If you're shopping for a new swim spa, and do not know what are the…
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Swim Spa?
What is a swim spa and how much does it cost to install and operate? Learn all that and more!
Today, many people are embracing the luxury of owning their own personal spa. It’s a place you can go to relax and enjoy some time away from the stress of everyday life. However, with the cost of spa ownership, it’s important to consider the actual costs of regular usage, such as cost of chemicals and heating costs.
After all, many owners find that they spend more money on maintaining their spa than they do actually owning one! If you’re thinking about buying a swim spa or have one at home right now, the following guide will help you save money and reduce operating costs.
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How Much Does a Swim Spa Cost to Run?
The first thing you should do when considering if a swim spa is right for you is to look into how much a swim spa costs.
Your swim spa’s energy usage might be lower than a swimming pool, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cost you anything. In fact, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 in annual operating costs, depending on the type of swim spa you own and the settings you choose.
The average person spends around $1,200 every year on running their swim spa. You can cut down on these costs by ensuring you are making cost effective choices.
How spa insulation impacts monthly electricity costs
The insulation materials on your swim spa will have a direct impact on the amount of electricity it uses. The better insulated your swim spa is, the less energy it’s going to take to heat the water inside.
In fact, you can save up to 30% on electricity costs by adding insulation to your swim spa.
How spa covers affect monthly spa pool energy costs
A swim spa cover will also impact the amount of energy your swim spa uses, but in a different way than insulation. In fact, adding a heavy cover to your swim spa will actually increase the amount of energy it uses, but it will also increase the amount of heat the water holds inside.
Covers are designed to prevent heat loss and keep your swim spa water warm. They’re an especially good investment if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter. Swimming throughout the winter is possible with a swim spa cover, but only if you have an insulated cover.
Control systems and energy efficiency
Swim spas are controlled by a combination of a pump and a heat exchanger. This system controls the water flow and the temperature inside the spa.
Some spas come with basic systems, while others come with more advanced ones that allow you to control everything with your smartphone. Advanced control systems will use less energy to do the same things as basic systems, so you’ll save money in the long run.
The energy cost of two-speed vs circulation pumps
Swim spas feature two main pumps: circulation pumps and filtration pumps.
The circulation pump helps push water through the system and the filtration pump removes debris from the water so it doesn’t go back into the swim spa. The circulation pump is the pump that costs the most money to run, and you have to decide if it’s worth it to you to upgrade to a two-speed pump. Two-speed pumps cost around $100 more than their single-speed counterparts, but they’re worth it because they use less energy to push the water through the system.
It’s definitely an investment, but it’s a worthwhile one. A two-speed pump will use less energy to circulate the water, which means you’ll save money on your monthly bills. Plus, if you live in an area where the government offers rebates for using less energy, a two-speed pump will help you qualify.
Breaking Down Swim Spa Running Costs
Understanding the cost to run a swim spa involves looking at the various components that contribute to its operation. From electricity to maintenance, each aspect plays a role in your monthly and annual expenses. Below, we break down the key costs to give you a clearer picture of what to expect when budgeting for your swim spa.
| Cost Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $50–$150 | Depends on usage, insulation, and local electricity rates. Higher in summer due to peak rates. |
| Heating | $30–$100 | Varies by climate, insulation, and cover quality. Winter heating costs may be lower with proper insulation. |
| Maintenance | $20–$50 | Includes filter cleaning, water testing, and minor repairs. |
| Chemicals | $15–$40 | Regular water treatment to maintain cleanliness, replaced every three months. |
The swim spa electricity cost is typically the largest expense, driven by the energy needed to power pumps and heat water. Heating costs, or swim spa heating cost, can be significant in colder climates where the system works harder to maintain water temperature. Swim spa maintenance cost includes routine tasks like filter cleaning and water testing, while chemical costs ensure the water remains safe and clean. By optimizing these areas, you can keep your monthly expenses closer to the lower end of these ranges.
