So you’re thinking about buying a hot tub (or maybe you already have one bubbling away on the deck). The question that usually follows is a practical one: how much does a hot tub cost to run per month?
And really, why wouldn’t it be? No one wants a surprise hydro bill that makes you second-guess every soak.
Well, here’s the short answer: in Ontario, most hot tubs cost between $30 and $60 per month to operate, depending on size, efficiency, and usage. But that’s just the baseline.
Let’s break down what really drives costs up or keeps them manageable.
Of course, electricity is the biggest piece of the puzzle here. In Collingwood and across Ontario, hydro rates are often time-of-use, which means your bill depends on when you run your spa as much as how much power it draws.
On average, a modern, well-insulated hot tub uses about 150–250 kWh per month. With current Ontario hydro rates, that works out to the $30–$60 range. However, an older or poorly insulated model can push your costs well beyond $100/month, especially in winter when your heater is working overtime.
Your monthly operating costs aren’t set in stone. They depend on several key factors that can either keep your bill in check or drive it up.
Think of insulation as the hot tub’s winter jacket. A model with full-foam insulation will trap heat far better than one with minimal coverage.
Poor insulation forces the heater to run constantly, which can easily double your electricity use in the colder months.
Although they may seem like little more than lids, hot tub covers are one of the most important energy-saving pieces you’ll own.
A snug, well-sealed cover keeps steam and heat from escaping. But if yours is waterlogged, cracked, or loose around the edges, you’re essentially heating the backyard sky.
Two people hopping in for, say, 20 minutes a few times a week costs a lot less than leaving the jets and lights running for hours every evening. Frequent use at high temperatures is one of the biggest drivers of higher bills.
Collingwood winters aren’t exactly spa-friendly. On subzero nights, your heater has to work overtime to maintain temperature, meaning your costs will naturally be higher from December through February than they are in July.
A six-person hot tub with LED lights, waterfalls, and multiple pumps isn’t going to sip power — it’s going to gulp it. Smaller tubs with fewer bells and whistles are cheaper to run, while feature-rich models trade efficiency for experience.
Here’s the good news: you’re not stuck with high bills. With a few small adjustments, you can noticeably cut down on costs without sacrificing comfort.
Here are some tips to help lower your hot tub operating expenses:
Individually, these changes might only shave a few bucks off your bill. But together, you may just be able to trim 10–20% off your hot tub operating expenses, and that’s money you’ll notice over the course of a year.
If you’re in Ontario, plan on budgeting $30–$60/month for electricity, plus a bit more for water treatment and maintenance. Winter weather, tub size, and usage habits can push you higher or lower, but with the right setup, the numbers are manageable. Not to mention, well worth it for year-round relaxation.
And if you want expert advice on keeping your spa efficient, reliable, and ready to use, Clark Pools and Spas in Collingwood can help. From energy-smart models to proper maintenance and accessories, we can help you make sure your hot tub stays enjoyable without giving you sticker shock on your hydro bill.
Visit us in-store or contact us to speak with one of our experts today.
