Save energy and water with your hot tub
Set the hot tub heater thermostat to maintain 102ºF
Some hot tubs have been set to heat water to 104ºF. By setting your temperature at 102ºF or lower you can reduce overall energy consumption significantly.
Shift hot tub water heating to off-peak times
If your hot tub has a timer, you can help reduce peak loads and pressure on utility rates by programming the timer to "off" during peak hours. Many power utilities offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, when demand is lowest. Check with your power company for hours and details and consider programming the thermostat to heat during these times.
If you have a well-insulated, energy efficient hot tub, it will maintain temperatures for several hours even after the heater is turned off.
Turn down the thermostat when you're on vacation
If you are leaving for an extended period of time and won't use the hot tub for a week or more, turn the heat down or off. In freezing weather, some heating must be maintained to prevent freeze damage to the pipes and plumbing, unless the spa is winterized and water is removed from the plumbing system.
Reduce pumping cycles
Normally filtration cycles for single and two speed pumps are set for four hours. You may be able to reduce the filtration cycles to three hours, twice a day - 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.
Use a foam cover with good insulative qualities
Heat rises-- that's why we insulate the attics in our homes. In fact, although walls are also insulated, up to 85% of heat loss is through the roof. The same principle applies to your spa. Standard covers have an insulating value of approximately R-12. 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. A waterlogged cover will have almost no R-value, wasting your heating dollars.
If your cover is in good condition, make sure the tie straps are snug and latched when the spa is not in use. This will reduce heat leakage. To handle the cover more easily and extend its life, consider using a lifting system.
Add a floating blanket
An energy-efficient floating thermal blanket will help retain heat and reduces the amount of moisture building up on the inside of your solid cover. For example, adding a 1/4" closed-cell foam floating blanket under the hard cover can increase the total R-value to 16.
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 onto the deck.
Drain the hot tub only when necessary
Hot tubs that are heavily used by bathers should be drained every
3 – 4 months. When it's time to drain, either drain to a sanitary sewer or use the water for lawn irrigation. Make sure no chemicals have been added for at least 48 – 72 hours before draining.
Create windbreaks around the hot tub
Cutting wind exposure can reduce heat loss. Privacy panels, landscaping, or fencing can all be effective windbreaks.
