What does it cost to run a spa?
The cost of running your spa depends on a number of factors including how often you use it, for how long, its size, the amount of insulation, where you live and the location in your home.
In general, a small spa will cost around $7-$10 a week to keep heated and a large spa $10-$15 a week. Extra large spas will cost more, but with a heat pump, this can actually be less. In summer, if you choose to run your spa cold, the running costs will be just $2-$3 a week.
The cost to use your spa will again depend on the size and ambient temperature but will cost approximately $2-$3 an hour to run the pumps and re-heat the water – less than a good cup of coffee.
Pick a good spot
Think about what it will be like in your spa in all seasons. Which way does the prevailing wind blow at your property? Is the spa to be positioned in a sunny or shady area? Is the area sheltered form the wind?
What might be a very private area during the summer could be very exposed when the trees are bare in the winter. A spa gazebo is a great way to give you privacy, sun shade or wind shelter and nothing beats enjoying a quiet one with the rain pattering on the metal rooftop! Get creative, add fairy lights to your trees – it’s a wonderful thing to add a bit of romance and attract the family outdoors.
What is the best temperature?
Most spa users find the perfect temperature is around 38 degrees celcius. Some like it at body temperature at 37 degrees, or hotter up to 40 degrees. Test out a few temperatures and see what you like best. Nothing is better than finding that “just right” feeling in a spa. It’s also common for hot tub owners to change the spa temperature depending on the time of the year.
Is jet count important?
Having a high jet count doesn’t necessarily equate to a better massage or a more powerful spa. It’s more important to pay attention to the types and placement of jets the spa has in it, and the power of the boost pump that is driving it.
Good therapeutic jets include:
– directional jets = firm massage for powerful deep relief
– rotating single or double pulse jets = these really get into the muscles
– oscillating jets = figure-of-8 kneading sensation
Some of these jets, such as the oscillator or deep relief jets are perfect for the large muscles on your back that often ache after a long day of hard work. On the other hand, some days you need a gentler massage to help you calm down and relax when you are stressed. Don’t settle for a spa that lacks a variety of therapy types.
Are some pools more efficient than others?
Yes absolutely. Where your spa is made, how it’s constructed and the equipment it uses makes all the difference. Cheap construction or inefficient equipment can double or even triple the running cost. A spa is a great big appliance and not cheap to begin with, so understanding what components have gone into it and where they are sourced from, is vital if you want the best performance and reliability from your spa.
Our EcoSpa Circ Master made in North America has the highest LPM (litres per minute) flow rate of any circulation pump in the industry, cycling your water 4 x faster than other pumps with 50% better flow/watt ratio, saving energy with lower running costs and earning it the industry’s first 10-Star Energy Rating.
What is Ozone?
Ozone in water is the most powerful natural disinfectant, so your swim spa uses less chemicals. We use Plasma-Gap Ozone an advanced ozone system that uses voltage instead of current to produce a continual high output of ozone for consistently cleaner water. Plasma outperforms UV Ozone systems by 30% more efficiently and it never needs bulb changes, delivering reliable ozone generation for years to come.
How much work is it to manage your spa?
It’s really pretty easy. You fill your spa with a garden hose and follow 3 simple steps to balance the water – this should only take about 20-30 mins and you’ll keep this water in the spa for approx 3 months. This make the water feel gentle on your skin, protects your components against corrosion and scaling, and allows your sanitiser to work properly. Ozone keeps your water quality maintained on the days you don’t use the spa, and on the days you do, you add a little sanitiser. To get the maximum life out of your filters, rinse them once a week with hose, and soak overnight in filter cleaner once a month. We’ve made little videos of all this on our Support page so you can see how easy this actually is, and while it won’t consume your life, it will give you the best experience from your spa and your spa will thank you for it too.
Where do I drain it?
Your spa comes complete with an easy access drain that connects to your standard garden hose. Check with your local council where to dispose of the water as this will vary between councils, and simply run your hose to the necessary drain or area. It’s recommended to drain your spa once a season (3 months) if you have ozone, or 6-8 weeks for a non-ozone spa. If you want less water changes, you could try Simplesilver which only requires one water change every 12 months. You can find a quick video on our Support page to show you how to drain your spa.
What does my spa need to sit on?
Your spa needs a good solid foundation, a 100mm concrete pad is ideal. It can sit on decking or pavers or any other patio, as long as it can support an even weight distribution of 500kgs per square metre. Keep in mind to make your base area big enough to move around the spa to access the locks, room to lift off the cover or use a cover-lifter, and allow access for servicing. Any Q’s, just ask our friendly team for advice.
Does the cover cost extra?
No, it never has. Your spa comes complete with a lockable, thermal hardcover included for no extra cost. The insulated cover retains up to 70% of the heat and eliminates most evaporation, making it cost efficient to run and and ready at any time at your desired temperature, as well as keeping out unwanted debris.
Cover included for no extra cost…
What power is required?
Each spa can be powered on Load-Shed or Full-Load power. Load-Shed power means the heater will disengage temporarily while the massage jets are turned on. Full-load allows continuous heating so both jets and heater can run simultaneously. Supplying power to the spa is the homeowner’s responsibility. We recommend you get 2 quotes to decide which is the better option for you. You will need a certified Electrician to arrange a suitable power supply to the area, and once your spa is delivered your Electrician will need to make the final powered up connection and provide an Electrical Safety Certificate. Spas come pre-assembled and ready to operate, but do not come with plugs or wires attached, so this is often a quick and easy final step.
In or Above Ground?
If you want to recess your spa into a deck or build it in-ground you need to choose the spa carefully. The less plumbing inside it, the better. Your project may require groundworks, underground or separate access to equipment, and will be subject to normal swimming pool fencing requirements. We recommend to plan ahead, understand all the pros and cons and check your local council requirements. Talk to our friendly team for helpful tips and advice. Our motto is…do it once, do it right!
Spas are popular because they are generally exempt from pool fencing regulations if they are:
- Above ground by 760mm, Lockable hardcover, and not climbable within 1.2m of all sides
- Attractive to house buyers and sellers because they are portable
- Easy to service
- Easy to Install
Ready to relax?
It’s a wonderful thing to have at home to share with family and friends. Our spas are physically built in the USA and Australia by world-leading manufacturers. We offer top quality products that we can customise in colours or features, so we can help you achieve your dream outdoor living space!