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Hot Tub EnergyLooking for ways to save on hot tub energy or are you interested more in finding a hot tub that uses power that's kind to the climate. Whatever your feelings, we have compiled a load of useful information and facts to help answer your questions.
Your Questions About Hot Tub Energy UseNancy asks… best way to waste energy at hotel? I am at a hotel and want to use as much energy as possible. I have the sink and tub running on full hot, the ac on full, and all the lights and tvs on. Is there anything else I can do to consume more energy? I threw all the towels on the floor and used all the ice to cool my beer down? Any other ideas? Pee in the hallway to make them clean it? Turn rental car on and leave it on all night? Please help this is very important.
The Sage answers: Run the hair dryer and of course, flush the toilet continuously. It always helps if you carry a hot plate, to let it run with a can of chili in it....that way the fire alarm goes off and that much more water is wasted. Think of all the carbon pumped into the air by the firetrucks on the way over....almost as much as all the limos and Gulf Stream private jets flying into Copenhagen. Almost Saw the video of all the diplomats entering town....yea, they really care about their carbon emissions....when they and Al Gore get serious about it....I will Finally, the curtain has bee pulled back "With the simple, yet non feasible act of exhaling, we destroy the
planet with every breath"
Sharon asks… What is cheaper to upkeep? a hot tub or a pool? What are the average yearly costs of each? We already have a pool, but it was sabitoged before we bought the house. We would need to tear it out and put a new one in. My husband want to get a Hot Tub instead, but I really want to keep the pool. We have never owned either so I don't know about the costs. Also, can you just turn a hot tub on and off whenever you want to use it to save energy? Please help!
The Sage answers: Obviously a hot tub is less expensive to maintain and has lower initial
costs unless the pool is one of those $600 above ground things. I would go for both. Remove the pool, but use some of the space (hole) for an exercise swimming lane, and get a hot tub so you are both happy.
Jenny asks… Hot water comes out of the spigot when I use my shower. What is the problem? I have a problem with my shower. My house was built in 1958 and I would suspect that all of the plumbing in the walls is original. The spigot seems to work fine when filling the tub. My problem arises when using the shower. After switching the shower head on I have significant leakage out of the spigot. The water that is coming out of the spigot is very hot (as though it was undiluted by cold water). The shower head dispenses water at a suitable temperature. I hate to think of all that money for water and the energy to heat it going down the drain. Do you have any suggestions?
The Sage answers: The shower diverter is not sealing properly when turned to open shower, close spigot. Is this a three handle diverter or a lift arm on spigot. Some three handles shower stems are machined with beveled stops and seats to close off spigot when opened fully, some use a fibre or plastic washer. When closed (for spigot use) it is a normal faucet washer and seat. On a lift arm on the spigot it can be a machined mateing and or rubber insert that stops water flow to spigot. Powered by Yahoo! Answers
How can I heat my hot tub faster? I recently got an outdoor hot tub and it really bugs me how it takes a day or so to heat it up from cold water to a good temperature. And to keep this tub running 24/7 in order to avoid the 1day wait sounds really expensive. There must be a way to keep the hot tub at a good temperature so that when I am not using it the tub doesn't have to be running and when I decide to use it the water doesn't take a day to reach a nice temperature. Maybe keeping the heat dial turned down to about half
way and only raising it higher when i want to? The Sage answers: Cover it and leave it at the temp you like. Thats the only way. Most people who have them use them daily or every other day. If you only want on weekend put a timer in to turn on then.
