Before buying a hot tub it’s important to do your research properly. That means not only selecting the perfect tub in terms of look and quality, but also in terms of cost. A hot tub must fit in with your monthly budget, or else you simply won’t be able to use it to its full potential. However, you shouldn’t be under any illusions – a hot tub will increase your energy bill, and it’s also important to consider the monthly cost of cleaning chemicals and maintenance.
Lay-Z-Spa running costs
There are many benefits to choosing a Lay-Z-Spa, one of which is the initial upfront cost – it will undoubtedly be lower than a fixed hot tub as it doesn’t need to be plumbed into the water system, either. If you ever decide to move to a new house, a fixed hot tub would incur costs around professional removal and reinstallation. Inflatable hot tubs like the Lay-Z-Spa can be removed easily and will take a few hours to fill.
Chemicals will also add to the running cost of a hot tub. It’s important to maintain between 3-5 mg of chlorine per litre of water in the hot tub. Every few days, determine chemical levels with chlorine test strips. If you choose a higher-grade cleaning chemical, you’ll need to use less product – so invest in a good quality chlorine additive.
Once set up, a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub could cost anything between £10 and £40 a month to run.
Miscellaneous hot tub running costs
Hot tub accessories
There’s plenty of hot tub accessories to choose from which means that you can completely customise your tub so that it meets your needs. If you want to use your hot tub all year round, a canopy or gazebo will provide shade in the summer and provide shelter from wind and rain in the winter.
A hot tub cover is also essential, as it ensures that the water temperature is maintained at the correct level, whilst protecting water from contamination from fallen leaves or insects. If accessibility could be a problem, you should also consider buying a hot tub surround or step.
Cleaning your hot tub
Aside from chlorine, there’s no need to buy expensive cleaning chemicals, you can save money by using cleaning fluids that you already have in the house. Use a wet cloth to remove dirt build up as it happens and use baking soda with a cloth to remove small marks or scuffs. Use hot soapy water to clean the hot tub cover and remember to clean the spa filter cartridges with the water from a garden hose – the pressure will get rid of any detritus.
How to reduce hot tub running costs
Buy a quality hot tub
A high-quality hot tub will heat more efficiently and lose heat at a slower rate. Lay-Z-Spa tubs are well known to be good quality and can work indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
Keep on top of maintenance
If you follow best practice for hot tub maintenance you’ll be able to keep the hot tub in better condition, for longer, meaning no expensive cleaning fees or hot tub replacements will be required for a long time.
Find the best price for electricity
Be sure to shop around for the best electricity tariff and update your company with meter readings. After you’ve used the hot tub for a month, you’ll be able to get a better quote as the usage will be considered.
Keep the hot tub hot
Keep the hot tub at the right temperature consistently to avoid having to reheat it but turn off the jets to save energy. This also means that it is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Buy a well-insulated cover
A well-insulated cover will keep the heat of the water inside the hot tub and the cold air out.
