A major concern for many people when considering a hot tub is “how much will it cost to operate?” This is a concern that rightfully exists, as the operating cost of the wrong hot tub can equal a modest car lease. A lot of hot tubs have a lot of similarities, so it can be difficult to distinguish between what’s good and what’s bad. The following are just a few things we’d urge anyone to consider:

• Brand longevity. It’s important to choose a hot tub brand that has existed for a long time. Brands that have been around longer have greater knowledge of what does and doesn’t work, especially as it pertains to easy ownership of their product. There are hundreds of hot tub brands out there, but a select few that have existed long enough to know what makes a hot tub efficient.
• Insulation. There are only a few different types of insulation for hot tubs, and there are limited methods for applying each of them. It may seem great to have a spa that’s packed full of insulation, but not great if the result is more difficult and costly repairs. While there might be merit to just insulating the perimeter, the plumbing for jets is pretty heavy to not have any support. Also best to avoid hot tubs that have vents in the side, as we like to keep heat in, not let it escape. Simply put, the best insulation for a hot tub is FiberCor.
• Equipment. There are many different types of equipment used in hot tubs. A spa that contains a circulation pump is a must for keeping energy costs down. Some brands will tout that their massive 5 Hp pumps create an extremely powerful massage, when most research indicates that 1.5 – 2.5 Hp is more than enough. Any brand that boasts of “more” and “bigger” equipment can also expect to have a much higher operating cost.

The operating cost of owning a hot tub can vary tremendously based on the brand. We’ve had people tell us it costs under $15 a month, while others have said the cost of theirs was over $150 per month. It’s important to research the brands being considered, and to check out reviews for those brands. The right spa will have little to no impact on the monthly electric bill.