Spas are wonderful, but the large energy bills that can accompany them are
not. Because of this, insulation is one of the most important aspects to
consider when buying a spa, especially if you plan to use it in a cold climate.
Insulation is the part of a spa’s design and construction that most influences
the cost of operation
Imagine two spas of identical size holding the same amount of water and located
in the same backyard. Even with identical use, they can have dramatically
different operating costs. One may cost as little as $15 per month to operate,
while the other exceeds $100 per month. How can this occur? The difference is in
the insulation.
No matter what type of insulation is used, it will help reduce the operating
cost of your spa. Incorporating insulation into the spa structure helps maintain
water heat, reducing the time and energy needed to keep it hot.
How do you know how much a spas will cost to operate before you buy it? Most
dealers and manufacturers will provide a documented estimated monthly operating
cost. Since energy costs vary from region to region, look on the estimate for
the average monthly power usage and multiply by the cost of electricity from
your power company. This will help you better estimate the impact a spa will
have on your monthly energy bill.
The rising cost of energy means that a well-insulated unit, designed to
eliminate heat loss and drive down operational cost, is practically a must-have
for most spa buyers because it will cost less to run over the long term.