How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?
A typical Hot Tub uses 6000W and runs about 4 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $120.38/month.
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What Affects the Cost of Running a Hot Tub
Heat Loss Is the Primary Cost Driver
A hot tub heater runs to maintain 100-104F water temperature against heat loss to the surrounding air. In winter, the temperature difference can be 60-80+ degrees, causing the heater to cycle frequently. In summer, heat loss is lower and costs drop. A well-insulated hot tub with a quality cover costs 30-50% less to operate than a poorly insulated one. The cover alone prevents 60-70% of heat loss.
Monthly Costs Vary Dramatically by Climate and Insulation
A well-insulated hot tub in a mild climate (California, Florida) might cost $20-40/month. The same tub in Minnesota winter might cost $80-150/month. A poorly insulated tub in a cold climate can exceed $200/month. Insulation quality, cover condition, ambient temperature, and your electricity rate all compound to create a wide cost range.
Hot Tub vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Hot Tub compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Tub (this page) | $120.38 | At national average rate, 4hrs/day |
| Well-insulated hot tub (mild climate) | ~$20-40 | Best-case scenario. Quality cover essential. |
| Poorly insulated hot tub (cold climate) | ~$80-200 | Worst-case. Consider upgrading insulation and cover. |
| Inflatable hot tub | ~$40-80 | Minimal insulation. Cheaper to buy, more expensive to operate. |
| Heated swimming pool | ~$100-300+ | Far larger water volume = far higher heating cost. |
Hot Tub Cost by State
What a Hot Tub costs to run at 6000W for 4 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $106.7 | $1280.45 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $182.45 | $2189.38 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $99.43 | $1193.18 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $90.94 | $1091.23 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $226.15 | $2713.82 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $109.73 | $1316.74 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $211.32 | $2535.84 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $109.73 | $1316.74 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $114.26 | $1371.17 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $112.54 | $1350.43 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $101.66 | $1219.97 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $311.11 | $3733.34 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $78.26 | $939.17 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $117.86 | $1414.37 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $108.86 | $1306.37 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $102.46 | $1229.47 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $107.86 | $1294.27 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $92.66 | $1111.97 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $86.26 | $1035.07 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $164.66 | $1975.97 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $116.06 | $1392.77 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $207.07 | $2484.86 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $135.07 | $1620.86 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $110.45 | $1325.38 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $99.07 | $1188.86 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $94.46 | $1133.57 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $89.64 | $1075.68 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $86.26 | $1035.07 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $108.22 | $1298.59 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $182.45 | $2189.38 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $135.07 | $1620.86 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $107.06 | $1284.77 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $164.66 | $1975.97 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $100.66 | $1207.87 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $85.46 | $1025.57 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $110.45 | $1325.38 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $86.26 | $1035.07 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $94.46 | $1133.57 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $121.46 | $1457.57 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $195.26 | $2343.17 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $107.86 | $1294.27 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $99.07 | $1188.86 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $92.66 | $1111.97 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $107.86 | $1294.27 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $78.26 | $939.17 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $153.65 | $1843.78 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $110.45 | $1325.38 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $77.47 | $929.66 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $94.46 | $1133.57 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $122.26 | $1467.07 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $80.86 | $970.27 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Hot Tub
- Keep the cover on whenever the tub is not in use; heat loss is the biggest cost
- Lower the temperature by a few degrees when not using it for several days
- A well-insulated hot tub costs significantly less to maintain
- Run the circulation pump on a timer rather than continuously
Frequently Asked Questions
The typical range is $30-80/month at the national average rate, depending on insulation, climate, and usage frequency. Well-insulated tubs in mild climates cost $20-40/month. Poorly insulated tubs in cold climates can cost $100-200/month. The single most impactful variable is your hot tub cover: a quality, well-fitting cover prevents 60-70% of heat loss.
Generally no. Reheating a cold hot tub uses more energy than maintaining temperature. A 400-gallon tub reheated from 60F to 104F requires about 15-20 kWh ($2.50-$3.35 per full reheat). Maintaining temperature with a good cover costs about $0.50-$1.50/day. If you will not use the tub for more than 5-7 days, lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees (not turning it off) is the most efficient approach.
A well-maintained hot tub with a quality cover uses 3-6 kWh/day in mild weather ($0.50-$1.00) and 8-15 kWh/day in cold weather ($1.34-$2.51) at the national average rate. The heater is the primary consumer, followed by the circulation pump. In very cold climates, daily costs can reach $4-$7.
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Electricity cost estimates are based on typical wattage and average residential rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual costs may vary based on your appliance's specific wattage, usage patterns, and your utility's rate structure. See our full disclaimer.