Any time you are making a major investment in your home, it makes sense to consider all of the implications of that purchase. New hot tubs can add a lot of value to both your home and your life, but there are many options to choose from.
If you are in Denver, CO or the surrounding areas, energy-efficiency is a major consideration. Cold winters can make hot tub maintenance more difficult and they can also cause your energy bills to increase as your hot tub struggles to stay warm in the bitter temperatures. At Wind River Spas, our energy-efficient hot tubs in Denver can make this problem more manageable.
How Much Energy Does Your Hot Tub Use?
Hot tubs use energy through several different hot tub components including the pump, the heater, and the lighting. The heater is the most energy-intensive since it maintains the water temperature regardless of the temperature outside. The pumps, which are responsible for water circulation and jet operation, can also consume a lot of energy depending on the type that you have. To determine the energy usage of your current or potential hot tub, you can check the wattage of each component and multiply that by the hours of operation to estimate the daily or monthly energy consumption.
While the pump and heater used are important for the efficiency of the hot tub, the quality of the insulation of the hot tub is also a major factor. Hot tubs that easily lose heat will have to continually work to keep the temperature stable while energy-efficient hot tubs that are properly insulated will use much less energy.
What Are the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Hot Tubs?
Cost Savings
One of the primary benefits for homeowners of energy-efficient hot tubs is the cost savings they can provide for the family. Replacing a hot tub that isn’t properly insulated with one that has quality pumps and insulation can reduce monthly usage.
Environmental Impact
Investing in eco-friendly tubs can also have a positive effect on the environment. Increased efficiency within your own home can be a small way to lower emissions and pollutants. In the bigger picture, energy-efficiency can help stabilize electricity prices and improve the reliability of the electric grid. Small changes can make a big difference.
Enhanced User Experience
Having a more efficient hot tub can improve the overall experience of owning a hot tub. They can be easier to operate and less frustrating to maintain. With good insulation, you will have fewer problems with freezes, and with quality heaters and pumps you will enjoy more reliability overall.
Choosing the Right Energy-Efficient Hot Tub
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the hot tub that you buy will often depend on what you need your hot tub for. Larger units can accommodate six or more people while smaller tubs are perfect for one or two individuals. Smaller hot tubs generally consume less energy since there is less water to heat and maintain. You can consider purchasing the smallest unit that will meet all of your needs.
Insulation Quality
The quality of insulation in your hot tub is critical for energy-efficiency. Most mass-marketed hot tubs are filled with full-foam insulation which come with many problems such as an inability to service plumbing when needed and decreased efficiency. Our hot tubs are designed to provide greater efficiency combined with ease of maintenance since the hot tub can be accessed for repairs. Multi-layered insulation systems like ours trap heat more effectively and are the best option for homeowners concerned about energy-efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Pumps and Heaters
Most standard hot tubs use a single pump both for filtration and for running the jets. This means that even when the hot tub is doing standard filtration throughout the day, even when not in use, the large pumps are running. This creates a lot of ambient noise and also runs the energy bills higher.
With a two-pump system such as ours, a smaller and more efficient pump maintains the tub with a continuous clean filtration that is virtually silent and that runs at a fraction of the cost of the larger models. The larger pump is used exclusively for the jets when they are in use. This continuous clean filtration is a standard feature of all of our hot tubs.
Efficient hot tub heaters are also important. They should be able to quickly heat your water and then keep it at a stable temperature without using a lot of excess energy.
Installation Tips for Energy-Efficiency
Choosing the Right Location
Choosing the right location for your eco-friendly hot tub can help make it even more efficient. Position your hot tub in a sheltered area that is away from the wind and cold drafts to reduce heat loss. Placing your hot tub closer to your home or other structures can help provide some natural insulation.
Proper Ground Preparation
A lot of heat can escape from the bottom of the tub when not properly set up. While our hot tubs include an energy-efficient molded plastic base as part of our hot tub insulation that keeps the cold and the critters out, the right base underneath the hot tub can make a big difference. You can consider solutions such as a gravel pad, a Perma-Pad, or a Perma-Shim that can provide a solid and flat place for your hot tub that provides some protection from the cold ground.
Proper Hot Tub Setup
Setting up and installing your hot tub correctly is the foundation for a hot tub that runs smoothly and efficiently. Make sure to follow all instructions for the installation of your energy-efficient hot tub. To make installation easier, we offer a free home visit within a 25-mile radius of our Englewood location to help you work out the details of your hot tub installation.
Hot Tub Maintenance Practices for Energy Efficiency
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your hot tub can help you maintain energy efficiency. Debris and grime can clog filters, strain the pump, and force the heater to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Make sure to take out and clean or replace the filter often. With our tubs you don’t have to replace the filter as often because of the skimmer basket that traps oils, lotions, bugs, and more temperature,but it is still an important part of hot tub maintenance.
Water Quality Management
Managing water quality can also enhance the energy efficiency of your hot tub. Keep a close eye on the pH levels of your water, choose a tub with ozone sanitizers, and test the water regularly to make sure it is free from contaminants.
Cover Use
Using a high-quality cover is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain energy efficiency in your hot tub. Our covers keep the heat in and the moisture and mildew out. Make sure your cover is fitted snugly to your tub at all times when not in use to maintain the efficiency of your tub.
Enjoy Your Soak Without the Cost With Energy-Efficient Hot Tubs in Denver
Energy-efficient hot tubs are a must for environmentally conscious Colorado residents or for those who simply want to reduce their energy usage every month. We have put a lot of thought, time, and effort into designing tubs that go the extra mile to provide residents of Colorado with the type of tub they are looking for to fit into their lifestyle.
To learn more about the steps we have taken to make our tubs more efficient, explore our website, fill out an online contact form, or call us at (303) 789-2656.