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The Best Energy Efficiency in Hot Tubs

  |   Buying & Research Guide, Comparisons & Reviews, Pricing & Costs, Benefits & Features   |   16 Comments

How Much Electricity Does a Hot Tub Use Per Month?

 

Energy efficiency is a top priority for many of today’s hot tub owners, and understandably so. An energy-efficient hot tub will reduce energy bills and is better for the environment.

 

Before you start shopping for a hot tub, it’s important to do your research on energy-efficient hot tubs and learn what to expect from a typical electricity bill when you own a hot tub.

 

Understanding how much electricity a hot tub uses per month will help you determine your total hot tub energy cost and find more effective ways to cut down your bill. So if you’re wondering how much a hot tub costs to run and what you can do to minimize costs, check out our guide below.

 

 

What Makes Hot Tubs Energy Efficient

 

 

There are many features that go into reducing energy use with a hot tub. For example, a hot tub that is placed on a solid foundation and has quality insulation will use far less energy than a poorly insulated hot tub on a shaky foundation.

 

Here are the top factors to look for in an energy-efficient hot tub:

  • Placement
  • Solid foundation
  • Molded composite base
  • High-quality insulation
  • Air-tight sealing
  • Simple plumbing
  • Fitted cover
  • Dual pump system
  • LED bulbs

 

 

Ways to Reduce Hot Tub Energy Costs

 

If you already own a hot tub and are looking for ways to reduce energy costs, check out our expert tips. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to minimize energy usage, even if you own an older or less efficient hot tub.

 

1. Keep Your Hot Tub on to Retain Heat

 

It may seem counterintuitive, but leaving your hot tub on can actually save you money on your energy bills. This retains the heat so your hot tub doesn’t have to work as hard to heat up when you’re ready to use it—and you’ll be able to enjoy soaking in it sooner, too.

 

2. Install a Wind Barrier

 

Is your hot tub situated in an area that’s prone to wind? From a subtle breeze to a strong gale, any type of wind can make your hot tub work harder to stay heated. Install an attractive wind barrier to keep your guests warm and lower energy bills when using your hot tub.

 

3. Use a Floating Thermal Blanket

 

Thermal blankets trap heat to keep your hot tub warm, even when you’re not using it. Placing a floating thermal blanket over your hot tub means it won’t have to spend as much energy getting up to a warm temperature when you’re ready to take a dip. Leave the cover on when the spa isn’t in use to save even more money.

 

4. Lower the Temperature

 

Want to reduce your energy bills, but love sitting in your hot tub at maximum heat levels? It may be time to turn the temperature down a few notches. Fortunately, you can still get just as much enjoyment out of your hot tub, and turning it down even one or two degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.

 

5. Perform Regular Maintenance

 

Never underestimate the power of regular maintenance. Keeping up on hot tub cleanings, changing filters, and monitoring spa chemicals will ensure your hot tub is able to run as efficiently as possible. Bonus: It’ll also save you money by reducing repair costs and helping your hot tub last longer.

 

 

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AUTHOR - Bullfrog Spas

Bullfrog Spas is a premier brand of personalized premium hot tubs. With proprietary hydromassage technology and an eye for contemporary design, Bullfrog Spas is revolutionizing the concept of the portable hot tub and providing a relaxation experience unlike any other. Discover the award winning spa of the future today.

16 Comments
  • Richard Umpleby | Jun 25, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Am interested in a hot tub with an enclosure. Do you also do the installation of the Hottubs and enclosures? If not, can you recommend someone? Would like to get estimates before going for financing.
    Thank for any help you can provide…

    Rich

    • Jake Ricks

      Jake | Jun 27, 2011 at 9:59 am

      Rich,

      Thanks for the inquiry.

      An Authorized Bullfrog Spas dealer in your area should be able to help recommend an enclosure and, yes, install the spa. Here’s the link to our dealer locator: https://www.bullfrogspas.com/pages/locate-dealer.asp

      Simply type in your zip code and you’ll find the nearest Authorized Dealer.

  • Greg Glenn | Feb 12, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Bullfrog combines the JetPak System with high-grade full foam insulation

    I have a new Bullfrog R5L and don’t see any insulation underneath at all. Where, specifically, is it insulated?

