Is it more efficient to keep your outdoor hotub/spa at the desired temperature, all the time?

Question

My background is in Physics, and this is what I've been told. However, it doesn't seem to make sense to me. My position is the exact opposite, ie. - keep the spa close to the outside temperature and bring it up in temperature when using it. I'd like to hear what others think... with explanations, please.

Answer 1

You are under the impression that when energy isn't being added - its being removed @ a rate consistent with the outdoor temperature. Most hot tubs are REALLY well insulated and will retain their heat for a very long time. To maintain the temp at a desired level once or twice a day is far less expensive then doing it after a significant temperature loss.

It really depends on the hot tub, hot tub insulation, the environment it is in, the method of heating, the cost of heating.. but generally speaking, it is cheaper to maintain, rather than reheat.

Best answer?

Answer 2

It will be more efficent to not heat it all the time. The rate at which you lose heat depends primarily on the difference in temperature between the spa and the surrounding materials (ground, air, etc.). A higher difference in temperature means higher heat loss. If you keep it heated you keep the temperature difference high and lose more heat. If you let it just sit there, It will cool off. This will lower the temperature difference. Or if you let it sit long enough it will be the same temperature and lose no heat. You will also lose heat due to evaporation. This also gives you more heat loss at higher temperatures. Another reason not to keep it heated.

This is similar to heating your house all day while you are gone. If you turn off your heat, or at least turn it down, you will save money.

Answer 3

Air conditioners are warmth pumps which pump warmth from the air conditioned room to the outdoors air. The power it takes to do this pumping gets further to the warmth that gets pumped outdoors, so sure the outdoors air does get warmer. we don't word this temperature upward thrust because of the fact the area around the development that the warmth gets pumped into is frequently very great and the warmth generated is quickly dissipated by using the wind and heat air convection currents. even however, once you upload up all the warmth that gets dissipated by using all the air conditioners international huge it does make an significant distinction to the international temperature.