About Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas

We all agree that having a pool, hot tub or spa can be pretty nice in the dead of summer and for those aching muscles but for the most part they take a lot of energy to operate.  If you are determined to own one, using solar pumps and arrays are a great way to make these luxury items more energy efficient. Here are some helpful tips to save energy for hot tub owners from www.ci.tacoma.wa.us.

Set the hot tub heater thermostat to maintain 102ºF.
Some hot tubs have been set to heat water to 104ºF.

Shift hot tub water heating to off-peak times
If your hot tub has a timer, you can help reduce peak loads and pressure on utility rates by programming the timer to "off" during peak hours - 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  If you have a well-insulated, energy efficient hot tub, it will maintain temperature for several hours after the heater is turned off.

Turn down the thermostat when you're on vacation
If you are leaving for an extended period of time and won't us the hot tub for a week or more turn the heat down or off.

Reduce pumping cycles
Normally filtration cycles for single and two speed pumps are set for four hours. You may be able to reduce the filtration cycles to three hours, twice a day - during off-peak hours. This adjustment should be based on your usage pattern, so you can maintain clear, clean and safe water. If your spa has a low wattage circulation pump - leave it alone, it's designed to run continuously.

Use a foam cover with good insulative qualities
Standard covers have an insulating value of approximately R-12. Keeping a cover in good condition is essential because most heat loss will be through the spa cover. Replace the cover if the interior foam is broken or water-saturated.  A water-logged cover will increase energy consumption from heat loss. Make sure the cover and tub lip fit snugly, straps are tied and the cover is latched when the hot tub is not in use. This will reduce heat leakage. To handle the cover more easily and extend its life, consider using a lifting system.

Add a floating blanket
An energy-efficient floating thermal blanket will help retain heat and reduces the amount of moisture building up on the inside of your solid cover. For example, adding a 1/4" closed-cell foam floating blanket under the hard cover can increase the total R-value to 16.

Avoid wasting water
Repair any leaks and adjust jets or use booster pads to adjust your height so you're not sending streams of water on the deck.

Drain the hot tub only when necessary 
Hot tubs that are heavily used by bathers should be drained every 3 – 4 months. When it's time to drain, either drain to a sanitary sewer or use the water for lawn irrigation. Make sure no chemicals have been added for at least 48–72 hours before draining.

Create windbreaks around the hot tub
Cutting wind exposure can reduce heat loss. Privacy panels, landscaping, or fencing can all be effective windbreaks.

Buy only energy efficient spas and hot tubs
Today, significant improvements in the construction, controls, and equipment (such as using preheated air for jets) make hot tubs more energy-efficient than 5 or10 years ago.  When possible replace your hot tub with a newer energy efficient model.An average sized energy efficient hot tub consumes 5-7 kWh per day, while a poorly insulated, inefficient hot tub may use 12-18 kWh per day.

 


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