SHOPPERS are being warned against buying a “bargain” summer essential due to sky-high hidden costs.
When the warm weather arrives, hot tubs are usually all the rage. But some could cost thousands to run.
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Buying a hot tub for under £100 is all very well, but the running cost could be as much as £1,440 over four months, according to energy experts at Loop.
Tubs that cost under £100 are likely to be inflatable but inefficient, so it works out you’ll be splashing out £360 every month just to use it.
That’s over ten times the purchase cost over summer.
And even those with energy-efficient models aren’t out of the woods – if your tub uses seven kWh per day, it could still add £72 per month to energy bills.
That’s up 20% from last year, when the figure sat at £60.23, but a whopping 90% up from 2020 when efficient tubs cost £38.02 to run.
Steve Buckley, head of data science at Loop, says: “Many of us will have seen offers on inflatable hot tubs recently and are considering investing in one. Whilst relaxing in a hot tub is a welcome treat on a cool summer’s night, these hot tubs may not be the bargains they seem.
“Our new research found that hot tubs are one of the worst garden culprits for adding to energy bills. Even the most energy-efficient tubs will cost £72 per month to run.
“But the biggest risks are for those households who buy cheap hot tubs. Due to poor insulation these could easily cost FIVE TIMES that amount to run, that’s as much as £360 per month.”
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Obviously, the cost of your new hot tub will depend on other factors as well, including the size of tub, type of the pump, and how often you use it.
But make sure you keep these facts in mind if you’re shopping for one.
Aldi is selling a cheap hot tub for £199 right now which is the cheapest we’ve seen – but it might cost much more to run.
The tub has 135 bubble jets, heated air bubbles and two headrests, as well as a lockable cover in case the weather turns.
However, it was more expensive last year when it cost £399.99.
We’ve also spotted inflatable tubs for £140 off Amazon and £325 from B&Q.
Cutting costs
One way to cut the costs from the start is to go small – the more water your hot tub holds, the more it costs to run. So only opt for an eight-seater for example, if you really need it.
You also need to make sure you’re keeping on top of maintenance and cleaning your tub.
According to trading directory Checkatrade, a clean and service will set you back £225 per visit.
You’ll probably need to have one of these a year.
There are also chemicals, equipment and replacement parts to think of.
Also, think about your thermostat and consider whether you can turn it down a few notches – it might make all the difference in the long run.
Most people like to keep their tubs between 38 and 40 degrees, but every degree lower will save you around 10% of your total cost.
Do a quality check too and ensure your cover is still in good condition.
You can buy extra insulation to keep heat in – in just the same way you might to keep your home warm.
This means more spending, of course, but it could be worth it.
And keep your hot tub out of the wind as much as possible – you want it somewhere the temperature can maintain itself rather than be cooled down.
