Halloween might be around the corner, but the real frights this season are the myths putting people off hot tub ownership. From eye-watering energy bills to complicated chemistry, we're busting the four most common misconceptions - so you can soak with confidence.
Myth 1: "Hot tubs are expensive to run."
One of the biggest concerns we hear is about hot tub running costs. The fear makes sense - a constantly heated body of water sounds like it should rack up a serious bill. But modern technology has come a long way, and the reality is far less frightening than people expect.
If you've ever Googled how much does a hot tub cost to run, you've probably seen wildly different figures. Here's the honest answer: with a well-insulated portable model, hot tub running costs in the UK typically average around just £1–£1.50 per day. That's less than your morning coffee.
The secret is in the engineering. Modern Wave Spas hot tubs feature high-density insulation and smart thermal covers that lock heat in overnight. Once the water reaches your target temperature, the heater only cycles on periodically to maintain it - hot tub energy costs are far lower once the initial heat-up is done. To keep your hot tub electricity cost as low as possible, simply heat overnight on an economy tariff and you'll barely notice it on your bill.
✓ The truth: Modern insulated hot tubs are surprisingly energy-efficient - costing little more than £1 a day to run.
Myth 2: "You can't use a hot tub when it's cold outside."
This one might be the most ironic of all the myths. The truth is, using a hot tub in cold weather isn't just possible - it's arguably the best time of year to use one. Slipping into 40°C water while crisp autumn air surrounds you is one of life's great pleasures.
Many first-time buyers worry that a hot tub in cold weather means constant maintenance battles. In reality, as long as your hot tub is filled, powered on, and covered, the internal heating system is fully capable of managing the colder temperatures the British climate throws at it. A good quality hot tub winter cover does the heavy lifting - keeping the heat locked in and the heating costs down, even on frosty nights.
The only scenario where caution is needed: if you're going away and leaving a property vacant for 30 or more consecutive days during freezing months, it's wise to drain and winterise your tub. For everyday use all the way through to spring? Simply enjoy it.
✓ The truth: Cold weather shouldn't stop your soak - it makes it better. A good cover handles the rest.
Myth 3: "Maintaining the water is complicated and time-consuming."
Hot tub chemicals have a bit of a PR problem. The image of a scientist hunched over test tubes carefully balancing a cocktail of compounds is a persistent one. Thankfully, it's nowhere near the reality.
They're widely available in the UK, straightforward, and come with clear instructions. The routine for most owners is simply this: check your sanitiser levels and pH balance twice a week using basic test strips, add chlorine or bromine granules as needed, and you're done. That's genuinely it for most weeks.
A full water change is recommended roughly every 8–12 weeks depending on usage - a task that takes about an hour and leaves you with sparkling fresh water. The products themselves are designed to be beginner-friendly, and most Wave Spas customers tell us they've got their routine down to just a few minutes per check.
✓ The truth: Routine water maintenance takes only minutes a week - no lab coat required.
Myth 4: "Setting one up requires plumbing or an electrician."
The word "hot tub" conjures images of heavy permanent installations, plumbing teams, and rewired garden circuits. For a built-in spa, that might be true. But a modern inflatable hot tub is a completely different product - and one designed to be up and running in about 15 minutes.
Here's how straightforward a plug and play hot tub setup actually is: unbox the liner, inflate it using the built-in pump, connect the hoses, and fill it up with a standard garden hose. Once full, plug it into any standard outdoor socket and switch it on. That's the entire process. No specialist skills, no tools, no planning permission.
The plug and play hot tub is genuinely one of the most accessible luxury purchases you can make - it requires nothing more than a flat outdoor surface, a hose, and a power outlet. And if you ever want to move it, store it for winter, or take it with you when you move house, you can.
✓ The truth: Setting up a portable inflatable hot tub is a straightforward DIY job - done in about 15 minutes, no trades needed.
The bottom line: hot tubs are more accessible than you think.
Whether you were worried about the bills, the cold, the chemistry, or the setup - hopefully we've put those fears to rest. The hot tub industry has come a long way, and today's inflatable models are designed for real people with real lives, not just luxury spa owners with a plumber on speed dial.
The truth across all four myths is actually the same: hot tub ownership is simpler, cheaper, and more flexible than most people expect. Once you've soaked in one on a cold October evening, under the stars, the myths tend to disappear pretty fast.
Ready to find yours?
Browse the full range of hot tubs - from 4 person hot tub or 6 person hot tub - and find the one that fits your space, lifestyle, and budget. With free UK delivery and no installation required, there's never been a better time to take the plunge.
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