The Costs of Owning a Hot Tub – and How to Reduce Them

The hot tub is something of an ultimate luxury for a household; it offers numerous possibilities for entertainment and relaxation, whether you’re uniting friends, celebrating an occasion or simply taking some time to yourself. They’ve boomed in popularity in recent years, with warmer weather and more time at home seeing Brits more interested in installing one. A hot tub can also be a costly thing, though exactly what makes it so costly might not be well understood by those new to the idea. Here are the expenditures to expect when buying a hot tub – as well as some quick tips for bringing those costs down.

The Hot Tub

The hot tub alone represents a major upfront investment, with brand new tubs coming in a wide range of prices depending on the features included. You can expect the average entry-level formed-plastic hot tub to be around £3,000 in price, though inflatable hot tubs may come in at a lower price point. As you incorporate more elements such as higher-powered jets or built-in sanitation, the price increases – with premium hot tub models easily breaching £10,000. Other factors can also influence the upfront prices, with more efficient insulation and higher quality cladding tending to indicate a higher quality tub.

Maintenance Equipment

Of course, the upfront cost alone doesn’t constitute the totality of a hot tub’s running costs throughout its lifespan. There are maintenance goods to contend with, from tools to consumables that ensure the tub’s safe operation and longevity. You will need a spare filter for your tub, in order to keep it in operation while you clean your existing tub. You’ll also benefit from investing in cleaning brushes to help get into crevices when maintaining the tub.

In terms of consumable items, pool chlorine granules are essential for the cleanliness of the hot tub’s water ahead of use, and tend to cost around £10 per kilogramme. pH adjusters are key for controlling the water’s acidity, while pool test strips help diagnose what kind of adjustment your water may need. Defoamers help control foaming caused by body oils, while sequestering agents help remove minerals to keep the water clear. All of this can add up over time, to a yearly cost of hundreds of pounds.

Hot Tub Running Costs

Lastly, there are costs incurred by the literal running of the tub, in terms of energy and water. If your hot tub is powered by electricity, you may see a steep increase in your electricity bill, while metered water can lead to additional expense from regular tub refills. The cost of energy is somewhat mitigated in more expensive tubs, owing to improved quality of insulation included, while some tubs derive their heat from combustible sources.

Cutting Costs

One of the most effective ways you can bring the cost of running your hot tub down is to utilise a hot tub cover. The cover provides additional insulation, mitigating heat loss between uses and resulting in less energy usage to keep the water heated. The cover will also keep debris out of the water when not in use, meaning the water will need cleaning or replacing less often. As for habits you can make with regard to your hot tub, using a lower temperature can shave some money off the electricity bill, as well as keeping the tub powered down between uses.