Gas hot tubs or gas-fired hot tubs use small swimming pool heaters to heat the water (around 100,000 BTU). These heaters can be natural gas or propane gas. Gas hot tubs heat up extremely fast so the water temperature goes from ambient temperature to hot tub temperature (100-104 degrees) in about 30-60 minutes.
Yes, hot tubs can be heated with natural gas. The heating by natural gas is extremely fast as it allows water to move from the ambient levels to about 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of just 30 to 60 minutes.
Modern manufacturers advertise the cost to run their hot tubs at about one dollar per day, with $50 per month at the high end. The energy cost of a hot tub varies based mainly on the heater, which usually draws between 1,500 watts or 6,000 watts.
Does the extreme cold have you concerned during a power outage? Drain some of the cooler water from the hot tub. Then use an adapter to attach your garden hose to your indoor water faucet and re-fill the tub with hot water. Don't lift the cover all the way; just pull it up enough to slip the hose inside the spa.
*A hot tub can be left without power up to 3 days without risk of freezing, IF you follow these tips: 1. Keep hot tub cover closed and locked in place.
Hence, the water temperature in your hot tub should never go below 78.8°F, which is the appropriate minimum limit recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they'll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.
Although they are usually kept at temperatures between 99° F to 102° F, with a maximum heat of 104°F, you can lower the temperature for summertime use. Simply lower the temperature of your hot tub to roughly 85°F or turn off your heater altogether.
Hot tub temperature when not in use
If you're not going to be using your hot tub for an extended period, avoid turning it off completely and keep it at a lower temperature of around 30°C. Turning off your hot tub isn't necessary as this can use more energy when reheating it and will be less cost efficient.
I know that a 100,000 BTU heater uses 1 therm of natural gas per hour, so a 400,000 heater consumes 4 therms an hour. 4 therms an hour x $1.20 = $4.80 per hour. So the magic number based on some pretty popular averages is $5 per hour to heat the pool and $5 an hour to heat the spa.
Propane gas is more costly, but produces slightly more BTU's than natural gas. Fast Heating: Gas heaters are the clear winners when it comes to the speed of heating. A gas spa heater can add 1-2° per minute, whereas an electric heater may take an hour to add a few degrees.
A 100,000 BTU heater uses 1 therm of natural gas per hour, so a 400,000 heater consumes 4 therms an hour. 4 therms an hour x $1.67 = $6.68 per hour. So the magic number based on the most common 400,000 BTU pool/ spa heater is $6.68 per hour in gas cost to run your heater.
#1 Turn the temperature down on your hot tub
The easiest way to save money on your hot tub is to turn the temperature down a few degrees. Each degree will save you approx. 10% on your hot tub energy bill.
Most spa owners expect their heater to take no more than 15 to 30 minutes to heat their spa to 102°F.
Draining Your Hot Tub For Winter
Although we recommend using your hot tub as normal during winter, some users will prefer to winterise (drain and turn off) their spa. This needs to be done thoroughly to ensure no issues occur when the hot tub is empty.
Yes, you can leave a hot tub empty. It is essential to drain the hot tub thoroughly to ensure no water remains in the pipes and hoses. If water remains in the spa, the pipes could freeze in the winter. In the summer, mold and debris could be left behind.
A spa is a practical alternative to a pool
Speaking of pools, a hot tub or swim spa offers a much more affordable alternative to a traditional pool with far less maintenance. Many homeowners who want the health and recreation benefits of a pool without all the money and trouble are opting for swim spas instead.
By draining and refilling with fresh water on a regular basis, you'll ensure your hot tub is clean, clear and safe. But the question is: how often should you do it? With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months.
Covering your hot tub with plastic wrap or a tarp is disastrous for your hot tub cover. Not only could it become waterlogged much quicker, but it can also magnify the sun's rays and trap heat. That can cause your cover's cores to melt.
It is recommended that Lay‑Z‑Spa water is changed regularly, and at least once every 1‑3 months. The frequency of water changes should reflect the degree of use of the hot tub, as well as the results of chemical testing.
Winter is a wonderful season to use a hot tub. The hot water & massage breathes life back to frozen feet and aching joints. Instead of winterizing the spa for the cold, why not make the most of your investment and enjoy it? New, energy saving hot tubs stay hot and ready all winter, without adding to your electric bill.
Yes, you can use a hot tub in the rain as long as there is no lightning or thunderstorms due to electric shock. Rainwater can affect the pH of the spa water if too much of it gets into the hot tub.
If it is getting too hot for a hot tub, then turn it into a mini pool! Most hot tubs can lower their temperature, and turning it down to 85°F fights the heat in a fun-sized tub. The smaller size of a hot tub makes it perfect for kids, giving them the fun of a pool while you easily supervise them.
If you lose heat to your hot tub in the cold winter months, don't panic! For a Fully-Foamed hot tub to start to freeze the temperature needs to be below 28 degrees F for at least 36 Hours straight. Even if it does get that cold if your hot tub & pumps are still operating, the water is circulating and will not freeze.