March 29, 2025

Is It Cheaper to Keep a Hot Tub On All the Time?

Is it cheaper to keep a hot tub on all the time? Surprisingly—yes, if you use it often! Constant heating avoids costly reheats. But the full story depends on climate, habits, and setup. Dive in to learn how to save money while enjoying your Hot Tubs stress-free!

The Argument for Keeping It On: Constant Temperature Benefits

Reduced Stress on the Heater

Think of your heater like your nan. It doesn’t fancy sudden shocks or being overworked.

Switching your tub off means the heater’s got to work overtime every time you want a soak. That stop-start stress can wear it down faster than you’d expect.

Leaving it on means it only needs to make small adjustments, gently maintaining the temperature.

Instant Readiness for Use

Ever tried getting into a cold tub? It’s not fun. Especially when you’re barefoot and the wind’s picking up.

Keeping your hot tub warm 24/7 means no waiting around. After a long day, you can slide straight in without hanging about for hours.

The Argument for Turning It Off: Energy Savings Potential

Minimising Standby Power Usage

When it’s on all the time, your hot tub is sipping power like a lazy Sunday brew—non-stop. Even when nobody’s in it.

If you only use it on weekends, powering down midweek can seriously reduce your electricity bill.

Reduced Heat Loss During Non-Use

A hot tub sitting warm and unused is basically leaking heat into the air—and money with it.

By turning it off during those idle stretches, you can hold onto both warmth and pounds.

Understanding Hot Tub Energy Consumption

Factors Influencing Electricity Usage

Hot Tub Size and Volume

The more water it holds, the more energy it takes to heat. Simple as that.

A cosy two-person tub needs far less power than a big family-sized one.

Heater Wattage and Efficiency

Hot tubs usually come with heaters between 1.5kW and 6kW. Bigger heaters heat faster—but only if your tub’s well insulated.

Ambient Temperature and Climate

If you live somewhere nippy, your tub will have to work harder. A breezy back garden in Cumbria is a different story from a sunny one in Kent.

Insulation Quality

Good insulation makes all the difference. It’s like a winter coat for your tub—keeping the warmth in and energy bills down.

Calculating Your Hot Tub’s Energy Costs

Reading Your Meter: Kilowatt-Hours (kWh)

Grab your latest electricity bill and find your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Most tubs use between 3 and 7 kWh per day when running continuously.

Multiply that by your rate and you’ve got your daily cost.

Estimating Daily and Monthly Costs

Let’s say your rate is £0.30/kWh and your tub uses 5kWh a day. That’s about £1.50 a day, or £45 a month—just to keep it warm.

Add in pumps, lights, and cleaning cycles, and you can see how it adds up.

The Impact of Insulation and Heat Loss

The Role of a Quality Hot Tub Cover

Minimising Evaporation and Heat Loss

Without a decent cover, your hot tub’s warmth floats off into the chilly night air.

A high-quality, snug-fitting lid can prevent up to 70% of heat loss. It’s one of the easiest ways to stop money from evaporating too.

Hot Tub Insulation: Maximising Efficiency

Types of Insulation and Their Effectiveness

Full foam wraps your tub in warmth—great for keeping energy use low.
Partial foam is cheaper upfront but not quite as effective.
No insulation? That’s just asking for high bills. Avoid.

Climate Considerations: Cold vs. Warm Weather

Increased Heating Needs in Colder Climates

If you’re in the Highlands or Yorkshire during winter, expect your energy use to spike.

Keeping your tub at temperature in cold air means the heater is constantly working.

Potential for Solar Heating in Warmer Regions

Live somewhere sunnier? A few solar panels on the shed roof could help heat your tub during spring and summer.

That’s free energy from the sun—and a lighter energy bill too.

Maintenance and Operational Costs Beyond Heating

Water Chemistry and Filtration

Chemical Costs and Balancing

Expect to spend about £10–£30 per month on water treatments. You’ll need things like chlorine, pH balancers, and clarifiers to keep your water crystal clear.

Letting things slide can lead to murky water—and expensive damage.

Filter Cleaning and Replacement

Filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every year or so. If you ignore them, your system has to work harder—and costs climb.

Long-Term Maintenance: Preventing Costly Repairs

Catch small problems before they become pricey ones. Look out for leaks, dodgy seals, or parts that seem overworked.

A quick check once a month could save you a wallet-busting repair later on.

Alternative Heating Strategies for Energy Efficiency

Heat Pumps: A More Efficient Option

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps pull warmth from the air and use it to heat your water. It’s clever stuff—and pretty efficient too.

Potential Savings and Installation Costs

They aren’t cheap upfront—around £1,000 to £2,000—but they can slash your heating bills by nearly half. Over a few years, you’ll break even and start saving.

Solar Hot Tub Heating: Harnessing Renewable Energy

Solar Panel Integration

Solar heating systems can work wonders for hot tubs. They’re even better when you pair them with a good-quality insulated cover.

Suitability and Cost-Effectiveness

They’re best for south-facing gardens or homes that get decent sunlight. Once they’re set up, you’ll enjoy almost free heating during sunnier months.

Practical Tips for Reducing Hot Tub Energy Costs

Smart Scheduling and Usage Habits

Heating Only When Needed

Only use your hot tub at weekends? Lower the temperature midweek or switch to eco mode.

You’ll cut your energy use without missing out on comfort.

Optimising Heating Cycles

Modern tubs often have built-in timers. Use them to heat during off-peak hours and save money without lifting a finger.

Upgrading and Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Replacing Old Covers and Heaters

Covers don’t last forever. If yours feels a bit floppy or waterlogged, it’s probably time for a new one.

Old heaters can also chew through electricity. Replacing them with a modern, efficient model can make a real difference.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

A monthly check is all it takes. Keep jets clear, inspect seals, and make sure your system’s running smoothly.

You’ll prevent breakdowns and keep energy use low.

Cost Comparison: Daily vs. Continuous Heating

Scenarios and Examples

Calculating the cost of heating the hot tub for 2 hours a day

If it takes 6kWh to reheat your tub, you’re spending around £1.80 each time. Do that daily, and that’s £54 per month.

Plus, you’ll have to wait a few hours each time before you can jump in.

Calculating the cost of keeping the hot tub at temperature 24/7

Staying warm uses about 4kWh a day, or £1.20. That’s £36 a month—and your tub’s always ready when you are.

Determining the Best Approach for Your Situation

If you only use your tub at weekends, switching it off midweek could save you cash.

But if you’re hopping in regularly, keeping it on makes sense—both for cost and comfort.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Balancing Comfort and Cost-Effectiveness

With the right setup, you don’t have to choose between comfort and a low bill. Good insulation, clever scheduling, and a solid cover go a long way.

Considering Your Individual Needs and Circumstances

Your best option depends on how often you use your tub, where you live, and how it’s built.

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but with a bit of planning, you’ll find what suits your lifestyle—and your budget.

Looking for energy-efficient Hot Tubs that combine comfort and value? The H2O range has something for every garden and every budget—whether you soak on Sundays or every single day.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Which Hot Tubs Last the Longest?

The Best Hotels with Hot Tubs

The Hot Tub Guide to Ultimate Benefits

Everything You Need to Know About Hot Tub Foam

The Ultimate Guide To Plug & Play Hot Tubs

Are Hot Tubs Bad For Your Heart?