How can you keep the energy consumption of an inflatable spa as low as possible?
Nothing beats sinking into the warm, bubbling water of your own inflatable spa after a long day at work. It’s the ultimate way to relax in your back garden. Until the electricity bill arrives in the post. It’s no secret that heating and keeping hundreds of litres of water warm uses a fair bit of electricity.
Fortunately, your moment of relaxation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few clever adjustments and the right habits, you can drastically reduce the energy consumption of an inflatable spa. That’s why we’re sharing the most effective, practical tips for maximum relaxation with minimum electricity costs.
6 smart ways to reduce the electricity costs of your inflatable spa
1. Insulate the floor (the biggest source of heat loss)
Many people place their spa directly on cold garden paving or grass. That’s a shame, because the ground constantly draws heat away from the bottom of your hot tub. Always lay down an insulating underlay before you inflate and fill the spa. Special foam underlay tiles (puzzle mats) work perfectly. Not only do they protect your spa’s liner, but they also form a thermal barrier between the warm water and the cold ground.
2. Always cover the spa with an insulated cover
Heat rises. Without a proper cover, the warm water evaporates and the heat escapes into the open air in no time. Use the supplied inflatable cover or cover immediately after you step out of the water. Want to really save money? Then invest in an extra thermal insulation cover that you pull over the entire spa. This blocks the wind and ensures that the hot tub acts like a giant thermos flask.
3. Choose a strategic, sheltered location
Where you place your inflatable hot tub has a huge impact on your electricity bill. Wind is the biggest enemy of hot water; it blows the heat away from the water’s surface and the side walls. So make sure you place the spa in a sheltered spot. Think of a corner next to a fence, under a canopy or behind a windbreak. Is the spa partly in the sun in spring or summer? Make the most of it! The sun helps to warm the water by a few degrees for free. However, you do need to be careful in full sun. UV rays can have a negative impact on the lifespan of the liner. So use the sun wisely and let it warm the water, but don’t leave your spa in full sun for days on end.
4. The big question: leave it on or switch it off?
Should you leave the spa heater on or switch it off each time? The answer depends entirely on how often you use the spa: If you use it regularly (three times a week or more): Leave the spa heater on. It uses less energy to keep the water at a constant temperature (or to let it drop by just 2 degrees) than to have to reheat the water from 20 degrees all the way up to 38 degrees every time. For occasional use (only at weekends): Set the temperature significantly lower during the week (to 20 degrees, for example) or switch the heating off completely (possibly using the timer) and only reheat the spa the day before use.
5. Keep the filter thoroughly clean
A clean filter is not only important for clear water, but also for your wallet. When the filter becomes clogged with hair, skin oils and dirt, it becomes harder for the water to flow through. The result? The pump has to work much harder to circulate the water, leading to higher energy consumption and extra wear and tear. You should therefore rinse the filter cartridge every few days and replace it in good time.
6. Turn the temperature down a few degrees
Of course, 40 degrees is lovely when it’s cooler outside, but why not try setting the thermostat to 37 or 38 degrees? The difference in comfort is minimal, but it saves your spa from having to heat up intensively for hours on end. Every degree lower directly results in a lower energy bill.
Frequently asked questions about the power consumption of an inflatable spa
How much electricity does an inflatable spa use on average per day?
Average energy consumption ranges from 5kWh to 10kWh per day, depending largely on the outside temperature, how well the spa is insulated and how often you use it. In winter, consumption is naturally much higher than in summer.
How much does an inflatable hot tub cost to run per day?
Assuming an average electricity price of €0.30 per kWh, daily energy costs range from €1.50 to €3. In winter, these costs may be slightly higher as the heating element has to run more often.
Can I leave the inflatable spa outside during the winter?
Most manufacturers recommend storing the hot tub when the temperature drops below 4°C, unless the hot tub is fitted with a special ‘Freeze Shield’ or frost protection system that automatically keeps the water just above freezing point. Please bear in mind that energy consumption is high in winter.
Want to keep your inflatable spa in top condition?
Keep your water crystal-clear and your pump energy-efficient with the right maintenance products. From powerful filter cleaners to handy test strips: at Hermie, you’ll find everything you need for a worry-free dip.
Bekijk hier alle spa-filters en onderhoudsartikelen
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