There may be tub-ble ahead! A fifth of hot tub owners have pulled the plug to avoid high energy bills
A fifth of the UK’s two million hot tub owners have mothballed them or only use them on special occasions to cut down on energy costs[1]
Online searches for hot tubs have fallen since their 2020 and 2021 spikes — with the energy crisis and rising cost-of-living being blamed[2]
Only 6% of hot tub owners say their usage remains the same despite the energy crisis[1]
Inefficient hot tubs can cost up to £4.94 a day to run at current energy prices, compared with 90p for efficient models – but this is likely to rise in October if rates increase as predicted[3]
Uswitch.com offers tips on how households can use appliances more efficiently to reduce energy bills.
A fifth of the UK’s two million hot tubs have been mothballed or are only brought out on special occasions in order to avoid high energy costs[1], research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, has found.
Some 7% of UK households own a hot tub, with Google searches spiking during 2020 when people were stuck at home during the pandemic. Interest also shot up during the summer of 2021, but demand has since trailed off to pre-pandemic levels[2].
The high cost of energy has played a major part in changing how often hot tubs are used. Only 6% of hot tub owners say their usage has not changed during the energy crisis[1].
A fifth of households with hot tubs (20%) have stopped using them entirely or only use them on special occasions. Another 14% have massively cut down the amount of time they use the hot tub, and turn it off at the mains when it is not in use[1].
Although one in ten hot tub owners (10%) say they have massively cut down the time they use the hot tub, they still leave it running to keep the water warm[1].
Hot tubs are one of the most energy-guzzling appliances to own. Energy efficient models cost around 90p a day to run at current energy prices, but the least efficient could be setting bill-payers back up to £4.94[3].
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Hot tubs require a large amount of energy to run, so it’s not surprising that so many owners have taken steps to cut down the time that they’re in use.
“The good news is that running costs are less than half what they were last summer, which may prompt some people to brush the dust off their hot tubs to enjoy them on the warm summer evenings.
“To save energy on your hot tub, make sure you get a well-fitted cover that forms an air-tight seal to avoid losing heat and using more energy when it’s not in use.
“If you are considering getting one this summer, make sure you check its energy efficiency. Pricier hot tubs are likely to be better insulated and will cost less to run long term.”
Track your energy usage by connecting free mobile app Utrack by Uswitch with your smart meter.
Notes
Research conducted online by Opinium, 1st to 5th March 2024, among 2,000 UK adults, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked ‘Which, if any, of the following do you have in your home? Please select all that apply’. 7% have a hot tub. 7% of 28.2 million UK households = 1,974,000 households with a hot tub.
Respondents were asked ‘How has your hot tub usage changed due to the energy crisis?’ 16% said ‘I only use it on special occasions’, 14% said ‘I’ve massively reduced the amount of time I use it and turn it off when it’s not in use’, 13% said ‘I’ve slightly reduced the amount of time I use it and turn it off when it’s not in use’, 13% said ‘I’ve slightly reduced the amount of time I use it but it’s always running to keep the water warm’, 11% said ‘I still use it all year round and it’s always running to keep the water warm’, 10% said ‘I’ve massively reduced the amount of time I use it but it’s always running to keep the water warm’, 7% said ‘I still use it all year round but I turn it off when it’s not in use’, 6% said ‘N/A – My hot tub usage has not changed due to the energy crisis’, 4% said ‘I’ve stopped using it’, 6% said ‘Don’t know / not sure’.
2. Google Trends data.
3. WhatSpa?: How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.