Pool and Spa Tips

If your pool is heated (other than with solar) set a time clock to start the pump no earlier than 6:00 am. This is the time when nightly heat losses stabilize.

Turn off heater when your pool is not used for extended periods.

Generally, one complete water turnover per 24 hours will provide adequate filtering.

Consider installing a solar heating loop. If you use your pool all year-round energy savings will often pay for the system in less than ten years.

Use or install a pool cover; they can reduce your pool heating costs by 30 %. Pool covers that contain Ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors are more durable than ones that don’t. Transparent or translucent ‘solar ‘covers are most effective at warming your pool because they allow sunshine to warm the pool.

Using a pool cover not only also saves energy, it also reduces water evaporation. For a 450 square foot pool you will save approximately 4,000 gallons annually.

Lowering your pool temperature not only saves energy but will also reduce the amount of chemicals required to treat the pool.

Sheltering your pool from winds reduces both heat loss and water evaporation. Decorative landscaping is a creative way to accomplish this. Fencing is another effective windbreak.

An electric hot tub will cost roughly $4 to heat from 70 to 100 F and then about $2 per day to maintain that temperature, based on current U.S. electricity averages. Heating water is the most energy-intensive part of hot tub ownership, and your cost depends primarily on your local electricity rate and the size of your tub. So, if you’re not going to use your hot tub for the next four days you will save energy by turning it off.

Estimating Your Heating Cost

To calculate the specific cost for your tub, you can use the physics of heating water (it takes 8.33 BTUs to heat one gallon by 1°F):

Energy Required: Heating 400 gallons by 30°F (from 70°F to 100°F) requires approximately 29.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Total Cost: At the 2026 U.S. average residential rate of roughly 17.45¢ per kWh, this specific heating session would cost about $5.11.
Regional Variation: Costs fluctuate significantly by state. For example, the same heat-up would cost approximately $3.20 in North Dakota (10.92¢/kWh) but over $11.60 in Hawaii (39.79¢/kWh).

Monthly Operating Costs

While a single heat-up may cost around $4 to $6, maintaining that temperature is generally more efficient than letting it cool and reheating it repeatedly.

Maintenance Cost: Most owners spend between $20 and $60 per month in electricity to keep a well-insulated tub ready for use.
High-End Usage: In extremely cold climates or with poorly insulated models, monthly costs can exceed $100 during winter months.

Efficiency Factors

Insulation: High-density foam insulation and a well-fitting, high-quality cover can prevent up to 70% of heat loss.
Voltage: 240-volt heaters are typically more energy-efficient than 120-volt “plug-and-play” models because they heat the water faster and allow the pump to run at lower speeds.
Thermostat: Lowering your set temperature by just 3–5°F can reduce overall heating costs by 10–20%.

Lowering the water temperature of your hot tub can significantly reduce your energy use.

Cover your hot tub whenever it is not being used; this can save you up to $100 per year if you use electricity to heat your tub.