The moment you begin thinking about buying a hot tub, the inevitable question of hidden costs is sure to come up. How much does it cost to run a 220v hot tub? It’s a question worth asking so you know what the monthly costs are going to be.
We’ll go over all of the questions you have regarding costs so you know what your true investment will be.
Establishing a 220v Outlet
Your hot tub will need to have power running to it. You’ll need a 220v outlet, which means reaching out to an electrician. How much will it cost to run a 220v outlet to my hot tub? Well, that depends on a few things.
Things that will affect the cost include the size of your tub as well as the proximity of the tub to the main electric panel. If there’s any complexity involved, it can take longer – and that can raise the costs significantly, too.
The average cost for establishing a 220v outlet so that you can start enjoying your hot tub will run between $900 and $1500. This is based on the assumption that you don’t already have existing wiring for a hot tub or a conduit in the near vicinity.
To ensure you get the best cost quoted to you, choose your location wisely. The further you place your hot tub from the main electrical panel, the more expensive it’s going to be. Additionally, consider digging the trench for the wires and such (if required) on your own or with the help of a landscaper. If you expect the electrician to do it, the cost will be higher.
The Costs of Running a Hot Tub
When everything is installed, there are going to be a few different things to consider in terms of the costs to keep your hot tub running.
What is your unit price per kilowatt hour?
What temperature will you set in your hot tub?
How often is the hot tub used?
Many of the newer hot tubs on the market are energy efficient. This means that they don’t cost as much to run, so it will be less than $1 per day.
On average, you could be spending between $20 and $60 a month to operate a hot tub. The more energy-efficient models will be on the lower end while older hot tubs and those who keep the heat going 24/7 will be on the higher end.
The average hot tub is going to use approximately 7.5 kW per hour. If you’re going to use your hot tub 30 hours a month, you would calculate 7.5 x 30 = 225. Then, look at your utility bill for what you pay per kW. In Colorado, the average is $0.12. That means your hot tub would cost around $27 per month.
How You Can Save Money?
If you’re concerned about the costs of a hot tub, there are ways that you can drop the costs. After all, owning a hot tub means more than the hot tub and the electric bill. You’ll also have the cost of chemicals and maintenance to consider.
Poorly maintained hot tubs take longer to heat up and work harder to maintain the temperature. As such, you’ll want to have professional inspections once a year to identify if any repairs are needed.
You can also heat your hot tube during off-peak utility hours. If you have a circuit timer on your hot tub’s thermostat, be sure you’re taking full advantage of it.
A cover can also help you save money. It will help you to trap in the heat and ensure that your water and chemicals aren’t evaporating all day every day.
Final Considerations
When you consider all of the benefits that you get out of hot tub ownership, the small cost added to your electric bill is not much. And, if you have solar panels in place, you might not notice any increase in utility costs.
At Ajax Pool & Spa, we can ensure that your hot tub works in your space, complete with custom installs. Even once you have your hot tub up and running, you can count on us for everything from cleaning to maintenance to repairs.
After a long day, taking a dip in a hot tub could be just what you need to unwind. Warm, bubbly water is also helpful for ailments including arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia since it relieves aches and pains. While looking to acquire a hot tub for your backyard or visiting a spa or a gym to relax in a warm bath, ensure that you are knowledgeable about the safety aspects of the tub.
Many customers will ask their hot tub dealers, “Can I use a hot tub every day?” when they are shopping for one. The quick answer is that using your hot tub every day is safe. Of course, you need to take note of the dangers associated with some classes of people. For instance, pregnant women and people with heart disease may not be safe in a hot tub. Furthermore, using a hot tub every day requires you to maintain high levels of hygiene; otherwise, you may expose yourself to infections.
Make a commitment to take a dip in your hot tub once a day (or more if you choose). This will provide you with numerous health benefits. It’s also worthwhile because many of the benefits are realized with regular use. You’re likely to stay up with your daily soaks long after you’ve completed the 10-day challenge.
Benefits of Using a Hot Tub Regularly
The benefits of using a hot tub differ from one person to the next. Your overall health and how you use it determine a lot how it benefits you.
The following are the common advantages of soaking in a hot tub.
