How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
$20 – $60 average energy cost per month
$240 – $720 average energy cost per year
$120 – $360 cost per year for chemicals & filters
Cost to run a hot tub
The average cost to run a hot tub is $20 to $60 per month or $240 to $720 per year in energy costs. Additional maintenance costs include $100 to $240 per year for hot tub cleaning chemicals and $20 to $120 every 1 to 2 years for filters.
| Factor | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Energy cost | $20 – $60 | $240 – $720 |
| Cleaning chemicals & filters | $10 – $30 | $120 – $360 |
| Total cost to run | $30 – $90 | $360 – $1,080 |
Hot tub running cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of running a hot tub:
Heater size – Most hot tub heaters use 1,500 to 6,000 watts, depending on whether it's a 120-volt or 240-volt heater. Heaters typically run occasionally to maintain the water temperature even when the tub is not in use, which saves money in the long run if you use it frequently.
Pump size – Hot tub pumps use about 1,500 watts of power as well. The pump uses electricity to push the water through the filter to keep your water clean.
Climate – Your actual costs depend on local energy rates. Locations with higher temperatures and mild winters cost much less to heat hot tubs than cold climates.
Hot tub size – Larger tubs with more water require more energy to heat.
Temperature – Setting the thermostat at a higher temperature costs more to maintain than lower temperatures.
Chemicals – Hot tubs require chemical additives to maintain the right pH levels, which cost $100 to $250 per year. If your tub uses UV light to prevent bacteria growth, you'll need to replace the light bulb about once per year.
Filters – Hot tub filters cost $20 to $120 and need replacing every 1 to 2 years.
Cleaning – Drain and clean the hot tub and filter every 3 to 4 months. Professional inground hot tub cleaning costs $100 to $150 or the cost of water if you do it yourself.
Repairs – Hot tub repairs cost $200 to $500 on average. Common repair jobs include leaks, jet malfunctions, frame damage, or issues with the heater.
How to save money on running a hot tub
Follow these tips to save money on running your hot tub:
Use a heater timer to prioritize heating during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
Use a floating thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature so it doesn’t get too hot. The maximum recommended temperature for a hot tub is 104°F.
Use a cover to insulate your hot tub and keep debris from getting in it.
Use a thermal blanket or solar blanket to keep the water warm.
Prevent wind from cooling your water by using a screen, barrier, or bushes.
Close your air jets when you’re not using the hot tub.
FAQs about running a hot tub
Do hot tubs use a lot of electricity?
Hot tubs use a relatively large amount of electricity, especially if the heating element is electric. Most hot tubs use 1,500 to 6,000 watts of electricity per month. The pump uses electricity to push the water through the filter, but it doesn’t use as much energy as the heater.
Does it cost less to run a hot tub all the time?
Leaving your hot tub on at a lower temperature costs less than turning it on and off. Unless you rarely use the hot tub, heating it all the way up from a cold temperature uses more energy than slightly raising the temperature periodically.
What temperature should I set my hot tub when I’m not using it?
The ideal resting temperature of a hot tub depends on how often you use it:
If you use your hot tub every day, keep it around 90° to 100°F when not using it.
If you use your hot tub every 2 to 3 days, keep it around 80°F when it's not in use.
If you use your hot tub once a week or less, you may want to turn it off between uses, as long as it’s not freezing outside. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to either keep the hot tub running constantly in the winter or drain and winterize it.
How often do I need to put chlorine in the hot tub?
To prevent bacteria growth, you should add chlorine in the hot tub every 2 to 7 days. Most manufacturers recommend adding 1 to 3 tablespoons tablets, or ounces of chlorine per 500 gallons of water per week. Hot tubs should have a chlorine level of 2 to 5 parts per million.
Getting estimates from hot tub companies
Before hiring a hot tub installation company or hot tub repair company near you, make sure to:
Compare 3+ quotes from businesses with several years of experience.
Verify that they have a license, bonds, and insurance.
Explore company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request an itemized estimate in writing.
Beware of the lowest quotes, which typically indicate low-quality work.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying upfront.
Questions to ask hot tub contractors
Ask these questions to select an experienced company:
How long have you been working with hot tubs?
Do you have a portfolio of past jobs?
Do you give free estimates for your work?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the maintenance job take?
What happens if the hot tub is damaged on the job?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.