Inflatable hot tubs are the perfect addition to the home if you live in a cold climate and simply want some peace and relaxation. However, did you know that inflatable hot tubs can be quite expensive to maintain, especially when you don’t know how to do so in the first place? The energy costs of running it can be staggering enough alone!
But what if I told you there are ways on how you can save money for your inflatable hot tub? If you want to learn how to do so, check out these money saving tips for inflatable hot tub owners!
Nine Money Saving Tips For Inflatable Hot Tub Owners
Inflatable hot tubs are portable and can easily be stored when not in use, which saves you money compared to built-in hot tubs. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact that both types of hot tubs are quite pricey. Expect to ramp up costs on the following aspects:
- Electricity from the pump, heater, and other electronic parts of the inflatable hot tub
- Filters to maintain clean and bacteria-free water
- Cleaning and sanitation costs, from cleaning products to hiring a professional to do it
- Water costs, which may increase if you constantly replace the water in your tub
While some of these costs may seem tiny at first, it WILL ramp up to a huge expense in the long run. Not to worry, you can still save up those dollars while still enjoying your inflatable hot tub. Here are the tips to follow:
1. Keep the Motor Running
This might be a weird tip because how are you supposed to say on energy costs when you leave the motor running?
If you use your hot tub more than thrice a week, it’s beneficial to leave your heater on the entire time.
When you switch it off, the water temperature quickly drops within 24 hours, and when you use it again the next day (or two), you’ll have to reheat the cold water and get it back to the target temperature.
Meaning, your motor will have to work even harder compared to if you just let it run and maintain water temperature. That’s why it’s recommended to leave the motor running to avoid sudden increases in your energy bills.
However, this tip only applies to those who use their inflatable hot tub at least thrice a week. If ever you only use it once a week or less, then you’re better off switching it off, which would save you more.
2. Cover It Up
Always remember that heat will rise, which is why it’s important to put the cover on your inflatable hot tub the minute you step out of your hot tub. Also, take it off only before you’re about to go in rather than leaving it uncovered for an hour before getting in.
This is because when the heat rises, the temperature will begin to lower, leaving your motor working double time to maintain the target temperature. This will then affect your energy bills, with even the smallest hole breaking your wallet.
Be sure that you place the insulated cover correctly and that it’s fastened down well. Furthermore, check it for any signs of wear and tear or aging, as well as any holes that indicate you need it replaced.
3. Keep the Wind Away
Another factor that affects your hot tub’s water temperature and heating bills are the wind chill. When you’re in the hot tub and the wind is blowing, the wind blows to the tub’s surface, cooling and evaporating its water. Because of this, you’ll need to add more water to replace any evaporated water, as well as use more energy when reheating the water.
To avoid this from happening, have a windbreak around the inflatable hot tub. Also, when placing your hot tub, put it near a wall, hedge, or fence to avoid the wind from hitting it.
4. Insulate the Bottom
Besides the heat rising, it will also transfer to any colder surface. If your inflatable hot tub has the max temperature of 104 degrees F while the ground is colder than that, then the heat transfers from the hot tub’s floor to your ground. As a result, the water cools rapidly.
Heat loss will cost money and you need to avoid it as much as possible! Have insulation under the hot tub, such as an insulated ground mat or foam sheets before heating your water. This will also help increase your hot tub’s lifespan as a form of protection from rough surfaces, saving you even more in the long run!
5. Fill It Up With Hot Water
Another way to save money is to fill your inflatable hot tub using hot water, rather than filling it with cold water and letting the motor heat it up to the target temperature.
When filling your hot tub with hot water, remember these tips:
- Cover the hot tub’s floor with thin layers of cold water before pouring in hot water
- The hot water shouldn’t be hotter than 104 degrees F to prevent liner damage
- Do NOT add boiling water when topping the temperature
Also consider only filling your hot tub to the minimum line level to save on water costs, as well as the need for your motor to utilize energy heating larger amounts of water.
6. Think About the Target Temperature
Most inflatable hot tubs have the maximum temperature of 104 degrees F. I’m sure many of you go for the maximum temperature, having your motor heat all your water for better relaxation.
But why not set it a notch below, say, 102 degrees Fahrenheit (or a bit lower) instead? You may be surprised by how much energy (and money) you’ll save! Setting your target temperature below the maximum setting can save money on both starting up and each time you’ll need to reheat the water.
7. Clean It Regularly
When keeping your inflatable hot tub clean, this will keep your water clean. Because of this, it will take fewer chemicals to fix any unnecessary issues that arise due to unclean water. It will also lessen the need to replace your water constantly, saving you on costs from water bills and any expensive chemicals to fix your hot tub’s issues.
Besides that, cleaning your inflatable hot tub regularly will lengthen its lifespan, so there’s no need to spend a lot repairing or replacing it.
8. Use the Right Chemicals
There will be a need to purchase chemicals after getting your inflatable hot tub. These chemicals sanitize the water, shock it if it turns green and cloudy, maintain proper pH levels, and more.
To save a bit of money when purchasing chemicals, purchase them in bulk rather than just one bottle or tub at a time. It can save you a few cents or dollars today, which adds up in the long run!
Furthermore, you can find sales and deals when purchasing chemicals in bulk.
9. Continue Monitoring Your Bills
This tip may seem pretty over-particular, but it’s worth it to check your water and heating bills every month. This goes especially for the first few months of owning the inflatable hot tub. Check how the bills were before installation and monitor the numbers for the next six months.
That way, you can see how much the inflatable hot tub costs you and if you’re good with the bill. If not, follow the right tips to save money on water and energy. Watch out for any weird energy spikes and look back to what happened over the month with your hot tub.
Act accordingly to any significant increase and continue saving money from there!
Wrapping It Up
Inflatable hot tubs are a cool investment but can come at a costly price with expenses. Fortunately, there are ways you can save and reduce those costs to enjoy your hot tub without breaking your wallet. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to do so!
I hope that my money saving tips for inflatable hot tub owners helped you out. So what are you waiting for? Start saving money and follow these tips today! Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences owning an inflatable hot tub? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated.
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