Lowering Energy consumption Reducing hot tub energy costs is pretty easy. You’ll see a significant impact on your utility bill if you follow just a few basic steps. Controlling Your Controls Today’s hot tubs are technologically advanced, and most control systems have the ability to heat hot tub water to a specific temperature during preset time periods. For example, you can set controls to warm the tub water to 102 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and preset a lower temperature during remaining hours. Thus, you are saving energy by heating the hot tub only when you typically use it. Most hot tub manufacturers refer to this temperature control feature as their “economy” setting. Check your owner’s manual or ask your local dealer for more details. Your Cover Can Save You Money The most significant energy saving option is the hot tub cover. Heat rises, so your hot tub cover can have an enormous impact on heating costs. Hot tub covers have different insulation values, but the basic rule of thumb is the denser the core of the cover and the thicker the cover, the better the heat retention. See replacement covers (link to cover section) for more information. A Few Additional Tips for Conservation: Consider adding a floating insulation blanket. The blanket helps keep heat in and cuts down on evaporation. Set your temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. A couple of extra degrees can really save energy (and money!) over time. If your hot tub does not have an updated digital control system, consider upgrading the equipment. The newer control systems can be quite affordable. Make sure you clean and replace your filters often. Dirty filters can strain the equipment and cause your hot tub to use excess energy. Replace your hot tub cover if it gets heavier over time. A heavier cover means that it’s taking on moisture and losing insulating value. This section was prepared by HotTubWorks.com, a leading online discount retailer of hot tub filters, chemicals and spa covers.