Raymond WhitneyThe best hot tubs are large, bubbly, and very hot. You won’t invite friends to your hot tub with the promise that it will be cool or even warm.
Hot tubs should be enjoyed at around 100 to102 degrees Fahrenheit. How long do you think your hot tub will take to heat up to this temperature?
It takes approximately four hours to heat a hot tub to a safe temperature of 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can take up to eight hours. The water heats up at 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit an hour.
While four hours might seem too long to wait for your hot tub to heat up, there are many ways to speed it up. You can find out how long it takes for a hot tub to reach its optimal temperature by reading this article. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the warmth!
Factors that affect the heating time of a hot tub
A six-person standard hot tub typically holds between 320 and 475 gallons of water. That’s a lot to heat up when you want to enjoy the spa’s warmth and bubbles. You want to heat your water as fast as possible in order to maximize relaxation.
There are many factors that influence the time it takes for your hot tub heat to reach the desired temperature. You have complete control over these factors, so you can control how long it takes for the hot tub to heat up to the right temperature.
You might be just beginning to look into hot tubs for purchase. Learn the differences between 110 and 220 hot tubs.
Base Temperature
Although it seems obvious, it is worth mentioning that the time it takes for your hot tub to heat up will depend on its starting temperature.
It is up to you whether your hot tub runs continuously or not. This will impact how long it takes for it to heat up. Both positions have their merits and there is no right or wrong answer.
- You may need to turn off the spa equipment if you live in a warmer climate or don’t use it often. This means that you have to heat the tub longer before reaching the ideal temperature.
- Your hot tub should be left running at all times. This will allow you to reach 100-102 degrees faster, but it could also cause you high electricity bills.
Ambient Temperature
Techopedia states that ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the area around an asset, piece of equipment, or object. This means that your tub will heat up faster if it has a warmer interior or if there is more air.
You might be arguing that the air temperature cannot be controlled. To a degree, you’d be correct (pun intended). You can still influence the environment surrounding your tub by blocking the wind.
These options will help you create a windscreen for your tub if it is located in a windy area.
- Installing a fence around your yard
- Installing a windscreen to the tub’s prevailing wind side
- As a wind barrier, plant a few shrubs in a row.
- You can enclose the tub with a small structure or gazebo.
To maximize the sun’s heat, place your hot tub in a sunny location to maintain a constant temperature.
Hot Tub Cover
Heat rises, as we all know. Like your hot tub water temperature increases, this scientific principle is applied. The warmth of the hot tub water evaporates into the air without a cover. It will take longer to reach the desired temperature.
It’s important to keep your hot tub warm by using an efficient and well-maintained covering.
Regularly inspect your cover for cracks, holes, or water saturation. If you notice any signs of deterioration, it is time to replace the cover.
Tub Insulation
A well-insulated hot tub will retain its heat more effectively. Heat can escape from the water’s surface into the air, and it can also seep through the hot tub cabinet’s tiny cracks or seams.
The hot tub’s base is where heat can escape. You may be shocked at how heating can occur if your hot tub is placed on concrete or another hard surface.
You can reduce the amount of time it takes for your hot tub to heat up by checking for leaks and adding insulation to stop the seepage.
Routine Maintenance
Maintenance isn’t something that many people enjoy or is glamorous. It is an important factor in the time it takes for your hot tub to heat up. It will take time to heat up your hot tub depending on its condition.
You can make your hot tub more efficient and reduce the heating time by using these tips:
- Keep filters clean and clear
- Replace filters once they become uncleanable
- Maintaining the pump at maximum efficiency
- Ensure that the jets work properly
Jets on or off
Some people are unsure if the jets increase the hot tub’s temperature rise rate. Others suggest running the jets while the water is heating up so that warm water can circulate more freely in the tub.
Some claim that the jets can be run during warm-up to send cold air bubbles through the water and slow down heat accumulation.
Jets will have minimal effect on heating time, it seems. It is possible to either run them continuously throughout the heating process or turn them on towards the end to ensure that warm water circulates before anyone else.
Quality Heater
A heater of high quality will speed up the healing time of your hot tub. Although every hot tub comes equipped with a heater.
The original equipment can become less reliable over time. You may find that the original equipment is no longer reliable and want to heat your tub more vigorously. You don’t need a hot tub that is brand new to reach the desired temperature.
You can cut down on the time it takes for your spa to heat by upgrading its heating elements or heaters to a larger, more powerful, and faster model.
You may find the perfect heater to speed up your spa experience. You can make your hot tub run more efficiently by using higher wattage, greater BTUs per hour, and better sensors and controls. This will allow you to get to the desired temperature in a shorter time.
Final Words
There are many things you can do to reduce the time it takes for a hot tub to heat up. Some things, such as planting shrubs to make a windscreen, take time.
Some, like a new heater or a new window, provide immediate results.
No matter what factors you decide to address in your hot tub, it will take at most three to four hours for the temperature to reach the recommended level.
This time can be significantly reduced by following some or all of these tips.
