Outdoor hot tub costs—see our tips for lowering your electric bill

Relaxing in warm water and admiring beautiful scenery from a hot tub is something many of us dream of. Once your dream has come true, with the tub purchased and set up in the backyard ready to go, it’s worth using it similarly to a car: why buy something valuable and longed-for if you’re not going to use it?

As people in Finland saw electricity prices and bills increase, they started to reconsider how often they use their hot tub. When prices skyrocketed in 2022, companies started hearing from customers who wanted advice on cutting electricity costs. These days, the situation is somewhat different.

Hot tub companies have been hard at work on new innovations. What can be changed to make tubs more energy efficient and eco-friendly? Adjustments can be made, for example, to the cover and insulation, both of which affect a tub’s energy usage.

Finnish hot tub company Drop has launched a hybrid model based on consumer requests. The tub can be heated with both electricity and wood. The maintenance heat can be supplied by electricity. Heating water below 10°C (50°F) up to 37°C (99°F) with the wood-burning heater takes a couple of hours. The electric heater measures the water temperature and switches on again when it drops below the set point.

In addition to manufacturer innovations, owners can do plenty to reduce the tub’s electricity consumption. One factor is keeping the cover tight and in good shape—if it’s waterlogged or worn out, it may be time for a replacement. If the cover feels extremely heavy, it might also be in poor condition. You can also buy a protective cap to place on top. Novitek is planning to release a more energy-efficient, longer-lasting cover soon.

You can also improve the tub’s insulation. If you plan to do this yourself, be sure to maintain proper service access and keep the tub properly ventilated. Insulation materials vary in their properties and thermal performance, so it’s worth considering this when choosing a tub.

Water temperature also affects your electricity bill, although few naturally, want to reduce the heat in a significant degree. Still, lowering the temperature can be a good idea if you’re leaving home for a longer stretch.

You might also have to pay for the water itself. The water in an outdoor hot tub is generally replaced a couple of times a year if you’re using the tub yourself. You might need to change it more often if you have small children, for example, or if the tub is rented out.

When you open the cover and turn on the jets, electricity consumption goes up. Because of this, frequency of use is also reflected in your electric bill.

If you’re currently in the market for a hot tub, think about where you’ll place it. A sheltered yard under a canopy uses much less energy than a windy spot on a shoreline cliff or open field. Recessing the tub into a deck is also a great way to protect it from drafts.

The biggest hot tub rush has now eased. People are clearly taking more time to think over their choices, and while appearance was the main concern a year ago, energy efficiency and durability are now at the forefront.

Sustainability is also a growing priority. The UPM composite used on Novitek’s tub exteriors is partly recycled, and their hoses are made from recycled materials.

Buyers are now drawn to models with massaging jets. Some want a tub that offers one or two reclining spots in addition to seating. Deck-recessed designs are also in high demand. A typical model seats five, but seven-person tubs are also popular.

Renters in Finland often hope a rental cottage will include a hot tub or spa. Although a tub does use more electricity, it can significantly boost renter interest, which can help cover both the cost of the tub and its electricity usage.

Experts: Sales Manager Sampsa Nurmi, Novitek, and Product Manager Arttu Rantala, Drop