Setting up your hot tub for the first time is very exciting. Perhaps you’re a seasoned hot tub owner, or maybe this is your first time owning one? Either way, you’re in for a treat! In this blog, we’re answering the question, how long does a hot tub take to heat up?
Hot tub installation
A great hot tub supplier will be able to offer hot tub and swim spa installation. They will also provide you with water care instructions to help you get the most out of your spa.
It’s worth noting that installation isn’t the only time you will need your spa to heat up from an ambient temperature. You’ll also need to allow it to heat up after completing deep cleans. We’ll let you know more about deep cleaning your spa later in the blog.
How long does a hot tub take to heat up?
There is no set time that it takes for a hot tub to heat up, and there are many reasons for this. Generally, you can expect your spa to take anything up to 18 hours to heat up from cold depending on the water temperature from the tap and the temperature you would like your hot tub set to.
During this time, you will need to be patient. You should wait until the water reaches a temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius before adding any chemicals. This can help with the process of dissolving.
It is recommended that your hot tub temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Heating your hot tub more than this can lead to overheating, dizziness and dehydration. Additionally, you should ensure that you have water nearby when using your hot tub. This is a good way to promote hot tub safety.
What affects the time it takes to heat hot tubs?
As we mentioned before, many elements can impact the time it takes for your spa to heat. Here are some of the main elements.
The size of your hot tub
Those with bigger spas can expect them to take a bit longer to heat up, but there are ways around this, such as adding a more powerful hot tub heater.
Before you purchase your own hot tub, you must carefully consider the size that you choose. Consider how many people will be using the spa at the same time regularly. If you think it will mainly just be two people, then a four-person hot tub might be a good idea. Having a four-person spa gives you space when you have guests around too!
Check out our large hot tubs, hot tubs with Bluetooth speakers and hard-shell hot tubs.
Heating efficiency
The power of your hot tub’s heating element can definitely impact how long it takes to heat up. If you have a larger spa, it might be worth upgrading to a more powerful system so that you don’t need to wait as long to use it.
Water’s starting temperature
The temperature of the water that you put into your spa will affect how long it takes to heat up. For example, the colder the water, the longer the heating system will need to work. However, it is worth noting that putting hot water into your spa is not recommended.
If you pour hot water into your spa, you risk damaging the hot tub’s base, filtration system and the hot tub’s components.
If you live in a warmer environment, you may also notice that your hot tub reaches your ideal temperature faster.
Hot tub placement
The location in which you place your hot tub can play an important role in the hot tub’s water heat-up time. For example, if you place your hot tub in the middle of the garden without shelter, it is exposed to cooler air.
In comparison, if you shelter the spa using a canopy or place it next to a wall, you may find it heating up to your desired temperature slightly quicker. Walls can act as a natural wind barrier for hot tubs.
Our hot tub experts can support you with hot tub placement in your garden. We are more than happy to offer advice so that you can get the most out of your spa experience and enjoy a relaxing soak whenever.
Will a hot tub heat pump help with heating times?
Yes! Hot tub heat pumps are specially designed to help your hot tub heat faster. An air source heat pump works by taking in the ambient air and heating it, which in turn heats your hot tub water. Heat pumps can reduce heating time and save you hundreds on your energy costs too!
Check out our range of hot tub heat pumps. You can also read our blog: How much can you save with a hot tub heat pump?
How can I help my hot tub maintain heat?
If you’ve waited for your spa to heat up, then it’s understandable that you’d want to find out how to maintain the heat. Here are a couple of ways that you can help your spa to maintain heat.
Quality hot tub insulation
When it comes to maintaining your spa temperature, the insulation used during manufacturing plays a significant role. All of our spas are built using high-quality insulating materials to help reduce energy consumption.
Our Master Spas™ range features high-quality Icynene Foam Insulation. This foam expands inside the hot tub’s shell to cover all areas. Foam insulation helps reduce the risk of cold pockets within the spa.
When purchasing your hot tub, it’s crucial that you look into the type of insulation used. Poor quality insulation will leave you with a cold spa and high hot tub running costs.
Hot tub cover
Many spas will come with a high-quality insulated cover – it is certainly included with our spas! A hot tub cover is an essential part of your hot tub’s kit, so if yours doesn’t come with one, you need to order one that is specifically designed for your spa model.
The cover can be used when you are not using the spa to help maintain the water temperature ready for the next time you want to use the spa. Your hot tub’s cover essentially acts as a thermal spa blanket for hot tubs.
For optimal results, you should check your hot tub cover regularly for any cuts or damage. Damage to the cover will greatly reduce its effectiveness.
Should I turn my spa off or leave it on standby?
Many hot tub owners are often unsure about whether to turn off the spa or leave it on standby, and it really depends on your usage. If you know you will be using the spa soon after, leaving the spa on standby will be more efficient. However, if you aren’t using the spa for a while, then you might want to turn it off.
Ensure that you consider the time of year if you are leaving your spa for a while. You may be better off emptying the spa to reduce the risk of damage, especially in the winter months.
How often do I need to empty my spa?
You should test your water each time you use the spa. This will help to keep you and your guests safe. However, you actually won’t need to fully empty the spa too often. You should empty the spa and complete a deep clean at least four times a year. Most hot tubs are cleaned when the seasons change. Read our blog on hot tub cleaning for more information.
We hope this blog has been helpful and answered the question, how long does a hot tub take to heat up? Feel free to contact our friendly team if you have any questions regarding hot tubs and energy efficiency – we are happy to help!