Hot Tub & Spa Energy Saving & Water Conservation Tips
The list below contains energy saving and water conservation tips for Hot Tub and Spa owners from various Government Agencies and Municipalities.
1. Reset Thermostat – Some hot tubs and spas come preset @ 104 degrees. You can save energy and reduce your monthly utility bill by setting your hot tub heater thermostat to maintain 102 degrees Fahrenheit without noticing a drop off in water temperature.
2. Shift Hot Tub Water Heating to Off-Peak Times – If your hot tub or spa has a timer, you can reduce peak loads and pressure on utility rates by programming the timer to “off” during peak hours. A well-insulated, energy efficient hot tub will maintain temperature for several hours after the heater is turned off.
3. Turn Down the Thermostat When You’re on Vacation – The majority of hot tub and spa owners don’t turn down or turn off their tub heating thermostats when they go on vacation or are away from home for an extended period of time.
If you won’t be using your hot tub for 5 or more consecutive days, you can save money and energy by turning your tub heating thermostat off or down to a point that it should not come on while you are away from home.
4. Reduce Pumping Cycles – Normally filtration cycles for many single and two speed pumps are set for four hours. You may be able to reduce the filtration cycles to three hours – during off-peak hours.
This adjustment should be based on your usage pattern, so you can maintain clear, clean and safe water. If your spa has a low wattage circulation pump – leave it alone, it’s designed to run continuously.
5. Use a Highly Rated Insulating Foam Hot Tub or Spa Cover – Standard covers have an insulating value of approximately R-12 to R-14 (though we offer spa covers as high as R-22). Keeping a cover in good condition is essential because most heat loss will be through the spa cover. Replace the cover if the interior foam is broken or water-saturated.
A water-logged cover will increase energy consumption from heat loss. Make sure the cover and tub lip fit snugly, straps are tied and the cover is latched when the hot tub is not in use.
This will reduce heat leakage. To handle the cover more easily and extend its life, consider using a lifting system.
6. Avoid Wasting Water – Repair any leaks and adjust jets or use booster pads to adjust your height so you’re not sending streams of water on the deck.
7. Drain Your Hot Tub Only When Necessary – Hot tubs that are heavily used should be drained every 3 months. To conserve our water resources, use your old tub water to irrigate your landscaping or water your lawn.
Make sure that most or all of the chemicals in your tub water have evaporated or been filtered out before using for irrigation purposes. Waiting a minimum of 48-72 hours from the time any chemicals were last used is more than sufficient.
8. Create Windbreaks Around Your Hot Tub or Spa – Cutting wind exposure can greatly reduce heat lose which saves energy and money. Fencing, landscaping and privacy panels, like the image on the right, can all be very effective windbreaks.