Factors Influencing Swim Spa Operating Costs
Several variables affect how much it costs to run a swim spa per month. Usage frequency is a major factor—daily swimmers will naturally incur higher electricity and heating costs than occasional users. The local climate also plays a role; colder regions increase the energy needed to heat the water, raising the question, how much does it cost to heat a swim spa? Quality equipment, like energy-efficient pumps and advanced control systems, can reduce how much electricity a swim spa uses. Additionally, local utility rates impact your swim spa electricity cost, with some areas charging more during peak hours. By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices to manage your swim spa’s operating expenses effectively.
What is a Swim Spa?
A swim spa is a type of spa that is designed for exercise, recreation, and hydrotherapy. In other words, it is designed to provide anyone with access to water therapy regardless of fitness level. Swimmers can use a swim spa for a range of medical and therapeutic purposes, including pain reduction, joint stiffness reduction, and improved circulation.
Although swim spas differ from standard spas in terms of their shape and design, they function in the same way. Standard spas are designed for relaxation, while swim spas have a specially designed water flow system that helps with medical uses.
Swim spas are designed to provide the same hydrotherapy & recreational benefits as a swimming pool, but they’re much smaller in size and are easily transportable. If you don’t have enough room in your backyard for a pool, or if you want to save some money on energy bills, a swim spa is a superior alternative.
How To Reduce Swim Spa Running Costs?
Set the right temperature
Swim spas allow you to enjoy the warm water. In cooler climates, you can use a water heater to set the right temperature. The ambient temperature has an impact on the hot tub’s energy usage since, in cooler climates, the heating system must work harder to maintain the required temperature.
Insulation
Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to insulate the walls of your swim spa. This can help to reduce the amount of energy required to heat the water in your swim spa. Full-foam insulation of the walls of your swim spa can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 40%.
Heat during Peak-off Hours
Many people choose to heat their swim spas during peak hours. However, this can increase costs significantly. In addition to the swim spa, you have to factor in the additional cost of heating the water in your home. If you have a swim spa, you can reduce energy consumption by heating the water during off-peak hours. This will help to lower the cost of running your swim spa.
Swim Spa Electricity Costs in Summer vs Winter
Swim spas use less energy to maintain the proper temperature year-round, but certain seasons are more expensive than others. Most people see their highest monthly bills in the summer when electricity rates are highest. You can expect to pay an average of $200-$300 every month in summer, while winter bills average around $150.
Swim Spa Annual Energy Costs
Swim spa prices can vary, especially if you decide to go with quality swim spas, or opt to go with cheaper swim spa. However, the average price for a swim spa is $1,800 to install.
You’ll also have to factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs down the line. A good rule of thumb is to budget anywhere from $50-$150 per month for maintenance and repairs. That being said, using these tips to reduce your bills will help you to recoup your initial costs more quickly.
How Your Spa’s Location Can Affect Installation Costs
It’s crucial to pick a decent location to cut swim spa costs. Both delivery costs and maintenance costs will be affected by the location you choose for your swim spa.
Swim spas are larger than hot tubs and require an appropriate room, like a concrete slab. But whether you choose an inground pool or an above-ground pool, you’ll need room to put your spa.
You should also consider the prep work that goes into installing spa pools. The price range varies depending on what you choose. For example, the price difference between premium models and a cheap swim spa might seem big, but the initial cost will save you hundreds of dollars over time on ongoing costs alone.
How Long Does a Swim Spa Last?
Swim spas can last for many years. You can extend the life of your swim spa by maintaining it properly and choosing a high quality brand. You should change the water in your swim spa every three months.
To maintain your swim spa, it’s also a good idea to replace the chemicals in the water every three months. This will help prevent build-up and keep your swim spa running smoothly.
So, Are Swim Spas Expensive to Run?
Yes, swim spas can be expensive to run. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the cost of running your swim spa.
If you follow the tips in this cost guide, you can expect to see significant savings on your energy bill. For example, insulating your swim spa can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. Similarly, cleaning your swim spa every 3 months can reduce the need to clean it more often. This will help you save money on chemicals. In fact, you can save as much as $110 per month!
Any Questions About Swim Spa Costs? Request a FREE Consultation!
About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.
