Inflatable Hot Tubs: Should They Run All The Time?

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Inflatable hot tubs have become increasingly popular, offering homeowners an affordable and easy-to-install alternative to traditional hot tubs. However, many owners of inflatable hot tubs are left wondering whether they should run their hot tubs all the time or only when in use.

An inflatable hot tub is intended to operate continuously, and as a general rule, it is advisable to do so. This practice helps maintain a consistent water temperature, which mitigates inefficient temperature cycling. In the long run, consistency is the best course of action.

Deciding whether to run an inflatable hot tub all the time or only when in use is an important consideration. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the pros and cons of both options and consider personal preferences, usage frequency, and maintenance.

3 Reasons to Run an Inflatable Hot Tub All The Time

1. Energy Efficiency

Hot tubs require a ton of energy to heat the water to the desired temperature. This is actually where most of the energy consumption occurs. However, once the water has reached the desired temperature, it takes much less energy to maintain that temperature. This is because water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can retain a lot of heat energy. This is great for your hot tub and your wallet as it will remain at temperature for a long time and will take significantly less heat energy to maintain temperature.

Think of the water as a thermal sponge. When filling the hot tub with water and heating it to the desired temperature, it’s like saturating the sponge with water. Once the sponge is fully saturated, it can retain the water without needing continuous water flow. Similarly, once the water in the hot tub reaches the desired temperature, it can maintain that temperature with minimal energy input.

If you turn the heater off, the water will slowly start to drop in temperature, just like the water in a sponge will slowly evaporate in the open air. For the heater to maintain a constant temperature, it needs to turn on intermittently to replenish the lost heat energy, similar to adding more water to the sponge when it starts to dry out. This intermittent heating is more energy-efficient than constantly heating the water from a lower starting temperature, just as adding small amounts of water to the sponge uses less water than continually pouring water over it.

All this translates to using less energy, costing you less money in the long term to maintain a constant temperature in your inflatable hot tub.

2. Water Maintenance

Water maintenance is another crucial factor to consider when deciding whether to run an inflatable hot tub all the time or not. When the hot tub is left on constantly, it’s easier to maintain the water chemistry and cleanliness compared to turning it on and off frequently. This is because the constant water circulation and filtration provides mechanical filtration and circulation of chemicals to keep the water clean.

On the other hand, if the hot tub is only turned on occasionally, the water can become stagnant, and bacteria can grow, making it more challenging to maintain the water quality.

If water quality issues frequently occur in an inflatable hot tub, it would necessitate the use of more chemicals to treat the water and more frequent draining and refilling of the hot tub with fresh water. This can be both time-consuming and wasteful.

Maintaining the proper water chemistry in a hot tub is already a delicate balancing act, requiring regular testing and adjustments to the pH and sanitizer levels. When the hot tub is always left on, it’s easier to maintain this balance since the water is circulating, making the water chemistry more stable. This makes for a more effortless, comfortable, and safe hot tub experience.

3. Performance and Longevity

Continuously running an inflatable hot tub can positively affect its performance and longevity. When a hot tub is constantly heated, it reduces the stress on its components, such as the pump and heating element. As a result, these components are less likely to wear out early and require repair or replacement.

When an inflatable hot tub is always on, it provides a stable environment for the water and its chemical balance. Unbalanced water chemistry can cause corrosion, mineral buildup, and damage to the hot tub components. If subjected to water chemistry extremes, heating elements, seals, and gaskets are highly susceptible to wear and premature failure.  

3 Reasons to NOT Run an Inflatable Hot Tub All The Time

1. Infrequent Usage

When an inflatable hot tub is used infrequently, it may not be best to leave it running while not in use. Whether or not to leave it running depends on how infrequent the use is. In general, using a hot tub less than once every two weeks will save you money to turn the temperature down in the long run. I go more in-depth in my article about what to do with your hot tub when you go on vacation.

Since we are discussing inflatable hot tubs, I suggest turning the temperature down 10 degrees if it goes unused for over a week. Not using it for longer than two weeks could justify turning off the heat altogether as long as the outside temperature remains above freezing.

