WITH summer now in full swing and the UK enjoying sizzling temperatures, you might be dreaming of getting your hands on one of the hottest garden accessories.
Hot tubs are now widely available at bargain prices, but there are some added costs you need to consider before splashing out on one.
Hot tubs are now widely available at bargain prices, with some as low as £250[/caption]
Aside from the initial cost, which can range anywhere from £250 to over £20,000, heating and filling a hot tub can significantly drive up the cost of your energy and water bills.
You will need to hook it up to your energy supply to heat the water and activate the jets, while filling the tub usually requires over 1,000 litres of water.
When it comes to your energy bills, large hot tubs typically have power ratings starting from 2kW per hour, meaning they cost 54p and hour to run, according to USwitch.
If you left it running for nine hours every day that would cost you £4.86 each day, or around £34 every week.
If you’re planning on using the appliance in the colder months, you could end up forking out even more as it will take more energy to keep it hot against the outdoor temperature.
USwitch’s figures are based on the current energy price cap of £1,849 per year.
However, regulator Ofgem has announced the price cap is set to decrease from July 1 to £1,720 per year for a dual fuel household paying by direct debit, based on typical use.
This means the cost of running outdoor appliances such as hot tubs could go down from July.
As well as added electricity costs, you’ve also got to fill your hot tub.
Dorset Hot Tubs estimates that it will cost you around £1.50 each time you fill it up, based on roughly the 1,500-1,700 litres required.
So if you’re planning on filling it daily, that’s an extra £10.50 every week.
You’ll also need to make sure you’re keeping on top of maintenance and cleaning.
According to trading directory Checkatrade, the average cost of a hot tub clean and service is £225, which you’ll likely need to have once a year.
The cost of your new hot tub will depend on a number of factors, including its size and energy efficiency, the type of pump, and how often you use it.
You’ll also need to think about chemicals and replacement parts such as jets and thermostat.
How to cut the cost of your hot tub
While running a hot tub can be expensive, there are some steps you can take to keep down the costs.
Firstly, you should make sure to turn down the temperature of the water where you can, as the hotter the water is the more energy it will require.
Most people like to keep their tubs between 38 and 40 degrees, but each degree lower will save you around 10% of your total cost.
Make sure your cover is in good condition, as 60% of heat escapes through the surface of jacuzzis.
You can also buy extra insulation to keep the heat in – an investment that could be worth it in the long run as it will help keep your energy costs down.
You should also make sure you’re keeping your appliance clean, as your filter will have to work twice as hard if it’s dirty and becomes clogged.
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