How Much Does It Cost To Run A Swim Spa? Explained!

Kenneth Wilson

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the nitty-gritty process—that includes the costs and steps in running a swim spa!

If you’re a homeowner thinking about getting a swim spa, you must be concerned about how much it would cost to run one. As any homeowner, you also might be wondering whether it's within your budget. It begs people to ask the question, how much does it cost to run a swim spa?

The cost of running a swim spa could vary based on your location. Depending on the model, a rough estimate could range anywhere from $50 to $100 each month. Chemicals and related items, such as filters, might cost $15 to $35 every month if paid for a year. It’s recommended to budget an additional $100 to $150 for unpredictable repairs.

However, that’s not the end of it. A lot more factors can affect the cost of running a swim spa that you should know about. Without further ado, let’s dive into this topic, shall we?

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Average Swim Spa Running Cost


Though a final cost to run a swim spa is impossible to estimate, a 4.5m model with a heating system that’s operated 2 to 3 times a week will likely add $100 to $200 to your monthly electricity bill. However, that’s just a rough estimate.

Energy costs vary from location to location. So, depending on where you live, you can expect to spend at least about $50 to $100 monthly on your swim spa. It makes them far less expensive to maintain. When you compare it to the cost of running a swimming pool, this is around half of what you’d expect to spend.

To know more about the average swim spa running cost, make sure to check out this article.

Costs Involved With Owning A Swim Spa


Buying a swim spa is only a part of the expenses. Running it has plenty of other costs involved. As a buyer, you should consider all of these costs before committing to buy a swim spa.

Electricity


When it comes to running a swim spa daily, the electricity that drives the pumps and water heaters will be the majority of your expenditure. The price of electricity will determine how much this will cost you in the long run.

On the bright side, unlike gas-powered swim spas, electricity-powered swim spas are far more cost-efficient.

Maintenance


Maintenance costs include paying for the water that will be used each time to fill the spa and also any future maintenance expenses. These expenses are mostly unpredictable repairs if any of your swim spa’s components fail and equipment is needed to clean leaves and debris. Try showering before taking a dip.

Lower-cost spas are more likely to require future maintenance issues and repairs. So, keep in mind that if you try to save money from the get-go, you’re bound to pay for it in the future.

Supplies


The chemicals needed to clean the water are one of the recurring expenses for swim spa owners. Chemicals and related supplies like filters can cost anywhere from $15 to $35 each month. But that depends on how often you intend on dipping in and whether or not it’s a high-quality model.

The quality of how well a swim spa is manufactured can impact the number of supplies and chemicals needed. It also affects how frequently water filters require changing.

How To Reduce Swim Spa Running Costs?


Swim spas are pretty expensive to run. I think I've covered that enough. But, that doesn't mean you can't do some stuff to reduce the costs. Here are some tips on reducing the running costs.

1

Insulation

Your swim spa insulation affects how quickly heat will leave the water and how much energy you will need to keep it warm. High-quality swim spas come with better energy-efficient foam insulation to preserve heat.


The best way to retain heat is to buy models that come with a built-in radiant heat shield. Covering the tub with an insulating shield is the best method to keep your water warm and your energy use low.

2

Set the right temperature

It may be cheaper to leave your swim spa running all the time, but it mostly depends on how often you use it and what temperature you set it on. If you intend on using it once a day, try setting the temperature around 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius.

If you plan on using it a few days a week, you may want to set it around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius. Not only will you still use less electricity while keeping it running but also you’ll save money by not keeping it constantly hot.

3

Heat during Peak-off Hours

Electricity is often cheaper late at night or early in the morning when fewer people are using it. Using a swim spa during the daytime would add more to your electricity bill than it would during nighttime. If your swim spa has a circuit timer, set it to heat your spa during off-peak hours.


Here’s an energy-saving guide to learn more about reducing swim spa running costs.

Do Swim Spa Costs Increase in Winter?


Yes, swim spa costs do increase in the winter. Especially if you frequently turn it on and off. Basically, the colder it is, the longer and more power it will take to heat the water. Consequently, the longer it runs and more energy it consumes, the larger the electricity bill.

Even when you’re not using it, heating your water from ambient temperatures is more expensive than keeping it at a consistent temperature. No one’s a fan of big power bills. So, keep it running 24/7 in the winter. The ideal thing for you to do is to not switch off your swim spa unless you don’t plan on using it for a few months.

Although heating your swim spa during the winter will cost more than it would in the summer, maintaining the water at a constant temperature will save you money on your power bill. 

Outdoor Swim Spa on a Cabin Deck in the Winter

Conclusion 


Needless to say, you can easily run a swim spa in a cost-efficient way. Whether it be taking good care of your spa, or knowing when and how to use one, you’ll definitely cut down on the expenses as long as you follow the correct methods.

I hope this article was enough to educate you on how much does it cost to run a swim spa. Thanks for reading till the end.

Kenneth Wilson
August 24, 2021
Cost Guides, Exterior, Pool

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

Ask The Author Your Questions In The Comments!


  • Thank you so much for these tips. I found them very useful. You answered the questions I had in mind. I am thinking of buying a swim spa. Do you have any recommendations for any particular brands?

    • Features and warranty are more important then brand. The internal components and materials of a swim spa are actually very similar.

  • Thank you for this info as we are looking into purchasing a swim spa. We live in Arizona so winter is not our problem. Although we could keep this on a covered patio, I wonder how you would heat/cool it in Arizona. Any suggestions? Thanks, Beth

    • Well I’ve never considered cooling one. Gas is probably the best way in AZ, I believe most of the state has gas supply already.

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