Are you in the market for a brand-new hot tub this year? If so, you’re probably taking note of the initial purchase price and how much you might need to spend to run it once it’s in your backyard. These costs would include maintenance expenses, power bills and more. Here’s what you should know about the running costs of owning a hot tub, plus bonus tips on what you can do to reduce the costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub?
There are various factors that can influence the cost of installing a hot tub, including installation method, the delivery approach, the size of the unit you’ve got your eye on, where you live and many more. Let’s say you want to buy a larger hot tub. Depending on its size and weight, it’s possible that a crane will be needed to deliver it to your location. This will likely cost between $400 to $2,000+. Furthermore, let’s say you want your hot tub to be installed in-ground instead of above-ground. The process of hiring someone for excavation and the preparation of a sound support system and waterproof vault might cost upwards of $10,000+. You might also want to place your hot tub on a deck, as many homeowners prefer. If so, you would be looking at a starting price of about $3,000+ for the construction of a deck. These are all just estimates and will, of course, vary depending on many different factors. However, it provides a rough example of different aspects to keep in mind.
Another very important aspect to keep in mind is the support system that will go underneath. There are many great options to choose from, including concrete slabs and a reinforced deck. The price estimates for each one will differ from place to place, so the best way to choose the ideal one for your home would be to contact your local spa dealer.
Recurring Energy Expenses and How to Lower Them
As with other appliances or home additions, a hot tub can increase your monthly power bill. However, there are several ways to reduce these ongoing costs. First, you need to ensure that the electrical setup done during installation is as efficient as possible. Otherwise, your hot tub might consume more energy than it needs to. This next one’s a bit obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Every time you’re done using your spa, make sure that you turn the jets and air pumps off.
Additionally, if you want to have an idea of how much you can expect to pay for your electricity bill, you should take note of the temperature that you and your family typically set. Some prefer 98 degrees, while others like it warmer at 104 degrees. The daily cost of this range can fall anywhere between one and three dollars. And if you want to keep your spa warmer for longer, a good practice is to use a cover whenever you’re not using it. Doing so will retain heat in your hot tub and effectively conserve energy.
Proper Care and Maintenance Can Reduce Running Costs
There are more ways to reduce the long-term running costs for your hot tub, and they’re quite simple. For starters, you should establish a regular cleaning schedule and spend time giving your spa a good scrub. The cleaning work needed will be much less if you choose a Hydropool hot tub, since they have an advanced self-cleaning technology that filters 100% of the water every fifteen minutes. However, checking the water levels regularly and maintaining them with chemicals is still necessary. This is because pH imbalance can damage the functioning parts of your hot tub. Ideally, the water should meet the healthy 7.2 to 7.8 pH level. Using testing strips or kits regularly will let you know if this is the case. While hot tub chemicals cost about $20 to $50 dollars a month, maintaining the proper chemical balance can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
To further save on potential repair or replacement costs, it’s also a good idea to replace your filter every year or as needed. This can help ensure that your hot tub’s jets and pumps are in the best working condition.
Want to learn more about choosing the best hot tub for you and your loved ones? Download our free buyer’s guide today!