Nothing is worse than wanting to relax in your hot tub only to find out it needs to be heated up first.. If time is of the essence, there are certain ways to heat the water quickly and efficiently.
You just have to remember that hot tubs are unique creatures and they all operate differently. Generally though, a spa or hot tub can heat up at a rate of about three and six degrees Fahrenheit each hour, but it all comes down to a few factors. These include the condition of the tub’s components, the current ambient temperature outside and whether the cover is on or off.
Heating factors
If your hot tub is located in a warm area then the water will heat up quicker than a tub that’s sitting in a cooler location. If it’s 76 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors than it will take about four hours to reach 100 degrees. If the tub is sitting outdoors where the temperature is just 60 degrees, then it will take longer. Since most of the heat escapes from the top of the tub, it’s highly recommended that you keep the cover on the hot tub while the water’s heating up. Also, the condition of the tub’s components will have an effect on the heating process. If the jets, pump, heater and cover are all in good working condition then the water will heat up faster. If one or more of these components isn’t doing its job properly though, than you’ll have to wait a bit longer to reach your desired temperature.
Efficient water heating
There are a few ways to make sure your hot tub is working efficiently when it comes to heating the water as quickly as possible. These tips should also help save you money on energy costs. You need to make sure the tub’s cover fits properly and is in good shape. The sides of the tub are insulated to help keep the heat inside, but the top the unit is open and this is where the heat can quickly escape. It’s a good idea to keep the tub covered when not using it. However, if it’s cracked or is filled with holes the heat will be able to escape. If your cover is worn out it’ll save you energy costs in the long run by replacing it with a new one.
Service the hot tub
It’s just a fact of a hot tub’s life that its parts will wear out sooner or later. This means the jets, filtration system and heater will eventually begin to struggle over time. If these components are all in good condition the heat and water are able to flow freely and make the tub more efficient. Once the components begin to fade, the water will take longer to heat up. Don’t forget to keep these components in good shape by servicing them when needed.
Outdoor landscaping
The location of the hot tub can certainly affect the time it takes to heat the water. If the tub is sitting out in the open the water will typically be cooler. You may want to install the tub somewhere that it’s protected from the elements. You could do this by using walls, trees, patios, or decorative wind shields to protect the unit.
Leave the tub on
If you happen to reside in a cold climate, but you use the tub several times a week you may want to think about leaving it running. However, if you live in a milder climate and don’t use the tub on a regular basis you’d be better off shutting it down after using it. It’s true, the tub will use some energy by leaving it on, but the water will be ready each time you use it. This means you won’t need to heat it up and the difference in energy consumption won’t be that much. If the temperatures drop below freezing in your area then you’ll need to close it down and winterize it during the winters. The other option is to keep it running during the winter to make sure the water doesn’t freeze and cause damage.
Have a question about operating your hot tub or want to learn about the best hot tub for your family? International Pool & Spa Centers has a wide selection of hot tubs, including Canadian made Coast Spas. Contact us today to learn more or stop by one our many locations throughout Ontario.
