Is a hot tub expensive to run?

A well-fitted, insulated cover is the single biggest factor in how much a hot tub costs to run. At typical use it adds about $80.20 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $56.02 in the cheapest states to $208.59 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a hot tub use?

Hot Tub typically draws about 4,000 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 6,000 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a hot tub use?

At typical use (4,000 W for 4 hours a day), a hot tub uses about 16 kWh per day — roughly 487 kWh per month, or about 56% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a hot tub?

A well-fitted, insulated cover is the single biggest factor in how much a hot tub costs to run. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?

Most of a hot tub's cost isn't the jets — it's the heater keeping the water hot 24/7, even when no one's using it. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a hot tub costs about $80.20/month ($962.43/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 4

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a hot tub

$962/yr

Per day: $2.64
Per month: $80.20
Energy per year: 5,840 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a hot tub use?

At 4,000 W for 4 hours a day, a hot tub uses about 16 kWh per day — roughly 487 kWh per month and 5,840 kWh per year. That's about 56% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a hot tub draws.

Cost to run a hot tub by electricity rate

Same 4,000 W appliance, 4 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$56.02	$672.18
US average	16.5¢	$80.20	$962.43
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$208.59	$2,503.02

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a hot tub drawing 4,000 watts for about 4 hours a day costs roughly $2.64 per day, $80.20 per month, and $962.43 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?

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Cost to run a hot tub by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions