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How Much Does an Inflatable Hot Tub Cost to Run in the UK?

Thinking of getting an inflatable spa but worried it’ll drain your wallet faster than the kids drain their juice boxes? You’re not alone. Energy prices are on everyone’s mind right now.

Here’s the short answer: an inflatable hot tub usually costs £40–£85 per month to run in the UK, depending on your usage and the time of year.

Keep reading and you’ll see exactly how those costs break down—and, more importantly, how to keep them as low as possible.


The Real Cost of Running an Inflatable Hot Tub in the UK

So, what’s the damage? On average, expect:

  • Daily: £1.50–£3.00

  • Weekly: £5–£10

  • Monthly: £20–£40

  • Annual: £480–£1,020

That range is wide because so much depends on how often you use it, the season, and your electricity tariff. Winter evenings in Yorkshire? You’ll pay more than someone who only dips in at weekends during a mild summer.


Breakdown of Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs

Electricity Costs: The Biggest Expense

No surprise here—electricity is by far the largest running cost. Inflatable spas typically use 1.5–3 kWh per hour when heating.

Here’s a rough idea based on the UK’s average tariff (around 34p per kWh):

  • 2 hours heating per day → £1.36/day

  • Weekly → £9.52

  • Monthly → £38.08

And that’s before jets. Run those bubbles too often and you’ll see your bill creep up. A family in Manchester told me they noticed a £30 difference in a single month just because their kids kept flicking the jets on like a light switch.


Water and Chemical Costs

Electricity isn’t the only bill. Your tub needs water treatment too. Keeping the water clean and safe will set you back around £10–£20 a month.

That includes chlorine tablets, pH balancers, and water top-ups. Filling the tub from scratch isn’t too pricey—usually just a few pounds added to your water bill—but keeping it balanced matters if you want to avoid slimy surprises.


Maintenance and Servicing Costs

Filters don’t last forever. Expect to swap them every month or two, at £5–£15 a pop. Add another £5–£10 for cleaning products.

Every so often you might need a replacement part or professional servicing. It’s rare, but worth keeping in mind. After all, prevention is always cheaper than repairs.


Factors That Affect Your Hot Tub Running Costs

Hot Tub Features and Specifications

Insulation and Covers

Think of insulation as your spa’s winter coat. A well-insulated tub, paired with a decent cover, keeps heat in and bills down.

Add-ons like thermal blankets, insulated mats, or side jackets can make a noticeable difference. They’re a small upfront cost that pays off quickly.

Heater and Pump Efficiency

Not all heaters are created equal. Some modern models, like the Lay-Z-Spa Miami, heat up faster and hold temperature better than older designs.

A more efficient pump means less wasted energy—and more time relaxing without eyeing the smart meter nervously.


Your Usage Habits and Environment

Frequency and Duration of Use

There’s an ongoing debate: should you leave your tub on, or turn it off and heat it up each time?

If you’re using it daily, leaving it on at a lower temperature is usually cheaper. But if you’re more of a “Saturday night soak” family, it makes sense to power it down in between.

External Weather and Temperature

The British climate isn’t exactly spa-friendly. In winter, your tub has to work much harder just to stay warm, which bumps up running costs.

By contrast, in summer you’ll notice the bills drop—sometimes by half. Location matters too: a tub in a sheltered corner of the garden will always cost less to run than one exposed to icy winds.


How to Reduce Your Inflatable Hot Tub Running Costs

Money-Saving Tips and Best Practices

Invest in Better Insulation

Get a good cover and use it religiously. Add a thermal blanket or insulated floor mat if you want to go the extra mile.

It’s like putting a lid on a boiling pan—it keeps the heat where it belongs.

Optimise Your Usage

Lowering the temperature just a few degrees when you’re not in the tub can save a surprising amount.

Timers are brilliant too. Heat it up when you know you’ll use it instead of running it round the clock.

Maintain Your Hot Tub Properly

A dirty filter makes your pump work harder, using more energy. Clean or replace filters regularly, and keep your water chemistry balanced.

Not only will your spa run more efficiently, but you’ll also avoid costly breakdowns down the line.


Final Thoughts

Running an inflatable hot tub in the UK isn’t free, but it doesn’t have to be eye-wateringly expensive either. Most households spend £40–£85 a month. With smart habits and a few money-saving tricks, you can keep your bills on the lower end of that scale.

So go ahead—pour yourself a drink, fire up those bubbles, and enjoy the soak. Just maybe remind the kids not to leave the jets on all afternoon.

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