The question of cost and spa heating is one that we hear from our customers frequently. "How much does it actually cost to heat my spa or hot tub?"
The answer depends on several factors; where you live, the cost of your electricity, the size of the heating element, what voltage your heating element operates on etc.
Here are two examples:
Example 1
Let's assume the following;
• You live in Southern California.
• The cost of electricity is 15cents/kwh
• You have a 1500w heating element, 120 volt power.
• You have a spa that is 3 years old (a high quality spa with outstanding insulation)
• In order to maintain the heat in the spa, you need to heat it 3 hrs per day (average)
• Your heating pump is 1hp, 120v.
The method to calculate your heating cost will be the following
The cost of the actual heater:
Cost of electricity in KWH x Size of heating element x Number of hours per day x Days in the month = cost
0.15 cent /KWH x 1500watts=1.5kw X 3 hours X30 days = .25 per month
The cost of the pump;
0.15 cent/KWH x 736watts=.736kw x 3 hours x 30 days = .93
Total heating cost in Example 1 = .25+.93 = .18
Example 2
Let's assume the following;
• You live in upstate New York.
• The cost of electricity is 20cents/kwh
• You have a 5500w heating element, 240 volt electricity
• You have a spa that is 10 years old (with bad insulation)
• In order to maintain the heat in the spa, you need to heat it 4 hrs per day (average)
• Your heating pump is 0.5hp, 120v
The cost of the actual heater:
Cost of electricity in KWH x Size of heating element x Number of hours per day x Days in the month = cost
0.20 cent /KWH x 5500watts=5.5kw X 4 hours X30= 2/ month
The cost of the pump;
0.25 cent/KWH x 736watts=.736kw/2=0.368w x 4 hours x 30 days=.8
Total heating cost in Example 2 = 0.8
In the example above you see that heating cost vary greatly depending on all the factors listed.
If you are in the process of purchasing a new spa, please look for the following in order to minimize your heating costs
1. Buy a high quality spa. Typically the higher quality spa the lower the heating cost. If you had to choose between a ,000 spa and an ,000 spa. The ,000 spa will most likely save you a bundle of money in the long run. We are not endorsed my any spa manufacturer, but if you contact us we can let you know what spas brands are the most cost effective.
2. Make sure your spa cavity is foam filled.
3. Make sure your spa cover is made from 2lb foam density or more.
Each spa manufacturer have their own calculations where they determine how energy efficient their spas are. Some claim to use independent testing labs to be accurate. Maybe so, but, in our experience, their numbers never correspond to that which the customer actually experience once the spa is hooked up in their yard.
The above examples will help you determine the cost of your spa, under your conditions. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us below.
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