How much does a hot tub cost to run?
How much does a hot tub cost to run? A covered hard tub runs about $29 monthly at the US average rate, while an inflatable costs about $34. Costs in the UK under the Ofgem price cap run about £42 and £49.
Select your tub type and country, then enter your cost per kWh to find the monthly total.
- Hard tub monthly standby use
- 159 kWh
- An inflatable tub for one month
- 185 kWh
- US monthly cost at 18.16¢ per kWh
- $29 to $34
- UK monthly cost at the Ofgem price cap
- £42 to £49
What is the daily power use in kWh for a hot tub?
With its cover on, a hard tub set to 102°F (39°C) pulls about 218 W around the clock. This figure is the average standby draw found in a California Energy Commission report. That equals about 5.2 kWh daily, 159 kWh monthly, or 1,910 kWh yearly.
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project reaches the same conclusion. According to them, a standard 334 gallon (1,260 litre) spa consumes more than 200 W, or roughly 1,900 kWh annually.
Inflatables consume more energy. Lay-Z-Spa estimates spring and autumn weekly costs of £9 to £12 for a standard inflatable at 24.67p per kWh. That midpoint is about 185 kWh each month.
The hard tub number covers standby mode only. Running jets with the lid off during soaks increases that total.
Hot tub electricity cost calculator rates by country
| Country | Price per kWh | Source |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 18.16¢ | EIA residential average |
| Canada (Toronto) | 15.57¢ (Canadian) | Hydro-Québec price comparison |
| United Kingdom | 26.32p | Ofgem price cap |
Rates in Canada change a lot by city. Hydro-Québec shows pre-tax rates of 8.29¢ in Montreal and 22.90¢ in Calgary. This Ofgem rate reflects the Great Britain average for Direct Debit, with the daily standing charge added separately. For the closest answer, use the price on your own bill.
How much does a hot tub cost to run each month?
Multiply your monthly kWh by your rate to get your hot tub running cost. A US hard tub using 159 kWh at 18.16¢ costs around $29.
| Tub | US | Canada | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard tub, 159 kWh | $29 | C$25 | £42 |
| Inflatable, 185 kWh | $34 | C$29 | £49 |
Winter brings higher costs. Lay-Z-Spa's tests show a regular inflatable costs £15.34 for a summer week and £20.31 for a winter week when that week starts by heating the water from cold. Since heating from cold takes the most power, see how long heating takes.
Hot tub energy saving tips
- Keep the cover sealed and on tight. The CEC report notes that evaporation causes most heat loss. Using a tight seal and a high R-value cover reduces this loss the most.
- Install extra insulation. Lay-Z-Spa states that adding a floor mat and thermal cover lowers weekly costs for a standard inflatable from £9 to £12 down to £6 to £8.
- Turn down the temperature setting when you leave. On American Whirlpool spas, the economy mode reduces the temperature by 20°F (11°C). Lay-Z-Spa notes that keeping a steady setting saves money if you soak 3 or more times weekly.
- Set up a timer. The Power-Saving Timer from Bestway lets you schedule heat up to 40 days in advance. During peak hours only, some modes on American Whirlpool units run in economy.
- Shelter the tub from wind. Hydropool credits windbreaks and nearby planting with helping the cabinet hold heat.
- Leave the unit on between uses. Hydropool says reheating after a full shutdown costs more than the savings.
Common questions
What extra cost does a hot tub add to your electric bill?
Standby use for a covered hard tub is about 159 kWh monthly. This equals roughly $29 given the US average rate of 18.16 cents per kWh. Soaks with jets running increase the total.
Does running an inflatable hot tub cost less?
It is not always the case. Lay-Z-Spa's tests showed a regular inflatable using about 185 kWh monthly, which exceeds standby use for an insulated hard tub. Uninsulated basic acrylic models can run about £5 a day, Lay-Z-Spa also notes.
Is leaving a hot tub on all the time cheaper?
Yes, when you use it often. Holding one temperature costs less than reheating each time for a tub used 3 or more times weekly, Lay-Z-Spa says.
In winter, how much does a hot tub cost to run?
Costs are higher than in summer. Lay-Z-Spa recorded a full week for a standard inflatable at £20.31 in winter compared to £15.34 in summer, including heating from cold.