When it comes to hot tub ownership for the first time, whether you should keep the SaluSpa hot tub on at all times is a common concern. Some critical factors of hot tub ownership, such as hot tub use, energy consumption, and more, all contribute to solving the running or turning it off hot tub dilemma. This guide examines the time to run SaluSpa 24/7, the electricity bill related to hot tubs, and how to manage hot tub running costs to enjoy it more, and keep the costs low.
Advantage of Leaving your Hot Tub On
The main and perhaps the most notable advantage of keeping turned on inflatable hot tubs at all times is the ease that most owners discover after some time. Most owners realize that convenience does matter and that it is better to have water at a consistent temperature to avoid long reheating time. A hot tub will always have water ready and at an optimal temperature for spontaneous relaxation, as it will take 6-12 hours to reheat water.
Some of the benefits of continuous operation are as follows:
- Energy Efficiency – It takes less energy to maintain temp than to reheat cooled water.
- Equipment Preservation – Continuous circulation of water prevents stagnation, as well as filter clogging.
- Chemical Stabilization – The consistent flow of water through the filter keeps the inline sanitizers of the system from getting too high.
- Freeze Damage Prevention – Running your hot tub in colder regions will prevent damage to the plumbing.
View More: Heating Guide
Operating Modes and Costs
| Operating Mode | Daily Energy Cost | Heat Up Time | Best For |
| Continuous (24/7) | $2-4 | Instant | Daily users |
| Economy Mode | $1 | 330 mins | Regular users |
| Off Between Uses | $4 | 8-12 hours | Occasional users |
If you’re considering the question of, “should I leave my inflatable SaluSpa on all the time” – it depends on your usage. Continuous operation is usually the more energy efficient option if you use your hot tub 3 or more times a week.
When Should You Turn Off Your Hot Tub?
While you may get the impression that balancing energy efficient operation of your SaluSpa is more convenient than turning it off, the opposite is true. More convenience comes from turning it off.
Turning off your SaluSpa is necessary:
- Extended vacations: Away for more than a week.
- Seasonal storage: Winter months if outdoor use is not possible.
- Maintenance: Deep cleaning or repairs.
- Extreme weather: Severe storms or temperature drops below manufacturer specs.
- Infrequent use: Less than once per week.
If you’ve considered the question: “Should I leave my hot tub pump on all the time?” it may be more complicated than you think. If your pump runs on a filtration cycle (2-4 hours/day), it should not be running 24/7. However, it benefits the water heater for the pump to stay on. Economy mode on modern SaluSpa models is a good example of saving energy costs.
Leaving My Hot Tub for a Week
Turning off your hot tub for a week while you are away is doable with planning. Whether you leave it on or off depends on season, local weather, and return plans.
Checklist to prepare for one-week absence:
- Test water chemistry and balance accordingly
- Treat water with a shock a day before your trip
- Filters should be cleaned or replaced
- Lower the temperature to 95°F (35°C)
- Check if the cover is secure and locked
- Set the system to a 2X per day filtration
Days Away Settings
| Days Away | Actions | Expected Temp Setting | Filter Cycle |
| 1-3 days | Leave on | Standard (100-104°F) | Normal |
| 4-7 days | Leave on, drop to 95°F | 95°F | 2X per day |
| 1-2 weeks | Leave on, lower to 90°F | 90°F | 2X per day |
| 2+ weeks | Turn off, drain | N/A | N/A |
Most people with “Can I leave my inflatable hot tub out all year?” should consider the climate. Almost all SaluSpa makes are fine if temperatures are 39°F (4°C) or higher. Below that, draining is necessary to prevent freeze damage.
Is it Safe to Leave a SaluSpa Running all the Time?
Whenever people run a hot tub or any electrical appliance all the time, safety becomes a concern. SaluSpa hot tubs have safety features to allow 24/7 operation, if properly maintained.
Safety steps for continued use:
- Ensure a GFCI outlet.
- Examine power cords monthly.
- Keep water above minimum fill line.
- Cover hot tub when not in use.
- Never leave jets running continuously.
- Monitor control panel for errors.
Jets should only run during use (15-20 minutes), while heaters can run continuously. Running jets unnecessarily wears down the pump motor and increases energy costs.
Best Time to Leave Your SaluSpa Running
Efficient operation depends on electricity rates and usage. Utility companies often have off-peak rates overnight or early morning.
High vs Low Energy Use Strategy:
- Heating phase: Avoid heating 9 PM – 7 AM
- Maintenance phase: Economy mode during peak hours
- During use: Heat one hour before use
- Filtration runs: Set for low-cost times
Time Period Settings
| Time Period | Rate | Action | Energy Tip |
| 6 AM – 2 PM | Off-peak | Full heating | Max temp |
| 2 PM – 8 PM | Peak | Economy mode | Low power draw |
| 8 PM – 6 AM | Off-peak | Filtration + heating | Major operations |
First-time hot tub owners can expect $30-50 monthly for moderate, continuous usage. Turning on/off cycles increases cost by 15-25%.
Should I Run My SaluSpa 24/7
Balancing cost and usage ease is key. Regular users should keep it on for convenience.
Cost-benefit analysis of 24/7 operation:
- Daily users (5-7x/week): Leave on continuously
- Regular users (3-4x/week): Leave on with economy mode between uses
- Occasional users (1-2x/week): Turn off between uses, heat 12 hours prior
- Rare users (few times/month): Turn off completely, drain if unused >2 weeks
Modern SaluSpa models allow programmable temperature, filtration, and economy modes. Continuous circulation maintains water chemistry and reduces chemical costs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
Will leaving my SaluSpa on all the time damage it?
No, regular use improves equipment life by reducing seal deterioration and keeping components lubricated.
How much does it cost to run a SaluSpa 24/7?
$30–$60 monthly, depending on electricity, tub size, temperature, and economy mode.
Should I turn off my hot tub pump when not in use?
No, it should run during filtration cycles (2–4 hours daily) to keep water healthy.
Conclusion
From usage frequency, local climate, and energy costs, keeping your hot tub on is a matter of balance. Using an insulated cover, economy mode, and proper temperature settings optimizes energy efficiency. Knowing when to power down or keep running will reduce costs while keeping your SaluSpa ready for relaxation.
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