As winter nears and the weather gets colder, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm drink and a soak in a hot tub.

Hot tub owners know that owning a tub can unfortunately rack up one’s electricity bills. But did you know that you can enjoy your hot tub during winter and STILL keep your energy bills down?

In this article, we’ll provide the seven best tactics you can use to make the most out of your hot tub while consuming less energy and spending less money.

1. Thermal Blankets

Thermal blankets are an incredibly cheap investment and can be used to prevent your hot tub from getting too cold during the winter months. This also helps if you live in a particularly cold area where it snows.

Thermal blankets have two-fold utility: they trap more heat inside AND protect your hot tub cover from debris, moisture, and chemical buildup.

Simply drape the thermal blanket over the cover of the hot tub for extra insulation, lower evaporation, and fewer fluctuations in the water temperature. Well-managed hot water temperatures mean it will take less energy to get your water to your desired temperature before a soak.

2. Get a Good Hot Tub Cover

One of the best ways to conserve energy and heat while using a hot tub to get a good hot tub cover. A high quality, durable hot tub cover will trap heat inside the tub so that your heating system doesn’t have to work overtime to heat the water.

This will save you considerable sums on your utility bills. What’s more? A good cover also keeps dirt, debris, snow, leaves, etc. from falling into your hot tub, so you won’t need to clean it every single day.

NOTE: Make sure you get a cover that fits perfectly over your hot tub to ensure that it does its job properly.

3. Smart Placement

While installing your hot tub, one of the first things you need to do is decide where to place it. The Rising Sun Pools professionals suggest choosing a sunny spot or a south-facing corner of your home so that the natural heat from the sun’s rays can work in your favor.

You should also find a place that doesn’t get too windy and isn’t too exposed to outdoor elements.

Try to avoid placing your spa directly under a roof to prevent ice or rain from dripping into the tub. In case you can’t find an area that isn’t exposed to wind, you can build a small fence or panel to keep excess winds away – or at least break them.

4. Use Vacation or Economy Mode

When you know you won’t be using the hot tub as much for a period of time, turn on “vacation” or “economy” mode. This is especially helpful if you’re going out of town and leaving your house for a few days. If you don’t get snow and live in a place with mild winters – like Raleigh, NC – you can turn off the heating altogether.

Take note that if the water turns to ice, the pressure can also damage your hot tub.

5. Clean the Filters

The hot tub’s motor and heating components become strained if you have clogged or worn-out filters. To maintain your spa’s heating performance, it’s a good idea to clean them every month when you change the water.

Even if your filters appear clean, we still suggest replacing filters every year or two. By maintaining a clean water supply and smooth circulation, you can save LOTS of money and energy. The extra effort will pay off!

6. Lower the Temperature

Did you know that reducing the temperature setting in your hot tub by even one degree can lower your electric bill by 10% to 15%?

This doesn’t mean that you should frequently adjust the temperature of your hot tub. The cost of raising the water’s temperature repeatedly can surpass the money you would have saved by initially lowering it. Instead, try operating your hot tub at a constant temperature that is 1 to 2 degrees lower than usual during cooler months.

It might not make a noticeable difference to you, but it will help increase the money you save.

7. Insulate and Check Cabinets

Insulating more components of your hot tub can help trap more heat inside the tub. You can add foil-faced bubble wraps or other types of insulation around the cabinets (the outside frame of your spa) to prevent heat from escaping.

Rising Sun Pools | Hot Tub & Spa Installation & Service in Raleigh, NC

With a few simple steps, you can keep your hot tub energy bill down even during wintertime. For more practical tips on hot tub use and maintenance visit the Rising Sun Pools & Spas website. You can also visit our blogs and guides sections or call the branch nearest you for help with your pools, spas, and hot tubs.

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