Sandy asks… Question about hot tub standard, economy, and sleep modes? We recently bought a hot tub and have a question about what setting to put it on when we are not in it in order to conserve energy as much as possible. At this time we use the hot tub on a daily basis, or at least every other day. The standard mode keep the tub at desired temp at all times....Economy warms it to temperature a filter cycles... Sleep mode keeps it within 20 degrees of desired temp at filter cycles. There is also an standard/economy mode which I am not sure about? When we get out of the tub for the last time of the day which cycle would you put it on? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The Sage answers: Hello! I leave mine on std. I do lower it to 92 when I get out of it and I do put it back up to 100 when I am about an hour from getting in it. I get in mine everyday and you know what!?!? It doesn't drop a degree usually. Right now I am using a Masterspa LSX fully foamed. So I am rather lucky. It retains the heat. When you get into when you are not in it as much, you will most likely just use the sleep mode. A great way to save money. You are using Silver as a cleaner which is good but not compatible with Bromine. You will have to use the frog which uses bromine instead. I like Bromine since it is stable to 116 degrees where your chlorine sort of stops working at 100. I am sure you got a CD ozonator with your tub. If not get one of the new versions of it using gas plasma to emit the light. Please do not use the pH stable crap. If you do and do not use calcium you will be calling someone like me if your not under warranty in short order to replace your heating element. The higher the temp of water the more calcium you will need. Now your bromine and chlorine will make your pH go up and down. I use very little bromine and use a non-chlorine shock to oxidize the water. Be sure to use Baking soda to raise your alkalinity to 80-120ppm.
Ruth asks… Hot tub question - temperature? I've having a debate with my husband, so hopefully some
of you can give your input :)
The Sage answers: With the frequency you are using this it is probably a
50/50 …so you’re both right..
Carol asks… How long should I leave my hot tub on for? Hi My hot tub is a Hot Spot Sorrento. It's new to me therefore I was wondering how long I should leave it on for each day. Should I use the timer, so it comes on for a certain amount of hours, or should I leave it on all the time? If I leave it on all the time the heat will stay at 38 and it will do a filtration cycle for 3 hours every 12 hours If I put it on a timer, it would cool down when it's switched off and therefore have to heat up the few degrees its fallen each time it comes on. Which method is most energy efficient? Which method do you guys use? Thanks for the help
The Sage answers: I'd say put it on a timer. It gives you time to put your stuff on and hop in just when it gets warm.
Maria asks… 14. A hot tub has a surface area of 20 ft2 and is filled with water to a depth of 30 inches. What is the volum? 14. A hot tub has a surface area of 20 ft2 and is filled
with water to a depth of 30 inches. What is the volume (in liters) of water in the tub? 15. What quantity of energy (in kJ) is needed to heat
the water in the tub, in question 14 above, from 62oF to 105oF? 16. If the hot-tub heater provides 5900 kJ/min (see
question 14 above), how long in hours, will it take to heat the water from 62oF to 125oF? 17. If Ms. Giles used the 9800 kJ of energy she expends
in one day to heat 34,000 g of water at 21oC, what would be the new temperature of the water?
The Sage answers: (20 ft^2) * (30 in.) = 1 415.84233 liters Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Hot Tub Filters How To Clean John asks… how do I clean the filter on our outside hot tub? We have a dimension one spa. We just set it up and have only been using it for a short time. I would like some simple feedback on how to clean the filter and how often to do it. Thanks The Sage answers: This is one reason the manufacturer includes a manual.
James asks… How do I clean this hot tub? Someone dropped a piece of paper and it got sucked into the filter. Now there are a million little flakes in the water. I have tried draining and refilling several times but they dont seem to go away. Any suggestions?
The Sage answers: I would say let the paper dry out and then just pick them off. Or better yet - make the person who dropped the paper in there clean it. :P After reading the comment above mine I remembered something....,my son did this once and I used knee-high pantyhose to get the stuff out.
Linda asks… I just bought a new hot tub, what should I keep in mind about it over the years? Any pointers on general maintenance and up keep of a hot tub. Ways to save cash on future supplies, and things to do to avoid damage from the changing weather. What are some good websites to buy filters, cleaning supplies etc.? How can I save on the energy used by the hot tub to help keep my electic bill low? Thanks for the help!
The Sage answers: Learn that the chemicals to balance your water are the same we use in swimming pools and are cheaper to purchase that way. As far as cleaning supplies...distilled vinegar. Protectant 303 for your cover.
Laura asks… How do I neutralize soap in a hot tub without draining it? I was setting up my tub after a long winter and cleaned my filters in dish soap and water. I rinsed them well and setup the tub, but it appears some of the soap residue was left and is sudsing when I run it. Is there any way to neutralize the soap in the water with an additive or remove the soap from the water, or am I stuck draining the tub?
The Sage answers: Spa chemical supply sells a Defoamer. Would first remove the filter again and rinse through thoroughly. For future reference you can also purchase filter cleaner solution but have never used one. Just light hose sprayer attachment to thoroughly spritz the entire filter. For discoloration can soak filter in a bucket of bleach water. Thoroughly spritz after.
