A hot tub is often a sizeable investment and it’s important to keep on top of its maintenance. Failure to properly maintain your hot tub can lead to money literally leaking everywhere due to unnecessary costs being incurred.
In this article we’ll discuss how to prolong the life of your hot tub and keep its running costs as efficient as possible.

How to Keep Hot Tub Costs Down
- Invest in a good quality hot tub
The first important step is to make sure you are buying a high quality hot tub. Do plenty of due diligence to make sure the hot tub is well constructed with good quality built-in insulation to ensure the tub stays warmer for longer. Sometimes you can be tempted to go for cheaper models, but if the build quality is poor you will be paying more in energy and maintenance fees over the duration you have the hot tub, and this can add up. Also make sure the manufacturer provides a decent warranty for any hiccups.
2. Use a high quality hot tub cover
Another key step in keeping hot tub running costs down is investing in a well-insulated cover. Poor quality hot tub covers allow more heat to leave and this results in higher electricity bills. To maximise heat conservation lock your cover and make sure the straps and firmly secured.
3. Try and make sure the hot tub is in a covered area
This step can be tricky depending on where your hot tub is located. The perfect location is inside a building away from the elements and the cold UK winters (springs, autumns and sometimes summers!) A lot of the time this isn’t possible. Worry not, you can purchase a hot tub gazebo to provide more shelter from the weather. There are also different types of wind blocks you can erect to protect your hot tub from heavy winds and potential flying furniture.
4. Change your filters
When it comes to hot tubs, filters are your friends. Old filters that are worn out or clogged up will make your pump over exert itself. This wastes electricity, as the heating element is performing less efficiently. To keep on top of your filters, clean them every time you change the water in the hot tub and replace them annually to ensure they don’t become worn out.
5. Fill the hot tub with warm water
Use warm water from the tap, topped with a little cold when filling your hot tub. This means the hot tub will spend less energy trying to heat the water up.
6. Conserve water
Depending on the amount it’s used, water in your hot tub should be changed every 3-4 months. It’s important to keep the water clean with a sanitiser (chlorine or bromine are recommended). This prevents any bacteria growth and means you don’t have to change your water between every use.
7. Keep the water warm all the time
It is recommended to keep the temperature of the water consistently warm. Drastic temperature increases will use a lot more energy and incur heftier electricity bills. The best method is to keep it at a nice warm temperature and then increase it slightly when in use.
The Benefits of Using a Hot Tub Cover
Clean Water
Investing in a hot tub cover is paramount for keeping your water clean. Without a cover, wind can carry contaminants such as leaves, dirt, dust, & insects straight into your hot tub. A cover will help to preserve your water and keep out any debris.
Conserves heat
Hot tubs should be kept relatively warm all year round (except for long periods where they are out of use) and a well-manufactured hot tub cover is a big help in conserving heat. The cover helps to seal the top and edges and stops heat from escaping. This helps to keep electricity costs down.
Safety
Hot tubs without a cover can pose a safety risk, especially to young children and pets (and nosey wild animals). It’s recommended to use a cover with a lock for maximum safety.
The Issues with Hot Tub Covers
Buy quality
It’s important to buy a good quality cover that will last. Poor quality covers will mean you’ll spend more money in the long run as they let out more heat.
Secure them properly
Don’t let money leak out of your hot tub via heat leaving through gaps in the cover. Buy a hot tub cover with locks and straps to make sure it is securely fitted around the edges of the hot tub.
Take care of them
It can be tempting to stand on the cover, especially for children, but this must be avoided. Even slight damage to the cover can lead to more energy consumption. The weather in the UK can age hot tub covers and the sun can also cause fading and discolouration. It’s important to clean covers regularly and use a UV protectant.
How to Care for Your Hot Tub Cover
A good quality hot tub cover usually costs a few hundred pounds so you want to get as much longevity out of it as possible. If your hot tub is inside it will require less maintenance but if it’s outside in the open, it may be at the mercy of the elements.
Rain, sleet, snow, dirt, dust and other contaminants will cause your hot tub cover to age fast. So, it’s important to regularly clean it with a cleaner such as 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner. This all in one cleaner effectively removes dirt and stains and leaves no greasy residue. Your hot tub cover will look brand new with no streaks left behind.
UV rays from the sun can cause fading, discolouration and cracking on hot tub covers. By using 303 Aerospace Protectant your cover will be protected from sun damage for 3-5 weeks at a time. This powerful protectant, which was originally formulated for aviation application, also repels dust and stains. In addition, it restores lost colour and lustre.