Inflatable hot tubs are generally less efficient because they are designed to be affordable. Less money is spent on insulative materials; expensive components like the pump and heater must meet a specific price point. An inflatable hot tub is less efficient overall due to its inflatable and temporary design.

2. Energy Costs

It costs money to operate a hot tub. Manufacturers and other hot tub informational sources suggest that it will generally cost around $1 a day to operate. Since my family had ours installed, we have seen a $20 increase per month in electricity averaged across the year. The cost is higher in the colder months or during the months when I drain and refill the hot tub. When I turn the hot tub temperature down in the summer, the heater barely runs, and the cost may be half. The point is, just like buying any other major appliance, a hot tub will cost you money to use.

An inflatable hot tub might be the best option if you are cost-conscious. Due to its affordable design and ease of setup and tear down, it is OK to set it up when wanted and tear it down during periods of low use. A portable hot tub, the term used for large, very un-portable hot tubs, cannot be deflated and stored on a garage shelf. If you are not going to use a hot tub all the time and want to avoid paying to maintain or heat it when you are not using it, then an inflatable hot tub is your best option.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Frequent water quality issues can cause maintenance problems and premature failures of parts such as seals, heating elements, pumps, etc. Keeping hot tub water balanced, filtered, and sanitized is generally a good idea. Unfortunately, there are no true maintenance-free systems. I have gotten pretty close using a product called Frog@Ease. However, I still have to monitor alkalinity, ph, and check on the sanitizer cartridge at least once weekly.

Suppose you are one to easily get bored with routine or even struggle to develop routines in the first place. In that case, you may have trouble keeping a hot tub running consistently. Even if you set up a good routine, there will still be times when you will be out of town for vacation or work and need help to properly maintain a hot tub.

This may be why you would only want to keep an inflatable hot tub running some of the time. Set it up when you want it, and tear it down when you don’t want to maintain it. Inflatable hot tubs are great for this type of scenario.

What Parts of a Hot Tub Most Affect Efficiency?

Several parts of a hot tub can significantly affect energy efficiency. Here are some of the most important ones and how they specifically relate to an inflatable hot tub:

1. Insulation: The level and quality of insulation in a hot tub can significantly impact its energy efficiency. A well-insulated hot tub will retain heat better and require less energy to maintain a consistent water temperature. Unfortunately, inflatable hot tubs are not known to be well-insulated.
2. Cover: A high-quality, well-fitting cover can also significantly impact energy efficiency by reducing heat loss when the hot tub is not in use. An inflatable hot tub will come with a cover. It will not be as insulative as the covers supplied with larger portable hot tubs. Most heat is lost through the water’s surface to the surrounding air. Therefore, it is best practice to ensure your hot tub cover is in good condition and fits tightly to reflect the heat back into the water and minimize heat loss.
3. Pump and heater: The pump and heater are two of the most energy-intensive components of a hot tub. As mentioned before, an inflatable hot tub will not have the top of the line pumps and heaters. However, they generally do not have large flow-hungry jets, so high-flow pumps and large heating elements are unnecessary. Smaller, more energy-efficient components can be used instead.
4. Filtration system: A hot tub’s filtration system is responsible for keeping the water clean and clear. Efficient filtration systems can reduce the need for frequent water changes, which can save energy and water. Filtration for an inflatable hot tub will be minimal so will the impact of high-efficiency filters.
5. Plumbing: The plumbing system can also impact energy efficiency. A well-designed plumbing system can help reduce energy loss and improve the overall performance of the hot tub. Designs that limit 90-degree angles, keep runs short, and fully insulate the plumbing lines will have lower flow resistance and heat loss, meaning smaller heaters and pumps can be used.

All of these factors are interrelated, and improving one can often positively impact others. For example, a well-insulated hot tub with a high-quality cover will require less energy to maintain a consistent water temperature, reducing the workload on the pump and heater, and extending the filtration system’s lifespan.