Ruth asks… My hot tub has sat empty for 4 years. What do I need to do to get it running again? Suggestions? There is some funk on the sides (inside) like maybe mold had grown...not sure. Advice on how to clean those stains? There is still a lot of debris in the water but I bought a new filter and have it running now. I threw some shock in the water. Any other advice? I want to sell it in the next couple weeks. Thanks!
The Sage answers: Cleaning up your tub should take a little time and effort but if everything still works ok it won't be too bad. Step 1) Drain the water back out. Clean the sides and bottom of the tub with some kind of slightly abbrasive cleanser. Softscrub, or anything what will polish the surface as it cleans. Rinse all the stuff into the bottom as you go and bail it out. Step 2) Make sure that new filter is clean. Step 3) Refill the tub. Step 4) Make sure the ph and total alkalinity are correct. That crud you saw on the surface of the tub is probably inside the plumbing too. We want the chemicals we use in the next few steps to give us the maximum cleaning effect, so be SURE the ph is correct. Step 5) Add a large dose of Chlorine. You mentioned shock, this would be good if it is chlorine shock, but useless if it is non-chlorine shock. An inexpensive treatment here would be a quart of regular household bleach, we are going to drain it again anyway. Step 6) Just after you add the chlorine, run the jets on high and the air blower if you have one. We want to try to kill any crud on the inside of the water and air plumbing and dislodge as much as possible. Step 7) While the tub is running on high for about 30 to 45 minutes, Clean the cover. Use a solution of bleach water then rinse it with baking soda water, then a final rinse of clear water. Unless you have purchased a new cover, this will help make it smell a bit better. Step 8) Drain the tub. We want to get all that nasty stuff from the jets and plumbing out. Rinse the sides down as the tub drains and bail out the bottom. Step 9) Clean the filter again. Step 10) Refill the tub and correct the ph and total alkalinty. Then add your regular chemicals. Be sure not to let anyone in the tub while you are doing step 5, you will have a high level of chlorine in the tub. Do not use household bleach as a regular chemical, the solids contained in this type of chlorine will require frequent water changes and is not stabilized for hot water use. If the water looks good now and stays clear all is well, if it doesnt, you may have to start again at step 5 till you get all the crud out of the plumbing. Good Luck! Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Hot Tub Energy Cost Richard asks… How can I lower energy costs on my hot tub without ruining it? Due to being laid off, we need to cut costs to the bone. The hot tub costs a lot to heat and we want to drain it and turn it off. My concern is that this will ruin the hot tub (freezing pipes, etc.) What is the best way to save energy costs while not ruining the hot tub? Is it safe to just dry-store it or would it be better to run water in it at a very low temperature. Thanks!
The Sage answers: Why don't you look up the manufacturer and call them? They would know. Srsly. My hunch is that you also drain the pipes, but I don't know how that would work. But it certainly can be done -- most people with hot tubs around here shut them down for the winter.
Paul asks… what is the energy cost of a hot tub
The Sage answers: If you bought it new it should have come with an Energy Star sticker. If you don't have one get online with the manufacturer and see what the usage will be and calculated it against your utility bill rates.
Carol asks… Hot tub energy savings? Does anyone have any suggestions for saving energy, i.e. reducing electric costs, for a home spa (hot tub)?
The Sage answers: "hot tub" and "saving energy" almost don't fit into the same category..... It's a heavy energy consuming luxury item.
Betty asks… Do you own a Jacuzzi brand hot tub (J-210)? Is it as energy-efficient as they claim? We're considering purchasing the J-210, and were told it's about $20/month in increased electricity cost.
The Sage answers: That is an average. It can be more if your in a winter climate and the
tub is not fully insulated.
George asks… Chemistry help please?? Hi--Could someone please help me with this? I am lost. Please explain your answers so I can follow you. Thanks to all. All help is greatly appreciated. =) The calorie (4.184 J) was originally defined as the quantity of energy required to raise the temperature of 1.00g of liquid water 1.00 degrees C. The British thermal unit (Btu) is defined as the quantity of energy required to raise the temperature of 1.00 ib of liquid water 1.00 degrees F. (a)How many Joules are in 1.00 British thermal unit (1 ib= 453.6 g; a
change of 1.0 degrees C = 1.8 degrees F)?
