Since the arrival of the coronavirus and its associated stay-at-home orders, there’s been a swell in the interest of home recreational options. Swim spas have become very popular because they fit into a relatively small space compared with a full-sized swimming pool. They can also be operated even if the temperatures drop below freezing. Those who already own a swim spa understand the convenience they afford. You’re not limited by opening hours, scheduled swims, or public swimming pool shutdowns. Someone who’s never owned a swim spa before may have concerns about their cost of operation. How much electricity does a swim spa use? This can be a real concern for those who live in areas with higher electricity rates. The exact amount of electricity a swim spa will use will depend on several factors, we’ll attempt to help you assess your own personal situation with these generalized considerations.
How Often Do You Use Your Swim Spa?
It only stands to reason that a swim spa that gets constant use will require more electricity than one that gets used a few times a week. If you consider a swim spa in a commercial gym, it’s probably generating a current for the better part of the day. In a private situation, it’s unlikely you’d use anywhere near the same amount of electricity, but knowing how much you’ll use the swim spa will give you a general idea of electricity usage.
How Big Is Your Swim Spa?
It’s generally suggested that you invest in the largest swim spa you can afford. The larger the tank, the less turbulence that occurs. Water turbulence makes swimming more difficult and results in a choppier, less natural swim. Swim spa tanks can measure anywhere from 12 feet to 19 feet. However, the larger your swim spa, the more energy it will use.
How Is Your Swim Spa Being Used?
Swim spas are highly versatile pieces of equipment. For the serious swimmer, they provide an environment that allows the improvement of swimming skills and full-body exercise. For those who prefer to relax, many swim spas have a seating or lounging area with massaging water jets. If you have kids who just like to play and splash around in the water, a swim spa works well for that as well. Maintaining hot tub-like water temperatures will require more electricity use than simply using the swim spa as a place to cool off. How you use your swim spa will determine how much electricity it requires.
When Do You Use Your Swim Spa?
In an effort to reduce the amount of electricity that’s used, many localities have implemented peak electricity hours. This means that you pay more for electricity when using it during peak hours. You’ll pay less per unit of electricity if you use it during non-peak hours. If you can schedule your swim spa use to coincide with non-peak hours, you may realize significant savings on your electrical bills. Similarly, if you’re using your swim spa during the colder winter months, it’ll use more electricity to keep the water temperature constant.
Are You Using A Swim Spa Cover?
Although swim spa covers are considered an accessory, they should really be considered a necessity. By replacing the cover whenever the swim spa isn’t being used, you’ll reduce the amount of heat that escapes from the water. Running your water heater less will reduce the amount of electricity that your swim spa will use.
Are You Running Your Water Heater?
Although it may seem like constantly running your water heater might be a waste of electricity, the fact is that keeping the water heater running and maintaining a consistent water temperature will use less electricity than turning off your water heater after each use. If you won’t be using your swim spa for several weeks, it makes sense to turn down the temperature to the lowest setting, but bringing your water back up to temperature before each use will ultimately require more electricity.
To learn more about swim spa operations, download a free buyer’s guide today.