Hot Tubs

If you happen to own a hot tub, there are things you can do to make it more
energy efficient.

Take a look at where the thermostat is set. Some hot tubs have been factory
set to heat water to 104°F but most health departments recommend 102°F
for adults and children.

Turn the heat down or off if you go on vacation or won’t use the hot
tub for a week or more. If you have an older, non-energy efficient hot tub,
consider draining it if you will be gone during winter months. Such tubs can
freeze which causes a great deal of damage to the equipment. Energy efficient
hot tubs can maintain non-freezing temperatures for weeks with appropriate covers.

Take a look at your cover. Is it hard (foam) with good insulation? Does it
fit snugly against the top of the tub? A cover in good shape is essential because
most of the heat loss will be through the spa cover. If the interior foam is
torn or begins to soak up water, replace the cover.

Add an energy efficient floating blanket to retain heat and reduce the amount
of moisture build-up on the inside of your hard cover which will help it last
longer. Adding a ¼” closed-cell foam floating blanket under the
hard cover can increase the total R-value to 16 (standard covers are an R-12).

Create windbreaks around your hot tub. Privacy panels, landscaping or fencing
are all effective at cutting wind exposure.

Look for an Energy Star model if you’re in the market for a new hot tub.
Today’s spas and hot tubs have significant improvements over those of
the mid-90’s so when possible, replace your hot tub with a newer, energy
efficient model. An average-size energy efficient hot tub uses 5-7 KWh per day.
A poorly insulated, inefficient hot tub can use 12-18 KWh per day; almost three
times as much energy.