Relieves Stress
One of the most obvious advantages of a hot tub every day is its ability to help relieve stress. Warm water’s calming effect and massaging action may aid in easing physical, emotional, and mental stress. You can enhance this stress-relieving impact with gentle music, dim lighting, or aromatherapy if desired.
Relaxes the Muscles
The heated water and massaging action of the hot tub jets can help relax and relieve tense muscles. This can aid in the relief of aches and pains. Before exercising, soak in a hot tub to lessen the risk of injury.
Better Sleep
According to studies, the sheer relaxation provided by a hot tub soak may be enough to help you fall asleep more peacefully. Passive body heating was tested as a therapy for insomnia in older individuals, and it revealed that taking a hot bath helped people sleep deeper and more restfully.
Pain Alleviation
By relaxing stiff muscles, joints, and tendons, soaking in a hot tub can help ease some types of pain. If you have arthritis, the heat and massage motion may help relieve pain caused by stiffness and inflammation.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Relaxing in a hot tub can help boost and drop your heart rate and blood pressure. Hot water immersion (according to a 2016 study) may have “robust” impacts on vascular function and blood pressure. According to the study, passive heat therapy may help lower cardiovascular risk and death, particularly among people who are unable to exercise. According to Trusted Source, 10 minutes in a hot tub can drop blood pressure and is likely safe for most persons with treated high blood pressure.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Regular thermal therapy, such as saunas or hot baths, may improve decreased insulin sensitivity and be advantageous for diabetes management, according to some researchers.
Maintain Your Self Through Your Hot Tub
A well-made hot tub with a variety of programmable hydrotherapy massage choices and self-cleaning technology may be enjoyed at any time and can help with a variety of aches and pains. If you can’t wait to soak in your hot tub every day, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to stick to your habit. To begin with, the quality of the hot tub you purchase will have a significant impact on your overall satisfaction. It’s easy to lose interest in soaking or grow upset with the amount of upkeep required if you buy a low-cost model with limited massaging capabilities or that’s difficult to clean. Mind about the location of your hot tub. Proximity to your home, as well as adequate protection from the wind, sun, snow, and even nosy neighbors, will ensure that you can enjoy your hot tub all year long.
If you are looking to purchase a pool or spa, call Ajax today!
A hot tub’s lifespan can be rather long. Many of the components, such as the shell, have a long lifespan. They were designed to last a lifetime, which can be an issue if your old hot tub has recently died despite routine maintenance and repairs. When the time to remove your old hot tub comes, you’ll need some technical know-how or hire professional hot tub removers.
The location of the spa is the essential aspect of old hot tub removal. Is the spa located in your backyard? Does this imply you’ll have to demolish your fence or, even worse, hire a crane to move it? These are some of the things that will determine the removal process.
How to Cut Up a Hot Tub?
Cutting up a hot tub will necessitate the use of the following tools:
Jigsaw or reciprocating saw (also called Sawzall)
Wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, overall, and gloves.
Hammer and screwdriver (for hot tubs with nails and screws)
That’s all you’ll need to dismantle a hot tub! Now let’s delve into how exactly to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Old Hot Tub Removal
Disconnect the electric wires, turn off the gas, and turn off the water supply.
To ensure your safety, be sure that all electrical connections have been disconnected. The frame of the hot tub is left behind after cutting off the electric wiring.
Take off all the screws and nails that hold their structure together.
As previously said, you’ll need a screwdriver and hammer for this. The hot tub will be totally disassembled from its components.
Start cutting it with a jigsaw or reciprocating saw after the frame is only left.
Make sure you cut the hot tub into small pieces as you’re cutting it.
Small hot tub components are simple to transport and dispose of.
Ensure you’re wearing protective gear because debris can go into your nose and eyes, which can be dangerous.
After you’ve finished cutting the hot tub, pick up the pieces and trash them.
Alternative Options for Hot Tub Removal
Of course, the old tub will not fit in your trash can. How do you dispose of it? Read on to understand how to get rid of a hot tub effectively.
Junk It
Many professional hot tub removers will come to your property, pack up your old hot tub, and take it away with no questions asked. Anything of value is recycled or salvaged by the most ecologically aware haulers. Others rush to the landfill to discard it as trash. You don’t break a sweat either way.
