There’s nothing quite like stepping into a warm hot tub at the end of a long day, especially during North Carolina’s crisp fall and winter evenings. But homeowners across the Triangle know that running a hot tub can increase energy bills if it isn’t set up and maintained efficiently.

The good news? With the right equipment and a few smart operating habits, your spa can stay comfortable without draining your wallet.

Rising Sun Pools has helped Triangle homeowners build, maintain, and enjoy their hot tubs for decades, and we’re sharing our top tips for an energy-efficient backyard retreat.

1. 1. Invest in a Premium Hot Tub Cover

   Heat doesn’t stay put; it escapes upward. Without a quality cover, your hot tub is essentially heating the North Carolina sky, wasting energy and driving up your utility bills with every degree that drifts away.

   What makes a cover worth the investment:

   – Thick, multi-layer insulation that traps heat effectively. Look for at least 4–6 inches of tapered foam.
   – High R-value rating (R-12 or higher is ideal: this measures insulation power, and higher numbers mean better heat retention.
   – Vapor barrier and marine-grade vinyl to resist moisture, mold, and UV damage.
   – Reinforced stitching and tapered design to shed water and snow without sagging.
   – Locking straps or clips to create an airtight seal around the spa.

   Don’t skip this habit: Close your cover every single time you exit the tub, even for short breaks. Those few uncovered minutes add up to significant heat loss over weeks and months.

   Bonus upgrade: Add a cover lifter for easier use and longer cover life. When covers are dragged across the ground or left folded improperly, they wear out faster. A lifter keeps your cover in top condition while making it effortless to open and close your spa.

   Create a windbreak for extra protection: Strategic landscaping (privacy fencing, lattice screens, evergreen shrubs, or pergolas) can shield your hot tub from wind that strips away heat. Even a well-insulated cover works harder against constant breezes. Block the wind, and your cover’s efficiency multiplies.

2. 2. Fine-Tune Your Temperature Settings

   Most hot tub owners default to 100–102°F, a perfect sweet spot for relaxation and energy efficiency. But your usage pattern should dictate your temperature strategy.

   If you use your hot tub daily or several times per week:

   Keep it at your preferred temperature year-round. The energy required to maintain a steady temp is far less than repeatedly reheating from a cold state. Modern hot tubs are designed to hold heat efficiently, so maintaining 100–102°F costs less than you’d think.

   If you’re a weekend-only soaker:

   Lower the temperature by 3–5 degrees during the week. Your hot tub will use less energy maintaining 95–97°F, and when Friday rolls around, it only takes an hour or two to bring it back up to soaking temperature. This is far more efficient than heating from scratch.

   Take advantage of North Carolina’s climate:

   The Triangle’s mild winters and warm summers give you seasonal flexibility other regions don’t enjoy. During summer months, you might find 95–98°F perfectly comfortable: still warm and therapeutic, but easier on your energy bill. In the dead of winter, you’ll appreciate the full 102°F, but even then, our relatively temperate climate means your heater won’t work as hard as it would up north.

   Pro tip: Every degree you lower saves roughly 5–7% on heating costs. Small adjustments add up to meaningful savings over a year without sacrificing much comfort.

3. 3. Use a Smart Timer or Programming Features

   Why heat the water when no one’s using it? With a programmable timer, you can:

   – Run filtration cycles during off-peak hours
   – Schedule heat recovery before your usual soak time
   – Prevent the heater and pump from running unnecessarily

   Many modern spas include built-in smart controls, or you can upgrade to a Wi-Fi-enabled system and adjust settings right from your smartphone.

   Small adjustments pay off over time, especially when energy demand peaks during cold snaps.

4. 4. Maintain Your Spa Regularly

   A properly maintained hot tub doesn’t just stay cleaner; it runs more efficiently. When filters are clogged with debris or biofilm, your pump has to work overtime, driving up energy costs and putting extra strain on the system.

   A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting performance:

   – Rinse or replace filters on a regular schedule
   – Keep water chemistry balanced
   – Monitor jet pressure and circulation
   – Look for insulation issues

   Seasonal or annual professional tune-ups can help ensure every component is working at peak efficiency, while reducing the risk of costly breakdowns.

   Rising Sun Pools proudly provides reliable hot tub maintenance services across the Triangle area, so keeping your spa in top shape is easy, year-round.

5. 5. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Heater and Pump

   If your hot tub is more than eight years old, the equipment may be outdated and costing you more than necessary to operate.

   Modern systems offer:

   – More efficient heaters that warm water faster
   – Variable-speed pumps that adjust flow for best performance
   – Improved insulation around the shell and plumbing

   Energy-efficient upgrades often pay for themselves through reduced monthly costs and create a quieter, more enjoyable soaking experience.

   If you’re considering a new spa, Rising Sun Pools carries industry-leading options built for high efficiency and long-term reliability.

6. 6. Keep the Heat Where It Belongs: Insulated Cabinets Matter

   Hot tubs work best when heat stays inside the cabinet, not escaping into the air.

   Check the insulation around:

   – The hot tub shell
   – Cabinet doors and access panels
   – Exposed plumbing lines

   If you feel warm air leaking out, your hot tub is working harder than it should. Re-insulating or sealing problem spots can lead to noticeable savings.

7. 7. Take Advantage of Our Carolina Climate

   One benefit of living in the Triangle? We enjoy a relatively mild winter compared to northern states. That means:

   – Less heating demand
   – More comfortable outdoor soaking
   – Year-round energy savings potential

   Planning your spa placement matters too. Installing it closer to your home, under a pergola, or near landscaping helps protect it from wind chill and heat loss.

Energy-Efficient Hot Tub Enjoyment Starts with the Right Partner

Every homeowner wants the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and cost-savings. Whether you’re relaxing after a long commute in the Triangle or hosting friends for a backyard weekend soak, energy-efficient operation keeps your hot tub affordable and ready whenever you are.

Rising Sun Pools has proudly served Central North Carolina since 1972, delivering the best hot tubs, expert installation, and reliable service local homeowners can trust. As a locally-owned and family-operated company, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your investment: no exceptions.

Ready to upgrade your hot tub’s performance or explore a new, energy-efficient model? Contact Rising Sun Pools today or email us to discover the smarter way to soak.