How to Reduce Your Spa Pool Running Costs: 7 Practical Tips

Your spa’s electricity use depends on its size, insulation, water temperature, location and how often you use it. While every setup is different, these seven practical tips can help you manage running costs.

1. Keep the Cover On When You’re Not Using the Spa

An uncovered spa loses heat, particularly through evaporation. Keeping the lid securely closed between uses helps retain warmth and reduces the heating needed to replace it.

Look for gaps, damaged seals, cracks or a cover that has become unusually heavy. A waterlogged or poorly fitting cover may no longer insulate effectively.

A good cover is one of the first things worth assessing if your spa’s running costs have increased.

2. Choose Good Insulation from the Start

When buying a spa, look beyond the purchase price and number of jets. Ask how the shell, cabinet and base are insulated, and how the cover helps retain heat.

Good insulation reduces heat loss while the spa is sitting unused. That matters during colder weather, when there is a bigger difference between the water temperature and the surrounding air.

Avoid modifying cabinet insulation yourself without manufacturer advice. Pumps and electrical equipment need appropriate ventilation and access for servicing.

3. Set the Temperature to Suit Your Use

The hotter you keep your spa, the more heat it can lose to the surrounding air.

If you find your usual setting warmer than necessary, try lowering it by a degree and see whether it still feels comfortable. You may also prefer a lower setting during summer.

If you use the spa less frequently, ask about the controller’s economy or holiday settings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow time for reheating before your next soak.

Keep the required filtration and water-treatment systems operating, even when you reduce the heating temperature.

4. Shelter Your Spa from Wind

An exposed position can increase heat loss, especially while the cover is open.

When planning your spa’s location, consider shelter from prevailing winds. A suitable screen or sheltered outdoor area can also make the spa more comfortable to use.

Allow the clearances needed for ventilation, cover operation and maintenance. Make sure the location meets applicable installation and pool-barrier requirements.

5. Use the Correct Filtration Settings

Your spa needs enough filtration to keep the water clean. Longer cycles are not automatically better, but cutting them too far can create water-quality problems.

Use the recommended settings for your model and adjust only with supplier guidance.

If your electricity plan offers cheaper off-peak periods, find out whether compatible heating or filtration schedules can use those hours. Any benefit depends on your tariff, controller and the spa’s operating requirements.

6. Keep Filters Clean and Follow the Maintenance Schedule

Dirty filters restrict water flow and can affect the spa’s operation.

Clean and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain the recommended water balance, sanitiser level and water-change schedule, and have leaks or equipment faults attended to promptly.

Routine care helps protect your equipment and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

A quick shower before using the spa also reduces the oils, lotions and dirt entering the water.

7. Consider a Compatible Spa Heat Pump

A heat pump can use less electricity for water heating than a standard electric resistance heater under suitable operating conditions.

However, the potential savings need to be weighed against the purchase and installation cost. Suitability depends on:

• Your spa’s compatibility.

• How frequently you use it.

• Your climate and desired water temperature.

• Your electricity price.

• The heat pump’s performance in local conditions.

Ask for an estimate based on your own setup rather than relying on a headline savings percentage. A heat pump also needs suitable positioning, airflow and professional installation.

How Much Is Your Spa Actually Costing You?

The most useful starting point is measured electricity use.

If your spa has reliable energy monitoring, record its consumption over a representative period. Otherwise, ask your supplier or electrician about a suitable monitoring option.

For example:

5 kWh per day × $0.30 per kWh = $1.50 per day

That works out to approximately $45 over 30 days. This is an illustration, not a predicted running cost for a particular spa.

Your total ownership costs also include chemicals, filters, water and servicing. Compare similar weather conditions and usage patterns when assessing whether a change has helped.

Choosing a Spa Pool for Your Home?

At Yourstore, we supply Sensation spa pools and swim spas and can help you compare models, insulation, covers and compatible heating options.

Tell us how many people will use the spa, where you plan to put it and how often you expect to use it. We’ll help you explore options that suit your home and budget.

For advice and pricing, email shop@yourstore.nz or call 0800 111 688.