When you’re shopping for a hot tub, the price tag is usually one of the first things you compare. But there’s another number worth considering: what will it cost to keep your hot tub warm all winter?
A cheaper hot tub might save you money today. But when temperatures drop and the snow starts piling up, the cost of running it can become just as important as what you paid for it. If your spa loses heat quickly, it may need to use more energy to keep the water warm.
Not All Hot Tub Insulation Is the Same
When you’re comparing hot tubs in a showroom, insulation probably isn’t the first thing you think about. You can feel the jets, try the seats and compare the features. But you can’t see most of the insulation that helps keep your spa warm.
That matters when your hot tub is sitting outside in freezing temperatures. Arctic Spas® takes a different approach with its FreeHeat™ insulation system. It insulates the floor and walls of the spa while keeping the internal equipment foam-free and accessible. It also makes use of the ambient heat generated by the spa’s equipment to help warm the shell and water.
Instead of treating that heat as waste, FreeHeat™ recycles it and puts it to work. The goal is to make better use of the energy the spa is already producing while helping reduce heat loss.
Why Heat Retention Matters for Winter Costs
Think about how often your hot tub needs to maintain its temperature during winter. Even when you’re not using it, the water needs to stay warm and ready for your next soak. The more heat your spa loses, the more energy it may need to replace. How much that affects your electricity bill depends on several factors, including outdoor temperatures, your local electricity rate, your chosen water temperature, the size of your spa and how often you use it.
Arctic Spas® hot tubs are designed to be up to 6.8 times more energy efficient than traditional hot tubs*. For homeowners who want to enjoy their hot tub throughout a long, cold winter, efficiency is worth considering before making a purchase. A lower price upfront doesn’t automatically mean a lower cost of ownership.
After all, you bought your hot tub to relax in it, not to spend the winter worrying about how much energy it’s using.
Your Hot Tub Cover Matters, Too
Insulation inside the cabinet is only part of the picture. Your hot tub cover also plays an important role in helping retain heat. Arctic Spas Mylovac™ Covers are designed with double-density foam insulation and vacuum-seal technology to help retain heat. While FreeHeat™ insulates the floor and walls of the spa, Mylovac™ helps reduce heat loss through the top.
These features address different areas where heat can escape. When comparing hot tubs, it’s worth looking at both the insulation inside the cabinet and the cover that keeps the water protected between uses.
A Hot Tub Should Make Winter Better
There’s something special about stepping into warm water on a freezing winter evening. The snow is falling, the air is crisp, and suddenly your backyard becomes a place you want to enjoy, not avoid until spring.
With FreeHeat™ insulation and a Mylovac™ Cover, an Arctic Spa is designed with cold-weather performance in mind. Visit your local Arctic Spas® showroom to explore our hot tubs, learn more about these features and find the right spa for your home.
*As compared to other leading brands. Efficiency stats based on California Energy Commission benchmarks.
