How Much Does it Cost to Run My Hot Tub?

A hot tub can cause a bump in your utility bills. So when you’re thinking of buying one, don’t forget to take into account these ongoing costs before you take the plunge.

How much does a hot tub cost to operate?

There are few things as enjoyable as coming home after a long day of work and taking a dip in your own hot tub. But you have to keep in mind that when you own a hot tub it can be an investment that costs quite a bit to run. If you are looking to put a hot tub in your backyard, here are some considerations you should think of beforehand. They’ll help you prepare for the initial investment, as well as long-term operating costs as well.

1) Getting Started

In order to get started, you’ll need to make sure you have enough room in your backyard to accommodate a hot tub. Most hot tubs are going to weigh anywhere between 250 to 1,000 pounds, so you may have to reinforce your deck (if the hot tub will end up on a wood deck).

As for the price of a hot tub unit itself, this is going to vary greatly. It’s important to keep in mind that a hot tub should last for more than a decade of use. Therefore, it’s not an investment that you should skimp on. Can you get a hot tub that is cheaply manufactured and costs less upfront? Yes, of course. But is this going to be a hot tub that lasts? No, probably not.

Price range to expect

Instead, you should look for a hot tub that is anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. These prices will likely include everything you need to get started and you’ll be paying for a reputable brand. Before you purchase anything, be sure that you also do your diligence on the hot tub manufacturer you want to buy from, to ensure that they are reliable.

Extra Costs To Consider

Another pair of investments for you to consider when getting started could also include a circulation pump and foam insulation. In the short run, foam insulation will cost you more to install, but it will help your hot tub run more efficiently for longer, while also helping you cut back on monthly electric bills. It won’t take long before foam insulation pays for itself, so it doesn’t hurt to just get this from the beginning. The circulation pump will help you keep your hot tub at a comfortable temperature on a regular basis. This means the entire system won’t have to keep turning on and off, results in less energy use on your end. A circulation pump will run continuously throughout the day to keep your hot tub warm, but it will do so at less than one horsepower. In the long run, this will be much less for your monthly electricity bill than the stops and starts of a six horsepower engine.

2) Monthly Costs

You’ll probably run your hot tub between 100 and 104 degrees. Keep in mind that if you have a circulation pump, you’ll be able to keep it at this temperature more routinely. However, for those that are running their hot tub around six times a week, you can look at paying an extra $5 to $8 per week, or nearly $40 per month. This number could vary depending on how much you use the jets for your tub.

Quick Check List for Hot Tub Buyers

• Do you have the space in your backyard?
  • • It’s best to make an investment that will last you longer, rather than try and save money on a lesser-quality system.
• Have you researched 2+ manufacturers?
• Have you priced out the entire initial investment, including delivery and installation
  • • Foam insulation and a circulation pump are worth the investment
• Are you prepared for the monthly costs to operate your hot tub
  • • Have you recorded your monthly budget?

If you decide to get a hot tub, it’ll certainly be something that you’ll get a lot of use out of in Ontario. It’ll be relaxing, comfortable and relieve you of stress, each time you get in. So while it may be a bit of an investment, it is worth it for many people.

If you’re ready to see some options, stop by our showroom on Speers Road in Oakville or call ahead to talk about our manufacturers.