The Real Cost of Running a Hot Tub

Jan 16, 2025 | Holiday Home Owners

The Real Cost of Running a Hot Tub

By Brian Izzard

Introduction

Ever wondered how much it truly costs to run a hot tub? As a lodge owner, and a curious investigator, Brian Izzard decided to find out by monitoring the energy consumption of his hot-tub. Using an electric meter, He tracked its usage across various occupancy and temperature settings. The results were both eye-opening and useful for reducing costs and environmental impact.

Gas Consumption and Lodge Temperature Management

In 2022, I installed a Hive thermostat to control my lodge’s temperature. This allowed me to answer two important questions:

  1. What is the minimum temperature a lodge should be maintained at for frost protection?
  2. How long does it take to raise the temperature to a comfortable level for guests?

The Hive default frost protection temperature is 7°C, which prevents frozen pipes without unnecessary heating costs. However, to prevent damp or condensation, I maintain my lodge at 10°C. This setting also aligns with recommendations in a recent Sunday Times article.

Testing showed that increasing the lodge temperature from 10°C to 20°C took about 4 hours on a 7°C day—ample time to ensure comfort for guests arriving at 4 PM. As a result, my gas consumption dropped significantly, from 443 units in 2021 to 217 units in 2023—a 51% reduction, saving approximately £365 annually at current prices.

Electricity Consumption: Hot Tub Insights

Hot tubs are a luxury, but they can also be an energy guzzler. My energy monitoring project began in June 2023, aiming to answer these key questions:

  • How much energy does my hot tub use?
  • How does usage vary when the temperature is reduced during non-occupancy?
  • How long does it take to heat the tub back to normal levels?
  • Are there chemical effectiveness issues at lower temperatures?

In the year ending October 2023, my total electricity usage was 5,394 kWh—a 22% increase from 2022. Hot tub usage accounted for 85-90% of this consumption. Controlled tests from November onwards revealed the following:

Temperature Setting Average Daily Consumption Percentage Reduction
37°C (Normal) 14.74 kWh 0%
28°C 8.36 kWh 43%
25°C 6.63 kWh 55%

Lowering the temperature when the lodge is unoccupied offers substantial savings. Heating the tub from 25°C to 37°C took about 7 hours, well within the preparation time before guests arrive.

Impact on Chemicals

Lower temperatures raised concerns about chemical effectiveness. After consulting BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) and a chemical manufacturer, I learned that while chemicals dissolve slightly slower at lower temperatures, they remain effective. Activating the jets can help dissolve them more quickly. Additionally, lower temperatures slow down bacterial growth—an added benefit.

Annual Savings

By maintaining the hot tub at 25°C during unoccupied periods, I estimate a yearly savings of approximately 1,450 kWh, translating to about £350 at current energy prices. Combined with the gas savings, this represents a significant reduction in running costs.

Recommendations for Owners

Based on my findings, I recommend the following practices for lodge owners and our hot-tub maintenance:

  • Set the lodge thermostat to 10°C during extended non-occupancy to prevent frost and damp.
  • Lower the hot tub temperature to 25°C when the lodge is unoccupied for short times.
  • Ensure guests are reminded to replace the hot tub cover when not in use.
  • Chemical checks should not be needed during extended or standard non-occupancy, however should be checked, and the tub temperature increase the day of the guests arrival.

These measures not only reduce costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability. I have shared these findings with Finlake and encourage other owners to adopt similar practices.

Conclusion

Running a hot tub doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful monitoring and temperature adjustments, significant savings are possible without compromising guest comfort. My journey to uncover the true cost of running a hot tub has provided valuable insights that I hope will benefit other lodge owners.

If you have any questions or would like further details, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make our lodges more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

© 2025 Brian Izzard. All rights reserved.

 


https://www.supercontrol.co.uk https://www.relianceretreats.com/ www.devonholidays.co.uk https://orangeroofs.co.uk/

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