Hot Tubs

By Sylvia Rosen

For many people looking for a hot tub or spa, the focus is on finding a model that provides a great, relaxing experience. Some buyers, however, also look at the "green" value of these amenities, and find energy-efficient hot tubs that deliver a lot of comfort without wasting a lot of power before, during, or after use.

Many of the best energy-conserving hot tub models have features in common that buyers can look for when shopping for these popular home or business installations. Read to learn what features to be on the lookout for:

Water controls

Some energy-efficient features relate to the precise controls for water velocity, or the amount of water put into the hot tub. Experts point out that hot tubs that use less water can be much more energy-efficient, especially if the tub is in a sunny area where evaporated water must be replaced more frequently.

Pumps

Another feature of energy-efficient hot tubs is the type of water-handling pumps they use. Buyers can choose models with pumps that are rated for efficient operation to be sure they don't use too much power just to move water around inside the tub.

Insulation

Some models save energy because their interiors are insulated. A lot of this insulation will typically be applied under the shell or around the frame of a hot tub system. High-quality, highly rated insulation helps hold in the heat, so long sessions don't end up guzzling too much power from a home or commercial energy system.

Energy-efficient water heaters

Another feature of green hot tubs is the heater used to regulate the water temperature. In many cases, hot tubs draw from the central water heater of a home or business. New tankless water heaters can save energy with more precise heating methods. Energy Star-rated heaters or other green water heaters can even help models with traditional tank designs run on much less energy. These are key parts of setting up energy-efficient hot tubs inside or outside a home or business.

Maintaining clear water flow improves efficiency

Even though spa owners keep hearing about the importance of changing filters, there are still countless examples of clogged systems hampering efficiency. To run at the highest performance level, the filter needs to be free of debris. Take out the cartridges every few months and clean them with a garden hose. When you avoid this basic maintenance procedure, you run the risk of requiring expensive repairs and waste energy every time you run a tub.

Much like a car's horsepower relates to fuel efficiency, a spa's jet count directly impacts the amount of energy being used in every session.

Energy-efficient hot tubs don't have hundreds of jets, but you don't need that many when you are looking for a therapeutic bath. By opting for a spa with an impossibly high jet count, you're guaranteeing that the pumps inside will need to work hard to keep everything moving.

Whether you like a bath to relieve weary muscles or own a spa that has multiple hot tubs inside, energy efficiency is a concern. Getting the question settled before you start shopping is the best way to approach the matter.