If you already own a hot tub, or you’re thinking about buying one. One of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:

“How much electricity does a hot tub actually use in the UK?”

It’s a fair question. With rising energy prices, nobody wants a surprise bill at the end of the month after spending lots of money on a hot tub.

The good news? Most UK hot tubs are cheaper to run than people think, especially if you use them properly.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Average hot tub electricity usage in the UK
• Monthly and yearly running cost estimates
• Inflatable vs hard shell electricity usage
• Summer vs winter electricity differences
• Ways to reduce your hot tub electricity costs

This guide is written for UK hot tub owners with basic knowledge, so I’ll keep things practical and realistic.

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Average Hot Tub Electricity Usage in the UK

Most hot tubs in the UK use between 3 kWh and 7 kWh per day depending on:

• Size of the hot tub
• Outside temperature
• Insulation quality
• How often you use it
• Whether it’s inflatable or hard shell

Typical UK Hot Tub Electricity Usage

Hot Tub Type	Electricity Per Day	Monthly Cost (UK Average)
Inflatable Hot Tub	3–5 kWh	£25–£60 per month
Hard Shell Hot Tub	4–7 kWh	£35–£90 per month

These are realistic UK estimates based on average energy costs.

Of course, winter usage will be higher, we cover that shortly.

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How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Run Per Month in the UK?

Let’s assume:

• Average UK electricity price: ~28p per kWh
• Average inflatable hot tub: 4 kWh per day

Calculation:

4 kWh × 28p = £1.12 per day

Monthly cost:

£1.12 × 30 days = £33.60 per month

So in many cases, a typical inflatable hot tub costs £30–£50 per month to run.

This surprises a lot of people, many assume it’s over £100 per month.

Hard shell hot tubs usually cost slightly more, typically:

£40–£80 per month in the UK

Again, this depends heavily on insulation and usage.

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Why Hot Tubs Use Electricity

Hot tubs mainly use electricity for three things:

1. Heating the Water

This is the biggest electricity usage.

Most hot tub heaters use:

• 1.5 kW – 3 kW heaters (common in UK hot tubs)

Once heated, the tub doesn’t constantly reheat. It only tops up temperature.

That’s why insulation is so important.

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2. Circulation Pump

Hot tubs circulate water to:

• Keep chemicals mixed
• Maintain filtration
• Prevent stagnant water

This uses far less electricity than heating.

Typically:

• 0.25 kWh to 1 kWh per day

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3. Jets and Bubbles

Jets use electricity, but only when you’re using the hot tub.

If you use your tub:

• 30 minutes per day

The electricity usage is relatively small.

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Inflatable Hot Tub vs Hard Shell Electricity Usage

This is a common UK question.

Inflatable Hot Tub Electricity Usage

Inflatable tubs:

• Heat slower
• Lose heat faster
• Usually cheaper overall

Average UK cost:
£30–£60 per month

Popular inflatable tubs in the UK fall into this category.

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Hard Shell Hot Tub Electricity Usage

Hard shell tubs:

• Better insulation
• Heat faster
• Maintain temperature better

Average UK cost:
£40–£90 per month

Higher upfront cost, but often more efficient long-term.

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Hot Tub Electricity Usage in Winter vs Summer (UK)

Seasonal changes make a big difference in the UK.

Summer Electricity Usage

In warmer months:

• Less heating required
• Lower electricity usage

Typical summer cost:
£25–£45 per month

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Winter Electricity Usage

In colder UK winters:

• More heat loss
• Heater works harder

Typical winter cost:
£50–£90 per month

Still, many UK hot tub owners use their tubs most in winter, so it’s often worth it.

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Factors That Affect Hot Tub Electricity Usage

Several things can increase or reduce your electricity usage:

Poor Insulation

Thin covers lose heat quickly.

This increases electricity usage.

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Leaving the Lid Off

Even a few minutes can lose significant heat.

Always replace the lid after use.

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Cold Weather

The colder it gets, the more electricity your heater uses.

UK winters naturally increase costs.

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Frequency of Use

More use means:

• More reheating
• More pump usage

Although occasional use doesn’t increase costs dramatically.

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How to Reduce Hot Tub Electricity Costs in the UK

Here are some simple ways to keep electricity costs down:

Use a Good Quality Cover

A well-fitting cover keeps heat in and reduces heater use.

This is one of the easiest ways to save money.

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Add an Insulation Mat

Placing insulation under your hot tub:

• Reduces heat loss
• Improves efficiency

Especially useful for inflatable hot tubs.

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Keep Temperature Consistent

Turning the temperature down then reheating can use more electricity.

It’s usually cheaper to maintain temperature.

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Shelter Your Hot Tub

Wind increases heat loss.

Positioning your tub:

• Against a fence
• Near a wall
• Under shelter

Can help reduce costs.

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Is a Hot Tub Expensive to Run in the UK?

For most UK owners:

No — hot tubs are not as expensive as expected.

Typical monthly cost:

• Inflatable hot tub: £30–£60
• Hard shell hot tub: £40–£90

Compared to many household appliances, this is relatively reasonable.

Especially when you consider:

• Year-round use
• Relaxation benefits
• Home spa experience

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Final Thoughts

So, how much electricity does a hot tub use in the UK?

Most hot tubs use:

• 3–7 kWh per day
• £30–£80 per month
• £350–£900 per year

Actual costs depend on:

• Type of hot tub
• Weather
• Insulation
• Usage habits

But overall, hot tubs are more affordable to run than many people expect.

If you’re already running a hot tub, small improvements like better insulation and consistent temperatures can make a noticeable difference to your electricity usage.

And if you’re thinking about buying one, understanding the full costs can help you plan ahead. We breakdown the full costs including Chemicals, Filter replacements Servicing and more in our How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub in the UK? (2026 Guide)