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If you’re trying to go green, it may seem like a hot tub is incompatible with an eco-friendly lifestyle.

However, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your hot tub’s environmental impact without sacrificing the relaxation and fun it provides.

These are our top five tips for making your hot tub more eco-friendly:

  1. Use an alternative sanitizer.
  2. Always insulate.
  3. Turn your hot tub off when not in use.
  4. Use LED lights.
  5. Use solar power.

1. Use an Alternative Sanitizer

Chlorine and bromine are typically the chemicals used to keep a hot tub clean and safe. However, both can have a negative impact on the environment.

This is especially when deposited directly into the soil, like when you’re draining your hot tub water.

To avoid this, look into alternative sanitizers which allow you to use much lower amounts of chlorine and bromine than you would otherwise.

For example:

  • Ozonators, which kill bacteria with ozone molecules.
  • Ionizers, which kill bacteria with ions derived from metals like silver or copper.
  • Salt water sanitizers, which kill bacteria by using salt to generate a small amount of chlorine.

As always, be sure to never drain your hot tub water into a storm drain or natural waterway, as this can harm water sources.

To learn more about your sanitizer options, check out our article on the importance of a hot tub ozonator, or read up on all three alternative sanitizers on our blog.

2. Always Insulate

With adequate insulation, you can prevent your hot tub from losing heat. In turn, this will prevent it from using excess electricity.

Although all hot tubs come with either full or partial insulation, you can increase your hot tub’s insulation with a couple extra accessories.

First and foremost, you’ll need to get a high-quality hot tub cover. A good, thick cover prevents heat from escaping, and can also protect your hot tub from the elements.

Second, use a thermal blanket. These blankets float on the surface of your hot tub’s water, and also serve to keep heat from dissipating.

For more information about hot tub insulation, check out these previous blog posts:

3. Turn Off Your Hot Tub When Not in Use

This tip is fairly straightforward, but it’s worth discussing. If you don’t plan on using your hot tub for an extended period of time, simply turn it off until you wish to use it again.

So, next time you take off for a two-week vacation, or if you don’t anticipate using your hot tub for the rest of the season, shut it down. By doing this, you can significantly cut its energy usage.

4. Use LED Lights

If you have an older hot tub, it may be equipped with incandescent bulbs instead of LED lights. If that’s the case, it will be worth making the switch.

LED lights use significantly less energy than their incandescent counterparts, are extremely affordable and also last much longer. According to an article from USA Today titled “Why people still use inefficient incandescent light bulbs,”  an incandescent bulb will only last for about 1,000 hours, while an LED will last for 25,000.

While you’re at it, why not replace any incandescent outdoor lighting you may have with LED lighting? Both the environment and your electric bill will thank you.

5. Use Solar Power

If you’re looking to go the whole nine yards, a solar-powered hot tub could be the perfect choice for you.

While some hot tubs are sold solar-ready out of the box, you can convert your existing hot tub to a solar-powered one fairly easily.

Several solar hot tub kits are available for purchase online. Or, you can go the DIY route: many videos on YouTube contain all the information you need to make your own solar-powered hot tub.

So, it’s absolutely possible to have an eco-friendly hot tub. With a little extra effort, you can reduce your hot tub’s environmental impact and your electric bill. It’s time for some guilt-free soaking.