Hot tub experts agree that keeping your hot tub on overnight is the best idea. It works better when you leave it on rather than turning it off after every use. But the question is: What temperature should you leave your hot tub on overnight?
Setting your hot tub temperature 5 degrees Celsius lower than its normal temperature is most practical. Lowering the temperature to this level helps you save energy and spares you from paying high electricity bills when you are not using it. This temperature is also ideal for jumpstarting your hot tub when you want to use it again.
If lowering the temperature saves electricity consumption, why not just turn it off? Read on to know the rest of the reasons why you should keep your hot tub on overnight at low temperatures.
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Should You Leave Your Hot Tub Heater on Overnight?
New hot tub owners always wonder if they should leave their hot tub on overnight or when they are not using it. The quick answer to that is yes!
Leaving your hot tub on gives you good benefits. It saves energy, prolongs your hot tub’s life, and keeps the water healthy. Of course, you must consider when you will use it next.
Leaving your hot tub on when you are going on vacation for more than two months is not the most economical option. If you are not going to use your hot tub for an extended period, it is best to shut it off. You can also drain the water before turning it off.
1. Keeping Your Hot Tub on Saves You Energy
Leaving the hot tub on overnight saves you energy. Let me explain how it reduces your electricity consumption.
When you turn your hot tub completely off, it will take a long time to reheat. Depending on the size, tubs usually heat up to eight hours from scratch, even longer. Therefore, you will end up paying high electricity bills because it will consume more energy.
On the other hand, leaving it on at a lower temperature allows you to save so much energy. Your hot tub heats up quickly as you increase the thermostat.
As long as you lower the thermostat when you are not soaking in your hot tub, the electricity usage should be minimal. It consumes less energy than shutting it off and reheating it from scratch.
Modern hot tubs can raise the temperature to 3 to 10 degrees per hour. Thus, it will take you fewer hours to achieve the 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit standard temperature. Therefore, you don’t need to wait for another 8 hours before you can start enjoying your hot tub again.
Related Read: How Long Will a Hot Tub Stay Warm Without Power?
2. Keeping Your Hot Tub on Prolongs its Life
Keeping your hot tub on is good maintenance. It helps protect your hot tub’s internal system and avoids damage to your hot tub’s components.
During winter, a hot tub can end up freezing when you turn it off. When it does, there is a high chance that the pipes will burst. Moreover, your hot tub may experience other serious damage from the freezing water.
Leaving the hot tub on allows it to continue circulating and filtering the water. The constant circulation of water avoids possible issues caused by the stagnant water in the pipes.
3. Keeping Your Hot Tub on Keeps the Water Healthy
When the hot tub is off, the water will not circulate because the pumps are not moving. When this happens, the water can settle, and the chemicals can sink to the bottom.
The congealed chemicals can be difficult to clean. Additionally, it can be dangerous to your health. Thus, to avoid unnecessary maintenance, you must leave your hot tub on.
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Hot Tub at Overnight?
The ideal temperature to keep your hot tub on overnight is 5 degrees lower than your standard temperature. It doesn’t consume that much electricity to set the temperature of your hot tub this low.
If your normal hot tub temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (100 F), you can drop it down to 32 degrees. Your hot tub will not use so much energy to reheat when you do this.
You can reach the ideal temperature in two to three hours since most hot tubs can raise the temperature by 3 degrees in an hour.
Some people lower the temperature of their hot tubs to 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting your hot tub temperature to this level is ideal if you are not frequently using your hot tub. Like when you only use it once a week or a couple of weeks.
However, if you use your hot tub open, setting the temperature to 10 degrees may not be very economical because it will take longer to return to the normal temperature. So, keeping it at least 5 degrees lower overnight is still best.
What Else Can You Do to Keep Your Hot Tub Warm Overnight?
Conserving energy does not only help your pocket. It also helps protect the environment.
Keeping your hot tub warm overnight helps you save energy. There are ways to insulate your hot tub. These methods include
- thermal wrap
- partial foam
- full foam
- multi-density foam, and
- hot tub bubble cover
Thermal Wraps
Some hot tub owners use a thermal wrap to keep the heat of their hot tubs. Thermal wraps are also referred to as thermal blankets or thermal covers. If you wonder what it is, you can check the CosySpa thermal hot tub cover on Amazon.
Using a thermal wrap is better than not having any insulation at all. It helps keep your hot tub warm overnight but is not the best option. I should say that this may not be the most suitable insulation for hot tubs.
Partial Foam
Partial Foam hot tub insulation is probably the most common. This method is still not the best for maximizing energy conservation, but it is a good option.
Partial Foam insulation does a good job of keeping your hot tub warm. This type of insulation is usually an add-on feature when you purchase the hot tub.
Full Foam
Full Foam insulation is more expensive, but it is also more efficient in insulating your hot tub. This insulation covers the entire cabinet. Therefore, no air can escape, keeping the heat in your hot tub.
This insulation is more effective and helps you save more energy. Additionally, it is more durable and stable.
Multi-Density Foam
Some hot tubs use multi-density foam insulation. Hot tub manufacturers install a variety of density levels where it is more appropriate.
This type of installation is more efficient but takes longer to install. It is also more expensive than the other types of insulation.
Hot Tub Bubble Cover
Hot tub bubble covers can fall under the category of thermal wraps. Bubble covers are products from Spa accessories stores or online, like the Gekufa bubble insulating cover.
Other Ways to Optimize the Warmth of your Hot Tub
Aside from the different types of hot tub insulation, there are other things you can do to keep your hot tub warm. These things include the installation of a base pan or hot tub platform, a pump shroud, and a spray foam kit.
1. Hot Tub Platform
Reducing your hot tub’s contact with the ground helps keep the heat. Installing a platform is something you can consider. If you doubt you can do it, I suggest contacting a professional.
2. Pump Shroud
A pump shroud is another option to keep your hot tub warm. Its job is to capture the excess heat and channel it to your hot tub’s water.
Another benefit of installing a pump shroud is to avoid overheating the pump. There is a minimal chance of overheating because it uses the outside air to cool the pump.
3. Spray Foam Kits
Spray-foam kits are another option to improve the insulation of your hot tub. This method can greatly help keep your hot tub warm overnight, but it can be complicated to install.
This method involves a do-it-yourself process. This step is where hot tub users usually have a hard time.
Conclusion
Keeping your hot tub on is the best and most economical way to go when you own a hot tub. Frequently turning your hot tub off will not help you save energy. You will end up paying high electricity bills if you do that.
The best way to keep your hot tub warm overnight while saving energy is to set the temperature 5 degrees lower than the standard 37 to 40 degrees Celsius (100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Hot tubs can increase the heat by at least 3 degrees an hour. Thus, returning your hot tub temperature to normal doesn’t take very long.
