Hot tubs don't have to be too expensive to use. The energy it takes to heat the water in your hot tub can be a drain on your finances and your area's resources. The biggest energy costs involved in maintaining a hot tub are raising the water temperature and sustaining the heat, so you can conserve energy by improving the tub's insulation and adjusting the temperature wisely. Not only will you save money on your electric bill, but you'll also be living a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Adjust the hot tub's thermostat down a few degrees. Hot tubs are automatically set to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but you won't miss the extra heat if you dial it down to 101 or 102 degrees instead. The hotter the water already is, the more energy it takes to increase the temperature further, so this small adjustment can make a big difference. Turn off the hot tub heater when you're away. If you're going to be away during freezing weather, either leave the heater on at a low temperature or winterize the tub and pipes before you go.

Talk to your electric company representative about off-peak hours. The company might offer lower rates on electricity usage during certain times of the day. If so, heat your hot tub during these hours, then cover it until you're ready to use it. Used Hot Tubs ClevelandInvest in a good-quality hot tub cover, especially if your current cover is showing signs of wear. Cheapest Tires Buffalo NyA cover in good condition seals heat in, the way insulation does in your home. Puppies For Sale Tell City IndianaIf your cover is heavy and waterlogged, replace it immediately. Place a floating thermal blanket under the cover to reinforce the insulation. These blankets also protect the covers, extending their lifespan and making them less likely to become waterlogged.

Replace the hot tub's filters every year. Clean them with a commercial filter cleaner every three to four months. This keeps the pump working efficiently and reduces wear on the motor, so the system uses less energy. Plant shrubs or install fencing or other windbreaks around the hot tub. These reduce the wind chill factor on the water and help maintain the water temperature. Turn off any air jets, bubble blowers and unnecessary spa lights when you finish using the hot tub. Cover the tub tightly. Leave some lights on for safety, especially if you have small children. Things You Will Need Hot tub cover Floating thermal blanket Filters and filter cleaner Shrubs, fencing or other windbreaks References The SpaDepot: Conservation, Save Energy, Save MoneyCNY Hot Tubs: Hot Tub Energy Saving Tips Photo Credits Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionMany of us dream of owning our own hot tub one day. They’re a symbol of luxury, something that’s usually found in hotels, spas, or gyms.

I used to be one of those dreamers, and about 10 years ago that dream became a reality. Just a few days after Valentine’s day we had our brand new hot tub delivered. My wife and I were excited as we anxiously awaited the tub to be filled, and the water to be hot enough for us to jump in for the very first time. But if you’re not careful, buying a hot tub can be a huge time and money waster. We quickly found out, owning a hot tub was much more expensive than we thought. Buying a hot tub is a lot like buying a car. There are almost infinite brands and models to choose from, all in varying price ranges. If you’re thinking of buying a hot tub of your own, the spending doesn’t stop the day your new jetted tub of relaxation is delivered. Here are 6 hidden expenses that come with being a hot tub owner: Installing an electrical outlet: Before we could even think about getting a hot tub, we first needed a 220 volt electric line run to where the hot tub would be located.

This cost us close to $1,000. A sturdy foundation: A hot tub needs a sturdy foundation to sit on. Whether it’s a deck, a cement slab, or something comparable, you’ll likely have to install special reinforcements. Luckily for us, we already had a cement slap available. But if you don’t, you’ll need to take this expense into account. Increasing electricity bill: We asked the salesman how much having a hot tub would increase our electricity bill. He told us about $30 a month, maybe a little more when it was cold outside. He wasn’t even close! It’s been $50 minimum each month in the summer and well over $100 during the winter months. Replacing filters: The hot tub we have requires a total of three filters which costs about $45 a piece. These filters need to be replaced every 4-6 months, so we had to create a recurring budget for this expense. Chemical monitoring: Hot tubs are a lot like fish tanks; they require constant monitoring of their PH levels, as well as some sort of sanitation system whether it be Chlorine, Bromine, or something similar.

A full set of monitoring strips and chemicals cost $100, and will last about two months. Constant repairs and upkeep: Here’s another parallel between owning a car and a hot tub. It’s not if your hot tub will break down, but only a matter of when. Our tub came with a full 5-year warranty, but after that we’re on our own. The pumps failed, pipes leaked, and even our main computer board went out once. The cost of upkeep and repairing a hot tub can be hundreds of dollars. The place on our patio where our hot tub once sat is now since empty, as we sold it a few years ago. The reason we decided to get rid of it is because the cost to keep it was just too high. For the eight years we owned the hot tub we had countless good times relaxing in it both alone and with friends. So, we have great memories! One day we might buy another one, but this time we’ll be able to make an educated decision as to whether we could afford the real cost of owning a hot tub. Have you ever owned a hot tub?