How much does it cost to run a hot tub per month?

Most inflatable and plug-and-play hot tubs cost roughly $30–$60 per month in electricity. Usage frequency, outdoor temperature, insulation quality, and your local power rate all move that number. Winter and heavy use push it toward the top of the range or beyond.

Are inflatable hot tubs expensive to run?

Not dramatically. An inflatable typically runs at the same $30–$60/month as a small plug-and-play spa. The catch is that inflatables have thinner insulation, so in cold weather they lose heat faster and the heater works harder.

What's the biggest factor in hot tub running cost?

Heat retention. A well-fitting insulated cover, a foam floor mat, and shelter from wind cut heat loss more than anything else — often trimming 20–40% off your bill. Water temperature and how cold it is outside come next.

Is it cheaper to leave a hot tub on or turn it off?

For regular users (a few soaks a week), leaving it on at temperature is usually cheaper and easier than reheating from cold each time. If you'll go a week or more without using it, lowering the temperature — or draining in winter for freeze-prone models — saves more.

Hot Tub Running Cost Guide 2026: What You'll Really Pay

Quick Answer: Expect to spend roughly $30–$60 per month in electricity to run a hot tub in 2026. The exact figure depends on how often you soak, how cold it is outside, how well the tub is insulated, and your local power rate. The single biggest lever you control is heat retention — a good insulated cover and a foam floor mat can trim 20–40% off the bill.

Last updated: August 14, 2026 — refreshed with current EIA electricity rates.

“How much does it cost to run?” is the question that stops most people from buying a hot tub. The honest answer is: less than you probably fear, and largely within your control. Here’s a clear breakdown of what drives the cost and how to keep it down.

Hot tub electricity by the numbers

18.44¢ per kWh is the average U.S. residential electricity rate as of August 2026, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration — up about 23% from 15.04¢ in 2022, which is why running costs deserve a fresh look before you buy.
~1,300 watts is what a typical 120V inflatable spa heater draws, per Intex’s PureSpa spec sheet. At the national average rate that’s about 24¢ per hour of active heating.
The math behind $30–$60/month: in mild weather an inflatable’s heater cycles roughly 5–8 hours a day to hold 100–104°F under a cover — about 195–310 kWh a month, or $36–$57 at the current average rate. Cold weather, an uncovered tub, or Hawaii-tier power prices (46.6¢/kWh, the nation’s highest per EIA) push past that. Every degree above 102°F pushes that number up further — see our hot tub temperature guide for the ideal range and why most owners don’t need to run near the CPSC’s 104°F ceiling.
Up to 40% better energy efficiency is Bestway’s rating for its EnergySense insulated covers — consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy’s guidance that most standby heat escapes from the water surface.
~$100–$300 is what a pop-up mesh or fabric enclosure typically costs versus $1,000+ for a semi-permanent dome — a windbreak at either price point pays for itself faster in a cold, exposed backyard than a sheltered one.

Typical monthly running costs

Hot tub type	Light use	Regular use	Winter / heavy use
Inflatable (Intex, SaluSpa)	~$20–$30/mo	~$30–$50/mo	$50–$80+/mo
Plug-and-play (AquaRest, Lifesmart)	~$25–$35/mo	~$30–$50/mo	$45–$70/mo
Hard-wired 240V spa	~$30–$40/mo	~$40–$60/mo	$60–$100+/mo

These are electricity-only estimates at the ~18.4¢/kWh national average residential rate (EIA, August 2026); your bill scales directly with your local cents-per-kWh. Note that better-insulated plug-and-play spas often run no more than a thin-walled inflatable despite holding more water — insulation matters more than size. A hard-wired 240V spa’s higher running cost also comes with a heavier upfront electrical job — see our hot tub wiring guide for the breaker, wire, and disconnect a 240V install actually requires.

What drives the cost

Heat retention. The biggest factor by far. Heat lost overnight is heat you pay to replace. A snug insulated cover, a foam floor mat, and a windbreak are the highest-return upgrades you can make.
Outdoor temperature. Cold air pulls heat out faster, so winter bills can double summer ones. This is why cold-weather models emphasize FreezeShield and EnergySense-style insulation.
Set temperature. Every degree costs money. Dropping from 104°F to 100°F between soaks noticeably reduces standby heating.
Usage pattern. Each soak vents hot air and water when you lift the cover, and the heater then reheats. Frequent short soaks cost more than the raw water volume suggests.
Local electricity rate. The same tub can cost twice as much to run in a high-rate region as a low-rate one. Check your per-kWh price to personalize the estimates above.

The best upgrade for cutting costs

Insulated Cover + Foam Floor Mat

Best cost-saver · ~$40–$120

A well-fitting insulated (or thermal) cover is the #1 way to slash standby heat loss.
A foam floor mat stops the cold ground stealing heat from the base — cheap and effective.
Together they can trim 20–40% off cold-weather running costs.
Also protects the liner and keeps debris out between soaks.

Check price on Amazon →

If you buy one accessory, make it insulation. A quality cover and a foam base mat pay for themselves within a season or two in reduced heating, and they make the tub more pleasant to use — less debris, faster warm-up, and steadier temperature. Our best hot tub covers guide compares the factory-fit Intex and SaluSpa EnergySense options against custom hard-shell replacements. See also our best hot tub accessories guide for the covers, mats, and filters that make the biggest difference, or our dedicated best hot tub insulation guide for ground pads, exterior jackets, and cabinet foam kits.

Ways to lower your hot tub bill

Always cover it. An open tub is a money leak. Keep the insulated cover on whenever you’re not in it.
Insulate underneath and around. Foam floor tiles plus a windbreak — a fence panel, a hot tub gazebo, or a mesh enclosure — dramatically cut heat loss. Our insulation guide breaks down ground pads, exterior jackets, and cabinet foam by tub type.
Right-size the temperature. Lower the set point a few degrees between soaks; don’t chase 104°F when the tub sits idle for days. A wireless thermometer makes it easy to check that setting without lifting the cover.
Match the tub to your climate. In cold regions, a winter-rated model with better insulation costs less to run than a bargain tub you’re constantly reheating.
Soak on a schedule. Batching your sessions means fewer reheat cycles than random one-offs.

The bottom line

Running a hot tub in 2026 costs most people $30–$60 a month — and where you land in that range is mostly about insulation and how cold your winters get. That’s the ongoing bill; for the upfront price by tub type, see our how much does a hot tub cost breakdown. Cover discipline plus a foam mat are the cheapest, biggest savings — but a waterlogged cover stops paying its way; see our hot tub cover replacement cost guide for what a swap costs and when it’s overdue. A tub on a steady maintenance routine also runs cheaper: a clean filter and covered, balanced water keep the pump and heater from working overtime. To trim the supply side of ownership too — filters and the hot tub chemicals you rebuy all season — see whether Amazon Prime is worth it for hot tub shoppers. Still deciding if an inflatable makes sense at all? Our are inflatable hot tubs worth it guide weighs this same running-cost math against upfront price and lifespan. Ready to pick a tub? Start with our best inflatable hot tub roundup, the best plug-and-play spas, the best options for two, the best 6-person hot tub for a full house, or the best hard-shell spas under $5,000 if a bigger, permanent spa is the goal. And before you check out, see our hot tub deals guide for when these same models actually go on sale. Considering a rental instead of buying? Our hot tub rental cost guide runs the same math against weekend and weekly rental rates. Wondering if a swim spa is worth the jump instead? Our hot tub vs swim spa comparison breaks down why a swim spa’s running cost — and upfront price — is several times higher.