How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Operate?

So you’ve been thinking about investing in a hot tub for your home. Maybe a neighbor recently added one or a coworker was raving about how much they enjoy their hot tub. Whatever the case may be, it helps to recognize the cost of operating a hot tub before jumping into this investment. Here, we’ll help you understand the types of costs involved with owning and maintaining a hot tub at your home.

Operational Costs of a Hot Tub

Outside of the initial cost of purchasing a hot tub and having it installed, your ongoing costs will fall into one of two primary categories: utility costs and maintenance costs. Both are important for keeping your hot tub or spa running at its best, and both of these costs can vary based on a variety of factors. Here’s a general breakdown of what these costs encompass:

• Utility costs – It takes energy to heat your hot tub, and this will likely be the largest operating cost. However, the water pump, used to circulate the water, will also draw energy. Filling the tub with water is a less frequent cost, but another consideration, as you’ll need to drain and clean your hot tub from time to time. Overall, the water and electricity cost will depend on the rates in your area, but a general estimate is an additional cost of about $20 per month on the low end and $50 per month on the high end. An easy way to think about the average utility costs involved in running your hot tub is to estimate it costing about a dollar a day.
• Maintenance costs – In addition to the utility costs of running a hot tub or spa, ongoing maintenance is another cost to consider. This includes the water treatment and cleaning chemicals used to keep the water safe. You can expect these chemicals to cost around $20 per month.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Operating Your Hot Tub

While you can get a good idea of what to expect from the utility and maintenance costs of operating your hot tub, these numbers can vary quite a bit based on a number of factors. The size of your hot tub will be one of the biggest factors that can impact the cost, with a larger hot tub requiring more water to fill it and more electricity to heat it. You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a hot tub or spa that’s well built and designed with insulating features.

Additionally, environmental factors like the temperature outside and any wind can also require more or less energy to heat your hot tub. For example, your hot tub will need to draw more energy to heat up when the temperatures drop in the colder winter months.

Investing in a Hot Tub

Understanding the operational and maintenance costs involved with owning a hot tub can help you know what to expect. The factors that influence these costs may also help you choose a hot tub design that will best suit your needs.

Outside of the operational costs of running and maintaining a hot tub, the upfront cost of investing in a new hot tub will be your greatest expense. That’s why Recreation Warehouse offers a wide range of options to suit various preferences and budgets. In addition to offering new hot tubs, we also offer used and reconditioned spas that provide the same great benefits at a much lower price point. If you’d like to learn more about the hot tubs and spas we offer and install for homeowners throughout Michigan, contact Recreation Warehouse today.