Trade It
Some dealers offer a trade-in option where you purchase a new hot tub and pay less. It’s possible that the value of your old hot tub can be utilized toward the purchase of a new one. Discuss the idea with your dealer, and you may land yourself a good offer.
Sell It
Even if you don’t want your hot tub, it doesn’t mean it’s useless, and no one wants it. However, giving it away for free could be a mistake because consumers generally interpret “free” to mean “requires costly repairs” or broken—even if you market it as completely functional. It’s best to put a price range, even as little as $100, so that a new buyer feels like they did get value for their money.
Strip It Down and Recycle
The hot-tub recycling process is easy if you do it part by part. Remove the spa pack, spa-side controls, and all other functional equipment first because these are reusable components you can sell—you can even sell them for a higher price. After you’ve removed all the electronics components, you may separate the cabinet from the shell. Cabinets made of wood and plastic are recyclable. Remember also to cut out all PVC fittings, valves, and pipes that can be recycled. Finally, a reciprocating saw with a 9″ blade can be used to cut the spa shell into smaller pieces.
Turn It Into a Garden
Set the spa in the ground and fill it with dirt after stripping it down and removing plumbing fittings to create a vibrant box garden! You can cultivate your own summer and fall garden in a sunny area in the yard that is close to the water and not too far away. A large number of vegetables may be stored in an 8-person spa!
Repairing an old hot tub can sometimes be less costly than disposing of the old and purchasing a new one. If you feel like there is any potential for repair, we recommend contacting our experts at (970)279-5253 or email us to determine whether your old hot tub is salvageable.
Hot tubs add a fun, relaxing, and resort-like addition to your home. Just like a backyard pool, there are safety and health precautions homeowners should focus on before inviting family and friends to join the fun. It’s important for you to know that as a homeowner with a hot tub on your property, you are responsible for the safety of guests, invited or not. So, we’ve collected a list of helpful to-do tips, so everyone can have a great time while enjoying your hot tub.
Check Your Insurance Coverage: The very first thing you should be aware of is whether your homeowner’s insurance policy covers any injury or other accident that may occur when guests are in your hot tub. Contact your insurance company and ask. Add additional appropriate coverage immediately, if it isn’t covered.
Cover Your Hot Tub When Not in Use: A hot tub cover that is tightly secured with safety locks when not in use is very important. Covering & locking your hot tub cover will protect children, pets, and uninvited guests from falling into the hot tub. When ready to use the spa, place the cover in a secure location away from the hot tub to prevent tripping and other accidents. A cover lifter is a very nice addition and makes for easy cover movement. A cover also provides insulation for energy efficiency and protects your investment.
Add Safety Features: It is always a good idea to take additional safety precautions when designing your spa area. Add steps with slip-resistant surfaces and a handrail to hold onto, so it is easy and convenient to go up and down the steps without slipping. If children are in the mix, adding jump seats offer a place to sit comfortably and safely. Keep chemicals out of reach of children.
Consult Professionals: There are many electrical components in a hot tub and if not installed properly electrocution and other accidents could happen. Consult a licensed professional electrician to properly install your hot tub and other appliances like televisions and audio equipment that require electricity. They can also show you where your spa’s electrical panel is located and how to disconnect it in the event of an emergency.
Maintain a Water Care Routine: Always follow the instruction manual of your hot tub or spa to keep the water at the perfect pH balance which is key to a proper and healthful spa environment. There are a variety of products and testing methods to practice regularly to keep water quality at its best. If the water is cloudy, do not enter the spa. The temperature of the water is also important to monitor for safety. The United States Product Safety Council recommends maintaining a water temperature of 104 degrees or lower. Always FEEL the water before jumping in.
Adjust Water Temperature for Children: If children are enjoying the hot tub, keep in mind they are more sensitive to heat, and you should lower the temperature to 100 degrees and limit their time to 15 minutes in the hot tub. Children should always be supervised when in the hot tub. Babies and toddlers who are extremely sensitive to heat and chemicals should stay out of a hot tub. Dogs should never go in a hot tub, as they cannot sweat and can become very sick.
Hang Safety Guideline Signage: Before anyone gets into the hot tub, review all the safety guidelines, so everyone understands how to enjoy the spa safely. Some experts recommend posting the rules on signage to remind everyone what is expected of them.
