Cost Of Running A Hot Tub

Okay, so you’re thinking about getting a hot tub. Or maybe you already have one, and you’re staring at your electric bill like it just insulted your mother. Let’s talk about the real cost of running that bubbling cauldron of joy. Spoiler: it’s not just the price tag on the tub itself.

First up: the electricity bill. This is the big one. Your hot tub is basically a giant, water-filled space heater that loves to run 24/7. In winter? It’s like having a second refrigerator that’s constantly trying to heat your backyard.

Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $60 per month on electricity alone. That’s assuming you live in a moderate climate and keep the cover on tight. If you live in Minnesota and leave the cover off during a blizzard? Congratulations, you’re now funding a small utility company’s holiday party.

The Water Bill Surprise

You think water is cheap, right? It is, until you have to drain and refill a 400-gallon tank every three months. A typical hot tub holds 300 to 500 gallons of water. That’s like taking a bath with an elephant. Or filling a kiddie pool for a really, really spoiled Great Dane.

Each fresh fill will cost you about $5 to $10 in water. Not huge, but factor in the water you use for rinsing filters and topping off. It adds up. Plus, if you have a water softener, that salt isn’t free either.

Oh, and if you live somewhere with hard water? You’ll spend extra on scale control chemicals. That’s a fancy way of saying “money down the drain” — literally.

Chemicals: The Hidden Addiction

You’ve got to keep that water balanced. It’s a chemistry set for adults that demands regular attention. You’ll need chlorine or bromine, pH up, pH down, alkalinity increaser, shock treatments, and a magical unicorn tears additive if you want the water to smell like a spa and not a swimming pool.

Expect to spend $20 to $40 per month on chemicals. And that’s if you don’t accidentally dump a whole bottle in like I did once. (Don’t. Just don’t.) The water turned green. It looked like a swamp.

You’ll also buy test strips. They’re cheap, but you’ll run out at the worst possible moment. Then you’ll guess the pH, your skin will itch, and you’ll curse the day you ever saw a picture of a hot tub on Pinterest.

Filters & Parts Wear Out

Your hot tub has replaceable filters. They’re like the lungs of your spa. You should rinse them weekly, but deep clean them every month. And you’ll replace them entirely every 6 to 12 months. Two filters will cost about $30 to $60.

Pumps, heaters, and control boards break. They just do. A new pump can run you $300 to $700 installed. A heater element might be $100. The board? That’s a “hope you have a warranty” moment.

And let’s not forget the cover. A good insulated cover costs $200 to $600 and lasts maybe five years if you’re nice to it. Leave it open in a hailstorm? That’s a soggy, heavy mess you’ll be replacing sooner.

Maintenance Time Costs Money Too

Time is money, friend. You’ll spend 2 to 5 hours a month testing water, adding chemicals, cleaning filters, and draining sludge. That’s precious Netflix time you’ll never get back. Or, you know, time you could be actually sitting in the tub.

It’s not hard work. But it’s boring. Few things test your patience like waiting for a test strip to turn the exact shade of “okay but not great.”

If you hire a service to do this for you? Add $75 to $150 per month. That’s a subscription to self-care you didn’t know you needed.

The Grand Totals (Cringe)

Let’s do the math for an average, well-behaved hot tub. Electricity: $40. Chemicals: $30. Water/extra: $10. Filter/repairs savings: $15. That’s a grand total of $95 per month.

That’s over $1,100 a year. Every year. Forever. For a bubble bath outside. Is it worth it? Honestly? For a lot of people, absolutely.

There’s nothing like sitting in 102-degree water while snow falls on your eyelashes. Or soaking after a brutal workout while your friends sip wine and talk too loud. That feeling is priceless. Just, you know, don’t accidentally look at your bank account right after.

Pro Tips to Save Your Wallet

Keep that cover locked tight when not in use. Heat escapes fast. Also, lower the temperature a few degrees when you’re on vacation or work trips. Every degree saved is like a tiny high-five from your electric bill.

Use a solar blanket under your cover. They’re cheap and trap heat. Also, buy chemicals in bulk online. Don’t fall for the fancy “spa brand” markup at the local pool store.

And for the love of everything bubbly, learn to test your water yourself. It’s not hard. YouTube it. Save the $100/month service fee. Spend that money on better wine for your hot tub parties instead.

So, is all this hassle worth it? You tell me. If you’ve ever had a bad day, and then sat in warm, massaging water with a cold drink while the stars come out… nothing else compares. Just go in with your eyes open. And maybe a thicker wallet. Cheers.