy struggling to get back on track, more and more people are looking for ways to cut back and save an extra dollar wherever possible. With the multitudinous costs involved in owning and operating a hot tub, many owners are finding ways to cut expenses. There are many ways for you to save money on your spa when you most need it. Hot tub heaters can add 10-20 percent to an energy bill; find out how to cut that number down!
1. Turn off the thermostat during vacations: Summertime means traveling – especially for families with kids! People visit family for July 4th and take advantage of summer deals. While you are out of town, or if you won’t be using your tub for more than a week, turn the thermostat down or off entirely to save energy.
2. Keep it covered: Always use a spa cover when the hot tub is not in use. This minimizes the loss of water as well as the loss of heat. Hot tubs left uncovered will become dirty and debris-filled and will use much more energy being re-heated than their covered and insulated counterparts.
3. Maintain a steady temperature: Set your hot tub to a lower temperature and keep it there. Hot tubs set to 104 or 105 degrees use much more energy to sustain this higher heat. Simply turning it down to 102 degrees can make a huge difference.
4. Maintain your equipment: Clean spa parts that are in good condition will run efficiently and save you money over time. Be sure to routinely clean filters and check your water chemical levels. Clogged or worn-out spa filters will reduce the circulation of your spa water which causes strain on the motor and less efficient heating.
5. Use a timer: Most spa owners use their tubs regularly – whether it is once a day or once a week – and usually at a certain time. If you know your routine, purchasing a hot tub timer can reduce costs by only heating your tub around the time you typically use it. For example, weekend hot tub users can set their timers to begin warming up the hot tub on a Friday afternoon and shut off on Monday morning, thereby saving energy and money throughout the work week.
6. Off peak rates: Some utility companies offer discounted energy rates during certain times of day. Contact your energy provider to find out if they offer these off peak rates and consider maximizing hot tub usage during these times.
7. Accessories: spa additions like lights make for fantastic features but also use more energy. If you frequently use your spa at night, try to change it up by using candles instead of your spa light now and then. Or set aside time to use your hot tub during daylight instead!
8. Don’t waste water: avoiding wasting water, whether by draining the tub or vigorous splashing. If the hot tub is heavily used, it should be drained every 3-4 months. Be sure to check for leaks and repair them as quickly as possible.
9. Don’t buy used: Purchasing a previously owned hot tub may seem like a good way to save money, but may end up costing you more in the future! Most modern spa models are fitted with energy saving features – more insulation and efficient motors – that use much less energy that their older counterparts. When shopping around for a hot tub, be sure to ask your dealer about any energy saving features of the models you are interested in.
Ashley Olson writes for Hot Tub Warehouse: your one-stop shop for all hot tub supplies. To find the right spa parts and hot tub testing products, please visit Hot Tub Warehouse and don’t forget – we have free shipping on order over $75!
