Most of us are quite content to use a hot tub without worrying about how they work. We aren’t asking questions such as, “How are hot tubs heated?” or “What can be done to heat a hot tub more efficiently?” But if it wasn’t for the people who asked those types of questions, we might still be living in caves and using stones as tools. It’s also important to remember that heating water is the most energy-intensive process associated with running a hot tub. For this reason, it can pay to learn how to do the job more efficiently.
How Is A Hot Tub Heated?
Most hot tubs these days rely on electric water heaters. While there are solar-powered hot tubs, they tend to convert solar power into electricity to run the water pump and heater. Some traditionalists swear by wood-fired hot tubs, but not all of us are excited by the prospect of having to chop wood and start a fire every time we want a soak. However, regardless of the system used to heat a hot tub, making it more efficient is in anybody’s best interest.
Keeping the Heat in The Water: Part One
Most of the heat from a hot tub is lost through the water’s surface. While there’s not a whole lot that can be done about this when the hot tub is being used, covering up the hot tub when it isn’t being used is a great way to keep the heat from escaping. This is where hot tub covers, and floating insulated blankets come into play. Not only do they keep the heat in the water, but they also keep out dirt and debris. This reduces your reliance on the water heater as well as the quantity of chemicals you’ll use to keep the water clean. Investing in a good insulated hot tub cover pays off in many different ways.
Keeping the Heat in The Water: Part Two
One of the factors that make the price of hot tubs variable is the amount of insulation it features. If you live in a colder climate and hope to use your hot tub throughout the winter, paying for extra insulation upfront will reduce your energy bills over time. It will also ensure your hot tub can reach peak temperatures even in the coldest of weather. Make sure to ask whether the hot tub’s insulation is appropriate for your climate.
Keeping the Heat in The Water: Part Three
If your hot tub is exposed to the elements it will require more energy to keep the water at a consistent temperature. The wind is especially known for reducing hot tub water temperature as well as causing it to evaporate. If you find your hot tub is being affected by the wind or other weather patterns, you might want to consider giving it some shelter. This could be a windscreen made of trees, shrubs, fencing, or some other type of barrier.
Maintaining A Consistent Water Temperature
To conserve energy, you probably remember being told by your parents to turn off the lights or TV when leaving the room. Allowing them to run while they’re not being used is an obvious waste of energy. It doesn’t quite work the same way with a hot tub – especially in colder weather. Allowing the water temperature to drop when the hot tub isn’t being used requires an extraordinary amount of energy to raise it back up again. It’s generally more energy efficient to maintain a consistent water temperature rather than allowing it to fall after every use. In this case, it’s better to ignore your parents’ exhortations and leave the hot tub running.
Now that you’ve learned how hot tubs are heated and how to do so more efficiently, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.