How much electricity does a hot tub consume?

The energy cost for an electric hot tub

With the a hot tub that is heated electrically, power consumption depends on usage and the outside temperature. Unlike jacuzzis, a hot tub does not require you to use power or three-phase AC. Heating the water with the Balboa electric system takes an average of 1 to 2 degrees per hour. Therefore, it is more efficient to leave the element on continuously so the water is always warm.

The average power consumption per hour per system:

• Balboa heating: 3 kW
• Welclear filter system (cartridge): 0.43 kW
• Filter system (glass filter): 0.35 kW
• Jets: 0.25 kW
• Bubble system: 0.7 kW
• LED lighting: 0.008 kW
• UV lamp: 0.012 kW

Seasonal power consumption

The power consumption of the electric element is significantly higher in winter than in summer. This is due to the lower outside temperatures, which causes the water to cool faster. In winter, the system will have to reheat more often to keep the hot tub at a constant temperature. As a result, costs and consumption are therefore lower in the summer than in the winter. 

Therefore, it is important to make sure you have good insulation, such as a high-quality cover and insulation around the hot tub. This helps retain heat and prevents you from consuming unnecessary power.

How can you save on power consumption costs?

There are several ways to save electricity and costs:

1. Use a good insulating cover

An insulated cover retains heat longer, reducing the need for the heater to jump in.

2. Set the temperature slightly lower

By keeping the water a few degrees lower when you are not using the hot tub, you use less energy.

3. Limit the use of accessories

Options such as bubbles, jets and lights consume power only during use. Turn these off when you don't need them.

4. Choose hybrid heating

Combine electric and wood-fired heating. This is especially convenient in the winter. You can first bring the hot tub up to temperature with the wood stove and then keep the water warm with the electric heater. That way you save electricity AND enjoy the charm of a wood-fired hot tub.

5. Turn the hot tub off for extended non-use
   Going on vacation for a while or not using the hot tub for an extended period of time? Empty the hot tub, clean it and turn it off completely. This prevents unnecessary power consumption and keeps the hot tub in optimal condition.

Solar panels combined with an electric hot tub

Want to make your hot tub even more sustainable? Then combine it with solar panels. With these you can offset a large portion of the power costs, especially if you use the hot tub regularly. This will make your wellness experience not only relaxing, but also environmentally friendly.

Other recurring costs for a hot tub

In addition to power costs, there are other recurring costs to consider:

• Water consumption: Water should be changed once every few months.
• Maintenance products: For a clean hot tub, you need maintenance products such as filters, cleaners and possibly a UV lamp.
• Wood (for wood-fired hot tubs): If you use a wood-burning stove, the cost varies depending on the type of wood you choose.

With a wood-fired hot tub, power consumption is minimal. Only accessories such as a filtration system (0.35-0.43 kW per hour), jets or bubbles use electricity.

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