Start With Your Spa Cover

If your cover is in good condition, make sure the tie straps are snug and latched when the spa is not in use.  This will reduce heat leakage.
 

If your cover has deteriorated, heat leaks will occur at the hinge-fold and also on the spa shell rim due to improper seating of the cover edges.  More importantly, if your old cover has become very heavy, this indicates water-logging of the foam-core insulation.

A waterlogged cover will have almost no R-value, wasting your heating dollars.  A  high quality replacement spa cover will not only save energy, it will also last longer, be more resistant to water absorption, and improve the beauty of your spa.
 

DuraTherm quality insulating hot tub covers feature Energy Shield option: a heat-reflective metalized Mylar underside for maximum conservation.

Creating Windbreaks
 

Creating a windbreak around your spa is not just an attractive privacy solution.  Cutting wind exposure can also significantly reduce heat loss.  Shrubs, privacy panels, or fencing, as well as spa enclosures can all be effective windbreaks.  Another solution is the use of a coverall.

Thermostat Settings
 

Modern spas come from the factory with a high temperature limit set at 104º F.  By setting your temperature at 102ºF (or even a bit lower) you can reduce overall energy consumption significantly since it takes disproportionately more energy to heat each additional degree.

Vacation Mode

Turn down the thermostat when you are on vacation.  If you will be gone for a week or more during warmer months, you can set it at its lowest level or turn off the heater.  In freezing weather, some heating must be maintained to prevent freeze damage to the pipes and plumbing, unless the spa is winterized and water removed from the plumbing system.

Off-Peak Heating
 

Many power utilities offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, when demand is lowest.  Check with your power company for hours and details.

If your hot tub has a timer circuit, and off-peak heating is an option, consider programming the thermostat to heat during these times.  If you have a well-insulated spa with a good cover, it will maintain its heat for several hours after the heater is turned off.

Air Jets, Lights and Blowers
 

Air induction jets are wonderful features which provide soothing massage to the tubbing experience.  But as they induce air into the spa water, they also lower the water temperature.  This heat will have to be replaced by the spa heater.

The energy impact will be minimal during bathing sessions,  but remember to shut-off air and water lights when the spa is not in use.

Powered air blowers used to be popular, but have fallen into disfavor. If you are buying an new spa, we highly recommend not buying one with an air blower motor. Not only are they loud (sounding like a vacuum cleaner!) air blowers consume a lot of energy, and will actually lower the water temperature rapidly, wasting even more.

Better spas, such as our Belize brand,  have adjustable hydro jets which induce warmed air (heat-recovery) from the equipment cabinet into the water.  This is a much better system than having a motor-driven blower.

Filter Cartridges and Plumbing System
 

Clogged or worn-out spa filters will reduce the circulation of your spa water. This causes pump motor strain, and your heater element to perform less efficiently. Clean your filters with every water change, every 3 to 4 months with non-foaming filter cleaning compound.   Replace annually to maintain your spa's peak performance.  The result is both energy savings and cleaner water.

When changing your spa's water, its also a good idea to flush the plumbing system and heater element with Spa System Flush. This will help maintain unimpeded water flow and help keep your heater element working efficiently.

Floating Thermal Blanket
 

A floating thermal blanket is a small investment with a high return. Reduces heat loss by insulating and reducing evaporation. This in turn helps keep moisture buildup on the inside of your cover to a minimum, increasing spa cover life.

Conserve Water

Avoid wasting water, which would have to be replaced and reheated.  Repair any leaks and adjust jets so that you're not sending streams of hot water on to your deck.

If Shopping for a New Spa

Sometimes the best approach is to replace an obsolete, energy wasting spa with a new one which can save 50% or more in heating costs, if you shop wisely.  There are several things to look for in a new spa with regard to efficiency. Don't overbuy horsepower. Some manufacturers are playing the jet and horsepower numbers game. They offer more and more jets, which require higher and higher horsepower to feed the jets.

The design and engineering of a spa is much more important than the number of jets. A well engineered spa does not need a huge number of jets to provide soothing and vigorous hydro-massage. Remember, very large pump motors consume large amounts of power to run, and can result in huge power bills.
 

Read more about Belize hot tubs-- designed for maximum energy savings.