A long soak in your very own hot tub is a luxurious way to take your stresses away. A new hot tub can be a substantial investment. If you are purchasing a new hot tub, choosing an energy-efficient model with low running costs can make your investment more worthwhile, and will also make your hot tub more environmentally-friendly.
Modern hot tub models vary widely in the amount of energy they use and picking out an energy-efficient model that suits you needs can be difficult. Keeping the following guidelines in mind while you compare models will help you make an informed choice:
Look For High-Quality Insulation
Most modern hot tubs, excluding economy and inflatable models, are fitted with varying degrees of insulation. This insulation is installed in the gaps between the hot tub's inner shell and the outer cabinet. More effective insulation will keep the water in your hot tub warmer for longer, reducing the amount of energy used by the tub's built-in water heaters.
Try to avoid hot tubs with partial insulation. This type of insulation completely surrounds the inner shell but does not completely fill the cabinet, leaving gaps inside the hot tub cabinet that allow heat to escape. Instead, you should opt for a hot tub with 'full foam' insulation, which completely fills the hot tub cabinet and prevents as much heat transfer as possible.
You should also pay attention to the type of foam insulation your hot tub uses. Single-density foam insulation is the industry standard and provides a good amount of protection against unwanted heat transfer. However, if you can afford the additional cost, hot tubs with more expensive, multi-density foam are the most energy-efficient choice.
Pay Attention To Construction Materials
The materials used to construct your hot tub's inner shell will also influence its overall energy efficiency. Many hot tubs feature shells made from rotomolded plastic or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials are robust and relatively inexpensive but do not retain heat particularly well.
Once again, a larger initial investment is the best way to ensure lower running costs. Acrylic plastic hot tub shells are more expensive than HDPE or rotomolded models, but retain heat much more effectively, especially when combined with full-foam insulation. Keep an eye out for fiberglass-reinforced acrylic shells, which are more long-lasting and resistant to bubbling.
Consider A Salt Water Tub
Most hot tubs use chlorination systems similar to those found in swimming pools to keep their water supplies sanitary. Unfortunately, chlorine is a toxic substance that can cause widespread contamination if spilled, and creating chlorine tablets and powders for hot tubs requires a significant amount of energy.
Opting for a tub with a salt water sanitation system can be an excellent way to make your tub more eco-friendly, and can also have a small but significant effect on running costs. Tubs with salt water systems use supplies of regular table salt, which are converted into chlorine using a built-in electrolysis system.
Choosing a salt water tub minimizes the chances of accidental environmental contamination. The slow, steady release of converted chlorine also allows salt water tubs to go longer between water changes, saving energy that would otherwise be used to heat up fresh water supplies.
For more information about hot tubs, contact a local seller.