How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
How much does it cost to run a hot tub & Softub Pricing?
There are many different pieces of information to take into account when determining your running costs. Let’s take a look at a few of the top considerations. They include: “How is the spa heated?”, “How is it insulated?”, “What is the ambient air temperature” and “What is the volume of water being heated?”
How is the spa heated?
Depending on how it is heated, the costs to run a hot tub will vary. Most hot tubs have a heating element and—like an indoor electric heater—the amount of electricity depends on how many kilowatts it uses.
Softubs are the most economic spas to run because they have no separate heating element and they are incredibly well-insulated. The motor is wrapped with patented surgical stainless steel hollow coils that the hot tub water is circulated through. As it circulates, the water absorbs the waste heat from the motor and transfers it into the hot tub water to heat the tub to your desired temperature – up to 106 degrees. At the same time, the water is cooling the motor, and when you cool a motor they last longer and run more efficiently. This part of the hot tub is completely insulated, and generates enough ‘free’ heat to keep you nice and hot even in our upstate NY winters!
How is it insulated?
Insulation types can vary greatly—and they affect the running costs.
The industry standard for acrylic tubs is filling the underside cabinet with foam or using insulation panels. The entire shell would be spray filled with foam or would have removable insulating panels for easier serviceability like our Maax Spas.
Softub’s engineers conceived the idea of using soft, lightweight foam for both the structure and insulation. The shell itself is made entirely of insulation, a re-enforced poly-bond which is incredibly strong, but also very lightweight and comfortable. The 31 layers of closed-cell foam acts like a giant thermos – locking in heat at a higher retention rate than most hard-sided tubs.
What is the source water temperature and the ambient air temperature?
It probably goes without saying that it will take longer to heat your hot tub when filling during the winter months than in the summertime. The water coming out of the garden hose will be colder so the water will have a longer way to go to heat up to your desired temperature. And the colder temperatures outside will also affect initial heat up and recovery times. For a Softub specifically, we say it will take between 24-48 hours to heat up initially but after that, with the set it and forget it thermostatic control, it will always be hot and ready for you when you’re ready to relax!
What is the volume of water that is being heated?
The larger the volume of water being heated, the greater the cost. If you are interested in a larger tub, keep this in mind. Often, the spa will be used by one or two people the majority of the time so make sure your choice is a good match for your actual usage.
Softub Pricing
If you are wondering about Softub pricing take a look at our Shop portable hot tubs page.
To compare a traditional hot tub versus a softub view this page.
As you can see, there are many advantages to looking into a Softub when you are thinking about the right spa for you. Contact us to learn more. Toll-free at 800-996-TUBS (8827).