    • Jake Ricks

      Jake Ricks | Feb 12, 2014 at 1:59 pm

      The entire area underneath the spa shell, minus the equipment compartment area, is actually filled with full foam insulation. Perhaps you’re viewing just the equipment compartment? In addition to the full foam insulation, the heat from the equipment is also used to help heat the spa.

      • Greg Glenn | Feb 13, 2014 at 3:22 pm

        You are correct sir, equipment compartment…

        Thanks

  • scott roberts | Jun 29, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    I have owned my bullfrog r7 for a month now, using it 1 hour per day with a temp of 102 and water cycles 4 hours a day. I was suprised to get my electric billbin sacramento, ca. With only an 18 dollar increase in my electric bill. Good job bullfrog!

  • longisland_hot_tub_spa_blog » Have You Heard These Common Misconceptions About Hot Tubs? | Nov 12, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    […] up to temperature. In fact, in recent years Bullfrog Spas — which we specialize in — really beefed up their hot tub and hot tub covers insulation, which brought costs down from about $100 per month to about $25.00 today, so it’s no longer a […]

  • Bryan Brandon | Jan 13, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    We purchased the R6 Bullfrog spa back in Oct of 2015 and it was installed on 2 Nov. The spa has been great except for the electric bill. Our first month was $65 higher than last year and this past month was $80 higher. We have adjusted the settings (REST) and it is only set to 101 degrees. The salesman who we bought the spa from has the same model and says he only pays around $12-15 per month. What would cause this disparity? We feel deceived and can’t afford this type of energy consumption. What options do we have?

    • Bullfrog Spas | Jan 18, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Bryan, thanks for writing in. Sorry to hear about this. It is certainly not typical. There are several factors that can affect your energy consumption including average outside air temperature, usage patterns, filtration and other mode settings, cover fit, environmental exposure at your installation site (regular exposure to wind can be taxing on energy), and several more factors. For example, using your spa frequently with pumps on high for extended periods in cold temps and wind will obviously use more energy than normal. While with summer temperatures you may use hardly any additional energy. The best course of action is probably to work with your dealership to try to identify any unusual spa settings, cover fit issues, or installation site problems.

    • Neal Casale | Jan 29, 2017 at 10:53 am

      Bryan, I’m with you –
      We have a new A7 and are paying about $80.00 more per month on average with almost daily use (for about a half hour on average, no more). Very disappointed, after hearing it would be about $15-$20 and maybe a touch more with heavy use. I’m in New Hampshire and paying about .16 cents per KWH, including transmission fees, and have the filters going for about 4 hours/day, as recommended for heavy usage.

      • Bullfrog Spas | Jan 31, 2017 at 4:43 pm

        Neal, sorry to hear that you’re paying more in energy than you expected. As the author explained above there are several factors that go into energy usage. You’ll notice in the figures published above the results reflect what was observed when following the testing protocol established by the California Energy Commission (60 degrees F ambient temperature, 102 degree water temperature, standby mode) and a rate of $.10 per kilowatt hour, which was the US national average at the time of testing. Bullfrog Spas continue to rate at or near the top of all spas in efficiency according to the data compiled for the CEC. It sounds as if you’re using your spa frequently, likely at a lower average ambient temperature, and paying a higher energy rate. This will increase both energy consumption and cost over the test results. However, there are some things our techs suggest you can do to obtain greater efficiency: avoid wind exposure, install the spa in-ground with a SpaVault, install on a solid surface like concrete and tucked near the house, add removable insulation affixed to the inside of the equipment door, use a floating cover inside the standard cover on the surface of the water or an additional cover on top.

  • Katia | Apr 30, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Are the older models as energy efficient as the new ones? 2002 model?

    • Bullfrog Spas | Apr 30, 2018 at 5:29 pm

      They are very efficient but not as efficient as newer models.

  • Katia | Apr 30, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Are the older 2002 models as good as the newer model in their energy efficiency?

    • Bullfrog Spas | Apr 30, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      They are very efficient but not as efficient as newer models.

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