Should I leave my hot tub on all the time?
Whether you should leave your hot tub on all the time depends on a few factors, including the hot tub's energy efficiency, your own usage frequency, and the performance of your hot tub via its control panel and self maintaing technology.
Here's a breakdown:
Energy Efficiency:
Hot tubs manufactured specifically for colder climates are usually designed to be energy efficient and can maintain a set temperature more economically if left on continuously.
Effective insulation behind the cabinet and a good quality cover help retain heat
So, if your hot tubis energy efficient, keeping it on might be more cost-effective than reheating water from a lower temperature.
Usage Frequency:
If you use your hot tub frequently (several times a week), it's generally best to leave it on.
This maintains the water at a consistent temperature and ensures it's always ready for use.
Temperature Fluctuations:
Constantly turning the hot tub off and on can lead to more significant wear and tear on the heating system.
Especially if it's repeatedly required to bring the water up from a much cooler temperature.
Economics:
Keeping a hot tub on might incur ongoing energy costs, but the difference might not be substantial when compared to heating it from cold each time.
Monitoring your specific hot tub's energy use, as it heats and during use can help determine the most economical choice.
Are you using your hot tub?
If your usage is infrequent (only on weekends), you might consider programming the hot tub to heat a day in advance of when you plan to use it.
If your hot tub has a low temperature sensor warning, guarding against freezing conditions, you could turn the hot tub to it's lowest temperature setting and this way maintain clean water, while having your hot tub on stand-by ready to reheat and use.
Always refer to your hot tub's owner's manual for specific guidance related to its model and efficiency specifications.
Constant moving parts in a hot tub are less likely to fail than operating them via a stop-start motion.
Therefore, rather than continually switching off and on and draining and refilling your hot tub, you could try lowering your water temperature, if your hot tub is not in use for long periods.
Managed correctly, this an effective way of also looking after your hot tub. Rather than sit empty, your pipes will have less mineral build-up and the 'O' rings and gaskets will not deteriote from the residual chlorine or bromine and any calcium that would normally crystalise and corrode the hot tub's plumbing.
As long as your water is circulating, sanitised and the heater is not in use, the cost to run your hot tub, keep your hot tub clean and ready to reheat it, is minimal.
