Haven Spa Pool & Hearth

What Is The Typical Cost of Running a Hot Tub

Written By: Stephan Dapreau on Sep 12, 2009

A hot tub has many advantages. In terms of health it can help reduce stress, relieve pain, answers problems that concerns sleeping disorder, a hot tub therapy to lower blood sugar, recent studies also determine the hot tubs capability to help lose weight and lessen cellulite.

Just like any other things, owning a hot tub should be planned to get the best offer for your money. There are many elements and factors that should be considered before installing one.

First of all know your price range. Hot tub varies in price, between $2,500 and $18,000 with $6,000 as an average price. Two-person tub starts at roughly $4,000 and six-person from $8,000 to $10,000. Buying cars can be compared in having tubs; it shows its price with additional amenities included. The higher the level of features, materials used workmanship and services the higher the price. The tub can also have six to 160 jets and from one to five pumps. Remember to know the features that would benefit you and leave the others without so much use. Be reminded that you are paying the extra dollars for the added features that you know you’re definitely enjoy.

Determine in which part of the house you want to put the hot tub. Location is a great factor to other elements in building up a tub. Be sure to place it considering privacy, aesthetic feature and in a not so regular place to clean like under an overhanging tree. Make sure that the place can withstand the weight of the tub. It is 100 to 150 pounds per square foot (500 to 750 kg per square meter). A firm deck or a concrete portion would be appropriate. A wooden deck can cost between $500 and $15,000 depending on style and size. Concrete flooring can run $1,000 -$3,000. An additional $75 - $800 if the location is not properly wired for an outlet. Adding $1000 - $2000 to the total costs if advance plumbing and extensive electrical installation is needed.

Quality should always come first in getting a new tub. It is unlikely that owners would want to replace their tubs in a year or two and spending a lot of money in repairing parts here and there. Considering a quality product can be a lot inexpensive in the long run that certainly offers superior structural feature and durability.

Factors in Determining Operation Costs

Electricity is one of the factors that a consumer has no control over. Electrical companies charges different rates in different countries.

Temperature can also be a factor that should be considered. If a place is a lot cooler, and the air outside can affect the tub’s temperature, the tub will have to need more power to maintain and keep up the hot tub’s warmth.

Indoor spas may affect less cost in terms in electrical use. Yet, mostly 90% of the tubs are installed outside for entertainment reasons. Proper insulation and energy saving features can lessen cost even if the tub is outside. In addition, proper ventilation outdoors can save money than the tubs located inside that need more temperature regulators.

Temperature in the tub should be observed. Tubs are usually kept in 100° and 104°. It may sound no difference but a degree lesser or higher would greatly affect the cost.

Frequency of using the tub should also be considered. The tub will be exposed from its cover and will lose the radiant heat. The cost will also get higher the more it is use but bear in mind that buying the tub is suppose to be utilized and enjoyed and just left behind for decoration alone.

The design and construction of the tub is the most considerable factor in installing a hot tub. A hot tub can be the same in every aspect but the monthly cost of operation differs. How can this be? Owners must know the cost-saving lesson that should be planned.

1. Method of Insulation

Try reflecting on this case where a consumer bought a tub for $4000 with a $100 cost of operation and another consumer having a tub that cost $6000 with only $20 for operation. The difference in this cost is mostly on the type of insulation. Getting the proper insulation method and paying more in the start can get a lot of savings in the long run.

There are three types of insulation that 95% of manufacturers offers: basic insulation, full foam insulation, and layered insulation. Yet it is recommended to look for multi-layered insulation that can be great for cost efficiency and with great service. In having a full foam insulation even if it offers great heating system but the servicing is not so much. Look for insulation that has a high R-value that is usually located behind the walls of the cabinet or in the base.

2. Energy Saving Features (Built -In)

Economy Mode Operation. It is regulated by the control panel which enables the temperature to lower when not in use. This feature can save the operation’s cost up to 20%.

Automatic Shut Off. This is an intelligent feature that can turn all the power of the tub including the pumps, blowers and lights off. If the owner forgot to turn it off, it is automatically designed to shut off in a given range of time. It does not only save the cost but also extended the operation time of the tub.

Diagnostic Faulty Display. A built-in troubleshooter display can be a great help to avoid expensive service calls. It is a control panel feature that assist users to repair common to advance issues over the phone.

Automatic Freeze Protection. Another ingeniousfeature that allows the water pumps on in a cold weather. This would occur if the tub’s heater system would fail. In this way you can save a lot from repair expenses.

3. Tub Cover’s Quality

The cover is one of the significant parts of the tub since it regulates and maintains the temperature inside the tub. Thus, it is important to look for a cover that keeps up with preserving the water’s heat and moisture. It is recommended to have a 1.5 lb foam density cover. A heat gasket that will protect from vapor loss should also be considered. Look for a cover that has a 4” skirting that can envelop the tub’s shell and some of its cabinet. Most covers start at $50 -$100 but some are $100 - $400 still depending on quality, size and energy efficiency. An additional lifter that will help in removing the cover prices $100-$300.

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