Are hot tubs expensive to run?

Let's break it down.

Many people dream of owning a hot tub - soaking in warm, bubbling water after a long day sounds like pure bliss. But when the idea of running costs creeps in, it’s easy to feel unsure.

How much will it actually cost to keep a hot tub running?

Will your electricity bill skyrocket? 

These are common concerns that can put a damper on your excitement. The good news is that running a hot tub doesn’t have to break the bank. With a clear understanding of the costs and a few smart energy-saving tips, you can enjoy all the luxury of a hot tub without the hefty price tag.

You can either enjoy the short video below or read the entire article to get all the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing whether or not to order a hot tub.

 

  

How much does it cost to run a hot tub?

When it comes to running costs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How much you’ll spend depends on several factors, including your specific hot tub model, how often you use it, and even the time of year.

While most 13Amp hot tubs cost £1-£1.50 per day to run and larger 32Amp models average £2-£3 per day, it’s important to understand what influences these figures.

 

hot tub
Here are the key factors that impact hot tub running costs:

1. Hot Tub Size and Model

Larger hot tubs naturally require more energy to heat and maintain their temperature, while smaller models are generally more economical. Premium features, like additional jets or waterfalls, can also slightly increase energy use.

2. Frequency of Use

If you use your hot tub daily, it’ll be working harder to maintain a consistent temperature, especially in colder months. Less frequent use can reduce running costs significantly.

3. Water Temperature

Every extra degree adds to your energy bill. A setting of 37-38°C is usually perfect for relaxation, but keeping it at the maximum setting all the time can drive up costs.

4. Insulation Quality

A well-insulated hot tub holds heat more effectively, meaning less energy is needed to maintain the water temperature. Upgrades like HeatBank™ insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 65%, making a huge difference to your monthly costs.

5. Time of Year and Weather

Winter months can increase running costs as your hot tub has to work harder to offset heat lost to the colder air. Conversely, in warmer months, your hot tub won’t need to heat the water as much.

6. Energy Tariff

Your electricity rate also plays a role. If you’re on a standard tariff, running costs will be higher than if you’re on an off-peak or energy-efficient plan.

By understanding these variables and making a few strategic choices - like upgrading insulation, lowering idle temperatures, or investing in an air source heat pump - you can enjoy your hot tub for less than you might think.

 

Energy Tariff: The Hidden Hero of Lower Running Costs

One of the most overlooked factors in managing your hot tub’s running costs is your energy tariff. The price you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity can have a significant impact on your monthly bill. Switching to a cheaper or more energy-efficient tariff could save you hundreds of pounds per year - not just on your hot tub, but on your entire household energy usage.

 

Real Savings in Action

Let’s break it down: a typical hot tub might use between 7-10 kWh per day to maintain its temperature, depending on the model, weather, and usage. If you’re paying 34p per kWh, as some UK households are on standard variable tariffs, running your hot tub could cost up to £3.40 per day.

However, if you switch to a cheaper tariff at 28p per kWh, that cost drops to around £2.80 per day. Over the course of a year, those savings can really add up—potentially £219 saved annually just by switching your energy supplier.

 

Tools to Help You Save

Switching energy providers has never been easier. Services like Look After My Bills do the hard work for you, comparing tariffs and switching you to the cheapest option automatically. Customers have reported saving £290 per year on average by using the service. Here’s what one satisfied user had to say:

“I thought switching energy providers would be a hassle, but Look After My Bills made it effortless. They’ve saved me hundreds, and now I don’t worry about overpaying for my electricity.”

Another option is to consider a tariff that offers cheaper electricity during off-peak hours. If you primarily heat your hot tub in the evenings or early mornings, this could result in even more significant savings.


Milano II hot tub

Real-World Example: The Night Owl Saver

Take the case of Sarah from Nottingham, who upgraded to an Economy 7 tariff. By scheduling her hot tub’s heating cycle during off-peak hours (midnight to 7 am), she cut her energy costs by nearly 30%, saving around £200 annually. With many modern hot tubs featuring programmable timers, this strategy is both simple and effective.


How to Maximise Your Tariff’s Benefits

• Track Your Usage: Many energy providers now offer smart meters that help you monitor your electricity use in real-time.

• Schedule Heating Wisely: If your tariff has off-peak rates, program your hot tub to heat during these times.

• Check Regularly: Energy deals change frequently, so make it a habit to review your tariff every 12 months.

When paired with other cost-saving measures like upgrading insulation or using an air source heat pump, choosing the right energy tariff can make owning a hot tub far more affordable than you might expect. Why pay more than you need to when you could be enjoying the bubbles without the worry?

We also offer a range of energy efficient hot tubs with  heat pumps, which reduce the electricity consumption by up to 75% - this can be great during the current high energy costs period we're going through as it will reduce running costs almost down to what they were before the market went a bit crazy. In addition, once things calm back down again, it will make your hot tub extremely energy efficient.