The Sage answers: A) 1 Btu = energy for raising temp of 1lb of water through 1oF I calorie = 4.184 J = energy for raising temp of 1g of water through 1oC Therefore 1Btu = 4.184J/ g.oC X 252 g.oC = 1054.37 J b) 1 therm = 100,000Btu = 100,000 Btu X (1054.37J/ 1Btu) = 1.054 X 10^ 8 J c) Heat of combustion of methane = 891000 J /mol Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Which would use the most energy? (measured in cal/joules) – keeping a body of water (hot tub) at a constant T? which would use the most total energy? (measured in cal/joules)…Keeping a body of water (hot tub) at a constant temperature over the course of a chilly night, or letting the temperature drop (turning the heat off) at night and then reheating the cooled water upon morning?
The Sage answers: Turning off and reheating
Sharon asks… Do you still use your hot tub? For those of you who have an outdoor hot tub: Do you still use it regularly after the first year or so? Is it worth the time and effort to maintain and the energy cost to heat? I’m trying to decide if it will be worth the money,. or end up unused (like all of that exercise equipment in the basement).
The Sage answers: I’ve had mine (a Hot Springs Sovereign II) for about 15 months now and I use it at
least 3x a week. It is really relaxing, and a good way to de-stress yourself. Also, my girlfriends over that
time loved it too
Mandy asks… Has anyone ever heard of a wood heated hot tub? I would like to get a hot tub but we are really trying to reduce our energy use and someone told me about buying or making your own wood heated hot tub. Any ideas?
The Sage answers: The issues the first two posters raise are valid — and that’s why it’s not done that way. The firebox actually sits *in* the the tub (in the “corner”, seperated by partition so you can’t bump into it). This eliminates all the issues of heat exchangers, pumps, etc. Try googling “wood
fired hot tub”. Here’s an example-
Steven asks… What equation is used to find how much energy is required to heat H2O in a hot tub from room temperature?
The Sage answers: For this you would use: Q = m * c * dt “Heat energy” = mass * specific heat capacity * required change in temperature The water is not freezing to ice or boiling to steam so you do not need to calculate the latent heats (Q = mL) as well as Q = m * c * dt. Even though you are intending to increase the water temperature only, in the real world you will need to cater for heating the bathtub as well since it is in contact with the water and will heat up too. So this problem becomes: Q = [m(water) * c(water) * (temperature change)] + [m(bathtub) * c(bathtub) * (temperature change)] For example, assume you have an old cast iron bathtub of mass 180 kg containing 80 litres or 80kg of water at room temperature. The specific heat capacities of iron and water respectively: 4186 J/kg/K and 490 J/kg/K. Say you want to heat the water from room temperature at 25*C to 38*C. So, Q = [80 * 4186 * (38 - 25)] + [180 * 490 * (38 - 25)] Q = 4353440 + 1146600 Q = 5500040 J ~ 5.5 MJ. Or, quite a lot of energy! Interesting to note is that almost 75% of that energy is used just to heat the water even though it only contributes 30% of the total mass, owing to the comparatively high (and very important) specific heat capacity of water.
Hot Tub Energy: Unwinding in a hot tub or spa can do
miracles for your stressed out body and mind but it can also be detrimental to your
pocket. This is because they heat water and can be expensive on your pocket, especially if you are
unsure how to save hot tub energy. To reap the benefits of a hot tub without going bankrupt,
here's a few simple tips on what to do: To make things a bit clearer, we have selected the video below in order to help you understand the different ways to conserve energy whilst using your hot tub. People are always looking for maximum efficiency from their hot tub. This video gives details on exactly how much it will cost to run a hot tub. They have designed a tool showing different competitors locally which shows the kilowatt usage per hour. Some of them are 50% less efficient than others. Its basically an energy guide promoting the Beachcomber brand. It discusses insulation differences and the presenter actually kicks the demo model hard to prove it was fully insulated, literally inside, every nook and cranny is sprayed with insulated foam so zero energy can escape making it one of the most efficient models on the market today. Lots of energy tips when looking to buy.
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