Calculating inflatable hot tub running costs in the UK
So, what are the inflatable hot tub running costs in the UK? Inflatable hot tubs are the perfect stress-free setting for a fun party, a romantic break, or a sunny day of ultimate relaxation (or a brisk spring or autumn one, come to that!). But operating a tub isn’t free. So what do inflatable hot tub running costs in the UK really look like? – we break it down here for you.
Are they effectively nothing? Or are they going to break the bank if you’re not careful?
Here are the basics you need to know when budgeting for the running costs of your inflatable hot tub:
What Factors Affect Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs?
- Electricity costs – it sounds obvious, but do bear this in mind whenever energy bills rise (or, hopefully, one day fall – you never know!)
- Efficiency – of your hot tub’s electrical components, especially the heater, pump, and massage jets. The less efficient they are, the more energy is required.
- Positioning and ambient temperature – factors like whether your tub is positioned inside or outside and how hot or cold the surrounding air and ground are affect how much energy it takes to keep your tub at the correct temperature.
- Maintenance effectiveness – poorly maintained tubs cost more to run because the efficiency of their components slowly degrades.
- Maintenance and cleaning supplies – ancillary items like chlorine or bromine tablets, hot tub test strips, and other bits are vital for a fun and healthy ‘tubbing experience. Sadly, they do also cost money. Even if that cost is usually a modest one.
Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs In The UK – Ballpark Figures
Given this wide range of factors (and that list isn’t even exhaustive), it can be very difficult indeed to pin down the specific cost of precisely how much it costs to run a hot tub in the UK.
That said, here are some ballpark ranges you can work from:
- Average rate – around £30 to £60 per month, though energy prices have shot up dramatically since these studies were done. Some more recent customers are reporting anywhere up to £5 per day.
- Compared with a hard-skin hot tub – inflatable tubs will definitely cost more to run than an inflatable tub. Some estimates say that you can expect your bill to be anywhere as much as 33% higher or more with an inflatable model. This is because inflatable hot tub pumps tend to be less efficient than their solid tub equivalents.
How To Save Money On Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs
1) Choose Your Tub With Care
If it’s not too late (i.e. you haven’t already bought your tub), it’s well worth having a little think about running costs before you buy. Ask yourself things like:
- How big a tub do you need? Bigger tubs take longer – and thus need more energy – to heat.
- Will you use a larger tub enough to justify the cost of running it?
- How much insulation does your tub have? The more, the better.
- Does your model have air jets? These are great, but introduce cold air, requiring more energy to heat.
- Does your chosen tub have any energy-saving modes or features?
2) Don’t Turn Your Tub Off Between Uses
The energy required to heat your tub up from scratch is actually less than the energy required to keep it at the right temperature, so long as you plan on dipping into the water fairly regularly.
Keeping your tub on standby or power-saving mode (or whatever your model happens to call it) keeps the water only a degree or two below the ideal temperature, minimising the cost of heating it up.
Standby mode also ensures the heater and pump keep running, important for keeping the water clean.
3) Use A Cover, Lid, And Groundsheet Or Hot Tub Mat
These items are all about insulating your tub and trying to keep the heat in when it’s not in use.
Especially if you leave your tub outside in the UK, it’s liable to require quite a bit of energy even to maintain a steady almost-ready temperature. That’s why you should:
- Cover your tub with any supplied cover or lid when not in use
- Buy a hot tub mat or other ground protection to insulate your tub and heater from the ground
4) Site And Time Your Tub Use With Care
It can be quite fun to use your tub in the occasional shower. But when things start getting chilly, you are really asking a lot of your heater (and it will ask a lot of your energy bills) if you keep using your tub.
At other times when the weather takes a downturn (and, let’s be honest, this could be pretty much any time of year in the UK!), make the effort to shelter your tub with a windbreak or other shelter.
You’ll also want to place your tub on a stable surface and then insulate it with a mat or similar item. Placing it directly on the ground will leech heat and make it cost more to operate.
5) Clean And Maintain Your Tub
Finally, keeping your tub water chemical balance at a healthy 7.2 to 7.8 pH level and generally well-maintained will make sure the internal components don’t corrode or need to work harder than they should, minimising your inflatable hot tub running costs.
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