How Energy Efficient is Your Hot Tub?
There are a lot of features and benefits that you are going to want in your hot tub, and one of these should be efficiency. If you have an older model, then it may not possess all of the qualities that the newer ones on the market do.
If you are just setting out to buy a hot tub, then be sure to spend some time checking out its efficiency.
There are different components that can affect the way the hot tub uses energy. One very important factor is insulation. The insulation should be continuous, meaning that there are no gaps in it.
Modern technology has allowed some quality hot tub manufacturers to capitalize on what is often called wasted heat. Heat is generated from the water, shell, plumbing components, and motor. Rather than waste this extra heat, Hydropool hot tubs utilize it through a unique system called the hydrowise thermoshield system. This means less energy is needed to heat your hot tub, and that can mean savings for you. Those that have old hot tubs will often have to use spray-on foam insulation to fill the gaps in their current insulation.
It is well known that heat rises, and this is what happens to the heat that is being created for the water in your hot tub. It simply rises and escapes into the air. You can prevent this by using a good quality cover for the unit when not in use. Some people choose to use floating insulator covers, but many find that a rigid insulation cover is more efficient. If you have been using the same cover on your existing hot tub for a long period of time, you may be noticing that it is getting heavy. This is because it has absorbed moisture and it’s time for a new one.
Maintaining a consistent temperature for the water is also a good energy saver. Ideally, keeping it at 100oF will provide you all the comfort you are looking for, and will keep the operating costs of the unit down.
When you are shopping for a hot tub, be sure to ask the representative to fully explain the features of the hot tubs you’re interested in. This way, you'll have a wealth of information and be able to make a great choice for your new hot tub!