Reducing Hot Tub Bills In The Winter: Your Guide to Energy-Efficient S

Learn how to reduce running costs with 3 simple steps. Our 2025 UK guide covers insulation, covers, and mats.

There is nothing quite like the dream of owning a hot tub. Sinking into that warm, bubbling water is the perfect way to relax. Many new owners are curious on ways to maximise the Hot Tub Efficiency for lower bills!

The good news is that running an inflatable or Eco Foam hot tub doesn't have to be expensive. The problem isn't the tub; it's the heat loss. Your heater is in a constant battle with the elements, and if you're not insulated, the heater will work in overdrive, costing you money.

Here is our essential guide to energy efficiency, focusing on the simple, complete solution to stop heat from escaping.

The Problem: Where Your Heat (and Money) Is Escaping

When your heater switches on, it's because the water temperature has dropped. This heat loss happens in two main ways.

First is evaporation. Heat rises, and it escapes from the surface of your water 24 hours a day. This is the single biggest source of heat loss, accounting for up to 70% of your energy bill. It's an invisible thief that is constantly draining warmth from your spa.
Second is conduction. Your hot tub is sitting on the cold, hard ground. That cold patio or decking acts like a "heat sink," actively pulling warmth from the base of your spa. This hidden drain on your heat means your heater has to work overtime just to keep up.

The Solution: The Energy Save Bundle (Available on all SPAs)

The single best solution is to create an insulated "cocoon" for your spa by tackling both problems at once. This requires two key pieces working together.

First, you need a thermal cover. This is not your standard spa cover. Instead, it is a thick, insulated blanket that wraps around your Hot Tub. Its job is simple: it creates a blanket that reduces heat and humidity from rising, and conduction from the side walls dramatically reducing heat loss.
Second, you need a foam mat. This high-density insulating pad is placed on the ground before you set up your hot tub. It creates a thermal barrier, separating your spa from the cold ground and preventing that heat from being sucked away.

More Essential Energy-Saving Habits

A happy, efficient spa is about more than just insulation. Keep these habits up to ensure your running costs stay low.

Add an inflatable cover - superior insulation to retain heat. This hot tub protection will reduce water evaporation and ensure chemical use is kept to a minimum.
Use a Windbreak This is a simple but critical tip. Cold wind moving over your spa and its cover will steal heat rapidly. Placing your tub in a sheltered spot, or using a simple windbreak or screen, can make a huge difference to your heater's workload.
Keep Your Filters Clean Your heater's efficiency depends on good water flow. A dirty, clogged filter makes its job almost impossible. It restricts flow, forces the pump to strain, and can even cause the heater to cut out. Rinse your filter cartridges every couple of days if you are using the spa regularly.
Be Smart with Temperature It can take a lot of energy to heat a large body of water from cold. If you use your spa regularly, it is often cheaper to maintain its temperature than to let it drop completely and reheat it every time. Dropping it just 2 or 3 degrees between uses is usually the most efficient method.

By paying a little attention to your spa's insulation and its core maintenance, you can ensure it remains a reliable source of warmth and relaxation, without the worry of a high bill.