Remember, you should leave your hot tub running all the time for it to be at its most efficient and make sure when checking or changing an energy tariff to choose the lowest unit rate for electricity, rather than focussing on standing charge.

 

1000 Series hot tub

How often will you use it?

The frequency of use is a major factor in your hot tub’s running costs. Naturally, the more often you use your hot tub, the more energy it will consume to maintain the perfect temperature. However, it’s not just about how often you hop in - how you manage your hot tub when it’s not in use can make a big difference too.


Should You Turn Off Your Hot Tub When You’re Not Using It?


A common question we hear is: “Should I turn my hot tub off when I’m not using it?” The short answer is no - definitely not!

Here’s why: once your hot tub reaches its set temperature, it uses minimal energy to keep it there. Turning it off entirely might seem like a good idea, but it’s actually far less efficient. Reheating the water from cold can take a lot of energy and time—most hot tubs heat water at just 1-2°C per hour.

That means it could take an entire day of continuous heating to bring your hot tub back to your desired temperature. Not exactly energy (or cost) efficient!


The Hidden Risks of Powering Down


Switching your hot tub off doesn’t just impact your heating costs; it can also affect water quality. Without power, your hot tub’s filtration system won’t work, meaning the water will stagnate, becoming murky and unhygienic.

This could lead to unpleasant odours, bacterial growth, and the need for a full drain, deep clean, and refill - a time-consuming and unnecessary extra chore.


A Smarter Way to Save


Instead of switching your hot tub off completely, try these energy-saving tips:

• Turn the Temperature Down: Lowering the temperature by 2-5°C overnight can save energy without compromising your comfort.
• Going Away? Lower it Further: If you’re heading off on holiday, drop the temperature by up to 10°C. This ensures the water stays clean and safe while reducing energy usage.

By keeping your hot tub powered on but adjusting the settings smartly, you can enjoy a ready-to-use spa without worrying about unnecessary energy costs or time spent on maintenance.

 

2000 Series hot tub

How to Cut Hot Tub Energy Costs

Here are our top tips to keep your running costs in check while still enjoying every bubbly minute:

1. Upgrade to HeatBank™ Insulation

Most heat loss happens through the sides of your hot tub. Our optional HeatBank™ panels use high-density insulation to reduce heat loss by up to 65%. This thermal barrier keeps the water warmer for longer, meaning your hot tub works less hard - and you save more money.

2. Optimise Your Temperature Settings

It’s tempting to crank up the heat, but did you know that every degree higher adds to your energy bill? For most users, a setting of 37-38°C is perfect - warm enough to relax your muscles but not overkill. If you’re not using your spa daily, dropping the temperature slightly when it’s idle can lead to noticeable savings.

3. Invest in an Air Source Heat Pump

If your model is compatible, an air source heat pump is a game-changer. It uses renewable energy from the air, converting it into heat to maintain your spa’s water temperature. The result? Up to 70% lower energy costs, all while being environmentally friendly.

Here’s how it works: Air flows over tubes filled with eco-friendly refrigerant, which heats up and transfers the warmth to your hot tub’s water via a heat exchanger. This cycle keeps your spa toasty with minimal power consumption.

4. Use a High-Quality Cover

A well-fitted, insulated lid keeps the heat where it belongs—inside your hot tub. Always cover your spa when not in use to reduce heat loss and save energy.

 

people in hot tub

More Efficiency = More Relaxation

At H2O Hot Tubs, we believe luxury shouldn’t come with hidden surprises. That’s why many of our models include energy-saving features, like CFC-free foam insulation and smart circulation pumps.

Combined with the right upgrades, you can enjoy your hot tub guilt-free - whether it’s a soothing soak for yourself or a fun evening with friends.

 

Other factors...

Cleaning your hot tub can require a thorough drain & refill, which will require around a day of solid heating time once you've filled it up again with fresh water. You should drain and refill your hot tub around 3 times a year. Learn more in our article about how to clean your hot tub.

Insulation in your hot tub will have an effect on the energy efficiency of your spa. The insulation materials that have been using inside the cabinet of your hot tub will include spray-on foam insulation on the underside of the spa's shell, plus foil-wrapped insulation around the cabinet to reflect the heat back inside.

Some spas have full foam sprayed inside the hot tub cabinet, but exercise caution... it can be difficult to access parts for maintenance, and your pump and heating system also need good airflow to be able to operate safely and efficiently.

The lid of your hot tub is important too. When cleaning your hot tub, keep your lid in good condition and make sure it doesn't take on too much moisture. If your lid starts to bow, it'll come up at the sides allowing precious heat to escape... not what you want!

For more reading, take a look at our article about how to keep your hot tub running costs low.

 

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you’re still unsure about hot tub running costs or want to know more about energy-saving upgrades, give our friendly team a call on 0333 990 0320

We’re happy to walk you through everything and help you choose the perfect spa for your lifestyle and budget.

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