Stay Out of Spa If: Those with health issues and conditions that may prevent some people from enjoying a hot tub safely. Pregnant women or those who have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other circulatory problems should always consult a physician or medical practitioner before using a hot tub. Those who have skin conditions like wounds, sores or infections, or have had recent surgeries should not get into a hot tub in order to prevent spreading a contagious condition to others. Those who are intoxicated should not use a hot tub.
Shower Before Entering: Everyone should be clean before entering the hot tub. No street clothes should be allowed in the hot tub to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into the spa. Guests should wear clean bathing suits.
Helpful Family Fun Tips: Hot tubs offer a fun and relaxing environment. Schedule fun and entertaining activities that can be enjoyed together including floatable board games, an outdoor movie night, book club, or other memorable activity.
Get Help with Your Hot Tub Today
The professional team at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to help you enjoy your hot tub experience. Contact us today, and we will work with you every step of the way.
Hot tubs, and hot tub filters, just like other household appliances need to be cleaned regularly to keep them running properly and to keep you and your guests healthy. Think of a hot tub filter like the filter in your dryer, furnace, or water filter. The lint and other particles that collect in the filter require regular cleaning. Even though it might seem unnecessary to clean a tub filled with water and chemicals if you haven’t kept it cleaned there are probably unhealthy contaminants, bacteria, and other debris floating around in the water. Do you want to soak in dirty water? The answer is probably, “no,” so keeping your hot tub clean is critical. This starts with cleaning a hot tub filter and the more you clean it, the better it can do its job. Here are some tips from industry experts.
Steps to Take
Clean Filters Regularly: Hot tub filters should be removed monthly and using a garden hose rinsed thoroughly with clean water. You may need to clean it weekly with heavy bather loads or commercial applications. If the filter is greasy, spray it using a chemical made specifically for hot tub filters. Always read the labels for proper application. Every three to four months, the water should be changed in the hot tub, the perfect time to soak the filter in a chemical solution made specifically for filters. Never use bleach, dishwater detergent, or other household cleaners.
What is Needed to Clean Your Filter: Before you begin, gather items needed to clean your hot tub filter. You will need a garden hose hooked up to water, a tall clean bucket, cleaner product, and a towel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Parts of a Hot Tub Filter: There are usually three parts of a hot tub filter that include:
Media: The media does the actual filtering and is typically made of pleated paper that extends from one end of the piece to the other. If the medial is ceramic is also pleated but is more rigid.
Core: The core is inside the filter and is usually rigid giving it structure. It is made of plastic and molded into a cylinder where algae and mold will grow, so the core requires regular cleaning. It can be washed in a dishwasher without other dishes and without detergents. Do not use the heated drying cycle.
End Caps: The end caps are usually made of two plastic discs on either end of the filter that keeps the core and media in place. Debris and algae grow in the end caps and require regular cleaning.
Alternative Cleaning Tips: There are some household products you can consider using to clean a hot tub filter:
Vinegar: White vinegar is not only very effective in removing mineral scale and other deposits, but it also does not foam the water and is safe if any residue remains in the filter. Vinegar is not as strong or effective as products created specifically for hot tubs.
Laundry Detergent: Laundry detergent is effective for cleaning paper filters without wearing down the fibers. If it is not totally rinsed, it may create foam buildup.
Dishwasher Detergent: Dishwasher detergent will clean tougher oil build-up in filters, but may create foaming if it is not rinsed completely. It is also safe for the skin.
Bleach: Dilute bleach with water as a cleaning alternative. Bleach also sterilizes if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Bleach can damage the filter’s fibers, which may require a replacement.
How Often Should You Clean Your Filter
One per Month, or weekly with a heavy bather load. A hot tub filter’s job is to filter dirty water before it passes through the pump, then through the heater before it is pumped back out into the water through the jets. This circulation provides clean and warm water in your hot tub. Keeping your hot tub cleaned properly begins with the filter. There are handbooks and manuals to help you with step-by-step guidance and how often you should clean your filter.
Get Professional Help with Your Hot Tub
The professional team at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to help you keep your hot tub and filters cleaned properly. Contact us today!
