Whether you’ve only just bought your nouveau spa, or you’ve had one for a while but only use it sparingly, we’re sure you’re already pretty familiar with the feeling of getting in the mood to use your at-home spa system, only to find that it takes forever to heat up.

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for those unfamiliar with hot tub heating processes, and it can be a real turn-off for many people looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy as and when they need it.

However, the good news is that, while it’s not possible to magically increase the heating speed of such a large amount of water, it is possible to maintain a consistent hot tub temperature for a reasonable length of time, with the right hot tub heating know-how.

Read on to learn key insights into how to heat a hot tube properly, how to maintain a consistent hot tub temperature, and how to heat your hot tub faster should you want to use it on a whim.

How long does hot tub heating usually take?

Although it’s probably disappointing to hear, the painful reality is that, if you were to heat your hot tub’s water entirely from scratch, the process could take you as long as 12 hours in order to reach an ideal hot tub temperature for its use.

This is due in large part to the sheer amount of water used to fill even the smallest hot tubs, all of which requires heating throughout before any significant temperature change will be felt.

What affects the speed of the hot tub heating process?

As you may have already guessed, there are several factors at play that might impact how quickly your hot tub water will heat up, the most important of which we’ve listed below:

1. The size of your hot tub

The obvious first factor to consider, it somewhat goes without saying, the bigger your hot tub, the more water it will require to be fully filled, and thus the longer it will take for said water to heat up when you turn your hot tub on.

Naturally, a smaller 3-person hot tub is going to take less time to heat than a larger 5-person model, so if you want to increase the speed at which your hot tub heats, you should look to buy a size that matches how you plan to use it.

As an aside, if a hot tub you’re interested in doesn’t mention how many people it fits; you can work it out based on its water capacity. A rough guide is around 250 litres of water per person. So, a 1,000-litre hot tub is roughly made for 4 people.

2. The power of your hot tub’s heater

Alongside the size of your hot tub overall, another key factor as to whether or not your hot tub heats quickly is its heater. The stronger your tub’s heater, the faster it will warm your water, and the sooner your hot tub will be ready to use.

Typically, your hot tub should have a heater strength based on its size. After all, having a small heater for a larger hot tub is not going to prove that useful. However, while having a powerful heater in a smaller hot tub will reduce how long it takes to heat up, it will also increase the cost of your energy bills.

Thus, finding a hot tub heater with the right power for what you need is a balancing act between time and money that you should pay careful attention to.

3. The quality of your hot tub’s insulation

Needless to say, having a hot tub with good quality insulation throughout will significantly increase the amount of heat retained within the tub and water between uses, which in turn means that heating times a reduced next time you want to take a soak.

Generally speaking, higher quality insulation hot tubs are more expensive, though it’s certainly worth increasing your budget to accommodate for this as the long-term benefits are definitely worth it.

4. The quality of your hot tub’s cover

Much like having good insulation, having a high-quality cover for your hot tub can make a huge difference to how energy efficient your hot tub is, and therefore how long it takes for it to heat up.

Studies show that upwards of 60% of a hot tub’s heat loss comes from the surface of its water due to its high surface area and direct exposure to much colder air, but it’s something that can be mitigated with a good hot tub cover.

A high-quality cover should be at least 4 inches thick and made from high-density foam, such as polyurethane, which will act as a thick layer of insulation. In addition to this, the cover should use a continuous heat seal that is airtight, which helps to keep hot air in and cold air out.

5. The outside temperature

A big variable in how long it takes for your hot tub to heat up is the outside, ambient temperature surrounding it. This might seem obvious, but a hot tub in a colder environment will take longer to come up to temperature than a hot tub in a hot environment.

Elements like how exposed your hot tub is to wind and rain will also impact how long your hot tub takes to heat up, though having a hot tub with high-quality insulation and a good cover, as mentioned above, will help to mitigate some of the impacts the external conditions have.

6. The water’s starting temperature

Another obvious indicator in determining hot tub heat times, the starting temperature of your water will play a big role in how long it takes for a hot tub to heat up to the right temperature, hence the focus on maintaining heat between hot tub uses rather than boosting your water temperature from scratch.

7. The condition of your hot tub

Finally, the condition and age of your hot tub will play a big part in how long it takes for your tub’s water to heat up – particularly the condition of the heater, as older models will be less efficient when heating.

That’s why we recommend getting your hot tub serviced by a professional at least once a year as part of your hot tub maintenance routine. That way, you can be sure your heater is functioning properly, and that all other areas of your tub are in good condition.

Tips for how to heat your hot tub faster

Now that we’ve touched on the factors that impact hot tub heating time, let’s now look at how to heat a hot tub properly in order to reduce heating times between uses:

1. Leave your hot tub on

Although it might sound counterintuitive, your hot tub’s heater is actually much more energy efficient when left to run uninterrupted between uses, rather than being switched on and off.

This is because water takes significantly more energy to heat up from cold than it does to keep it at a warm temperature, so by leaving your heater running to maintain a higher ambient temperature, you’ll be able to substantially cut heating times and improve hot tub energy efficiency.

2. Utilise windbreaks and shelter

In terms of how to heat a hot tub faster when outdoors, one of the best ways to combat the effects of wind, rain, and cold (and to improve privacy) is to utilise windbreaks to shelter your tub. This could be accomplished by placing your hot tub in a natural, windless alcove, or by setting up physical windbreaks around each side of your tub.

Said physical windbreaks could come in the form of man-made barriers, but if you have the time and patience, you could build walls or plant hedges to act as natural barriers in the future.

3. Use your hot tub’s jets when heating

An often-debated topic, the question of should your jets be on when heating your hot tub is one of personal preference. Studies do show that the introduction of air into the water can cool it down slightly, meaning your heating element will need to work harder to maintain temperature.

However, periodically using the jets when initially heating up your hot tub can actually help to circulate the water and reduce cold spots in both your hot tub’s bowl and piping. So, if you can, try activating your jets in bursts during the heating process to help speed things along.

Find a high-quality hot tub with Platinum Spas

So, there you have it, now you know a bit more about why hot tubs take so long to heat up, and what you can do to increase heating speeds just that little bit more. As we’ve already mentioned, with the right care and preparation, you’ll likely find it much easier to maintain your tub’s water temperature between uses, but a powerful heater is still useful.

And speaking of powerful heaters, if you’re looking at buying a new hot tub or replacing your old one, then why not browse the premier Platinum Spas range? Built and designed using modern hot tub technology, you’ll have no trouble finding a hot tub or spa de nage to suit your needs.

Get in touch today to find out more about seeing our at-home spa systems in your nearest showroom, and don’t forget to visit our hot tub owners’ hub as well for more insights into looking after your tub.

Hot tub heating FAQs

If you’ve activated your hot tub and the water temperature is not changing, then there is a good chance that your hot tub’s heating element has broken or your hot tub’s breaker is tripping.

This can be checked by turning your hot tub off and removing its panelling to examine the interior for clear water damage, though you may need to hire the help of a professional to ascertain exactly what the problem is.

Jamie Smith
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