The allure of a bubbling hot tub. A personal oasis, a stress reliever, the perfect spot for tech-free family nights. Beneath the surface lurks a question many home hot tub owners fear: are hot tubs money pits?
Across the decades of hot tub existence, the question of “are hot tubs expensive to maintain” has persevered. Once known as a luxury, hot tubs have never been easier to own. Inflatable hot tubs, drop shipping companies, and big box stores have made hot tub ownership more accessible than ever. But are these cheaper and more readily available hot tubs draining your wallet?
How do you determine if your hot tub is a reasonable expense or a financial black hole?
The most significant expense is often electricity. Hot tub running costs in the UK tend to be higher as the price of energy is high (as of writing in 2025). Before you panic, start monitoring your energy usage. Compare your current bills to those before you installed the hot tub. Is there a dramatic increase? If so, it may be one of the points below.
Older, poorly insulated hot tubs are notorious energy guzzlers. Check your hot tub's insulation. If it's lacking, consider upgrading or adding extra insulation to the cover and cabinet, but beware- overheating internals can cause pump or spa pack failure!
Maintaining a consistently high temperature, for a poorly insulated tub like an inflatable, can raise energy bills. A well insulated hot tub should retain heat.
Older pumps can be inefficient. Look for energy-efficient models if you're considering a replacement. That being said, a hot tub of Theseus can drain your wallet faster than ever. You may think updating or upgrading the internals of an old model would be better on your wallet- but it’s not really. Consider labour cost, shipping and parts costs, and even the mental load of having to replace and troubleshoot it all. Not to mention, hot tubs these days are mostly designed holistically, the cabinet, internal structure, and piping all should fit together harmoniously- fitting that all into an archaic tub would be difficult.
Neglecting water chemistry leads to imbalances, requiring excessive chemical usage. Regular testing is crucial. The filtration system of your hot tub can contribute to excessive chemical use, make sure the pumps have adequate suction and don’t forget to clean your filters month- otherwise face blockages and potential failures.
Cheap chemicals might seem appealing, but they often require more frequent dosing and can be less effective, leading to higher long-term costs. Buying unknown or unvetted chemicals cheaply from Amazon is a recipe for disaster, you don’t want to end up sick just to make back some money.
Explore alternative sanitizing systems like ozone generators, which can reduce chemical dependency and costs. The Signature Self Cleaning Hot Tub from Hydropool can reduce chemical usage by 50% with its unique combination of sanitising solutions.
Neglecting regular cleaning and filter maintenance can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Some people may not have time in their lives to dedicate regular cleaning and care. Hydropool Signature Self Cleaning Hot Tubs decrease the time owner’s need to care for their home hot tub, with customers spending roughly 20 minutes a week on testing and chemical care.
Address minor issues promptly. A small leak can quickly escalate into a major problem, resulting in significant repair bills. The earlier you catch issues, the quicker and cheaper it is to repair.
If the hot tub is not able to be properly maintained, cleaned, or chemically balanced regularly by you, schedule professional servicing to ensure your hot tub is running efficiently and to identify potential issues before they become expensive.
Excessive draining wastes water and requires reheating, increasing energy costs. On average a hot tub’s water should be replaced every four months. But if you chemically balance properly and it seems clear, you can hold off until you feel comfortable changing it.
Repairs and Replacements: Unexpected repairs, such as pump failures, heater replacements, or plumbing issues can crop up, more often in older or used models.
Cover Replacements: Hot tub covers deteriorate over time and need replacing. A damaged cover can increase energy costs and reduce efficiency. If you are investing in a hot tub, make sure your purchase includes a cover.
Hot tub electricity costs vary widely due to size, usage, temperature, and tariffs. Expect £1-£1.30/day for energy-efficient Hot tub running costs in the UK at current rates. Cheap, poorly insulated tubs can cost five to six times more, making them expensive to run. Beware of brands that keep these figures to themselves.
If you haven’t invested in an energy efficient model, there are a number of ways to try and keep hot tub running costs down. To minimize hot tub running costs you can add reflective insulation (rolls available at B&Q) or invest in well-fitting reputable cover. Maintain a consistent, lower water temperature and clean filters regularly to optimize heating efficiency. Consider investing in an air-source heat pump for significantly reduced energy consumption. Ensure your hot tub is sheltered from wind and weather to prevent heat loss.
Ultimately, the decision of whether your own hot tub is a money pit is a personal one. But by being proactive with maintenance, monitoring your energy usage, and managing your chemical costs, you can minimize expenses and enjoy your hot tub without breaking the bank. A newer, well-made, energy efficient hot tub model shouldn’t be a money pit at all.
Don't let your hot tub become a source of stress. With proper planning and maintenance, it can remain a source of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.
Download a free brochure to discover our full range of hot tubs or give us a call on 0161 524 8867 to find out more.