The heater can be considered the core element of the hot tub, which is important for those who want to relax after work, or those who want to enjoy the warmth of the water during the cold season. The heater ensures that the temperature of the water in the hot tub is suitable.
The usual choices that one has when planning to purchase a heater for a hot tub are the gas hot tub heater and the electric hot tub heater. There is a third type, the wood heater, which can only be applied to wooden hot tubs. The fuel used for the wood heater is either coal or cordwood, and it is a very efficient and economical way of heating the water in the hot tub. If you are still planning to purchase a hot tub, you may want to consider the wooden variety if you want to ensure that you have the lowest cost in terms of maintenance.
The gas hot tub heater is appropriate for those who plan to use the tub often. Natural gas is a cheaper source of energy than electricity. The cost of propane is similar to that of electric power, but gas and propane can raise the temperature of the water faster and more efficiently than electricity. However, it should be kept in mind that there are restrictions to the use of a gas hot tub heater outdoors during winter. The reason for this is that the heaters and tub may incur damage if they freeze. Thus, gas heaters are only appropriate for indoor use where they will also require additional expenses because you have to make some changes to flues and chimneys to accommodate ventilation requirements.
Gas heaters are also much more expensive than electric heaters. To ensure that you have the less costly alternative, calculate how long it will take you to recover the initial cost of the gas hot tub heater through the savings in operating costs. You must also remember to include the costs of modifying the flues and chimneys that you will need when you use the gas hot tub heater indoors. If you are unable to recover the initial costs within the remaining years that you expect to continue to stay in that particular house, there would be no reason to purchase a gas hot tub heater.
Electric hot tub heaters are less costly and are easier to maintain. Their disadvantage, however, is that electricity could be more expensive than natural gas. Electric heaters consume a relatively large amount of electric power compared to other appliances. Thus, an electrician should be consulted when purchasing an electric heater to make sure that your wires, fuses, or breakers are adequately sized to accommodate the additional current required by the electric heater.
Therefore, a gas hot tub heater could be the alternative when you use the tub indoors, and the period needed to recover to the initially larger expenses is not too long. Usually, a gas heater may be needed if you will frequently use the hot tub.
A solar hut tub heater saves a lot of money because it uses the natural heat from the sun to heat up the water in your hot tub. Heating a hot tub can be very expensive. Electric hot tub heaters and natural gas heaters consume energy, and this source of energy costs money. If you use your hot tub often or own a spa, you can lower your electric bill by using a solar hot tub heater.
Heating the water in the hot tub using a solar hot tub heater also helps the environment. As we know, the Earth is constantly changing, and these changes are not positive changes at all due to our increasing carbon footprint. By using natural energy to heat up our hot tubs, we actually help in reduce the usage of electricity, as well as the production of pollutants released into the atmosphere.
If you want to make sure that the water in the hot tub maintains a high temperature, make use of more than one heater. There are also other materials you can use to help in the heating process. You can use a hot tub cover and solar heating pads to insulate the tub. This makes the heat stay in the tub longer. Also, these additional items can help you save on electricity or gas bills if you are using other types of heaters for your hot tub.
However, since solar hot tub heaters require the heat of the sun, it may not be wise to buy them if you are in an area where the sun does not usually shine. The location of the hot tub is essential to choosing solar hot tub heaters.
Solar heaters are very efficient when it comes to water heating. Most spa owners will definitely benefit from the use of these heaters because they do not only save money, they also help save the environment. If there is one good source of cost-efficient energy, it is the sun.
How does the solar heater work? First of all, cold or unheated water is directed through the panels and exposed to the rays of the sun. The heated water is then returned to the hot tub through a set of pipes. The water temperature can also be controlled. This ensures that a person using the hot tub does not get scalded by the hot water, especially if the sun is at its peak.
During the summer season when the sun’s heat is at its peak, many people can save a lot of money by using solar hot tub heaters. These heaters also come in systems that are very easy to install. The cost of buying and installing solar heaters is minimal. Running them costs little, as compared to conventional water heaters. It is a perfect way to save money if you love taking a bath using a hot tub. Spa owners and swimming pool owners can also reap a lot of benefits by simply using solar heaters, especially in clear and sunny weather.
There are many reasons why hot tub heaters malfunction. One of the most common reasons is a defective heater element. The heater element is the most important part of a hot tub heater. As stated by the term itself, the heater element raises the temperature of the water in a hot tub to higher levels. Some people ask if they need to replace the heater element or the entire heater itself. Most people do not know that you can actually replace the heater element and the heater will function as expected.
The heater element stops functioning when minerals such as calcium and magnesium (common elements found in hard water) build up. When this happens, the efficiency of the heater element drops. The lower element is usually more susceptible to this problem. If you remove the old heater element and replace it with a new one, you will save yourself some money. Instead of buying a new water heater, you can just buy a new hot tub heater element to make the heater work as good as new. Installing it in the heater is not as complex as one may think.
You can usually find two elements in a water heater – the upper element and the lower element. These two never work simultaneously because that drains a lot of electricity. The upper heater element heats the water in the upper part of a tub to a certain temperature. After that, the lower element does its job by heating the lower part of the tub.
When you notice your heater is not functioning properly, turn it off (including the cold water supply). Then, open the drain to the water heater. When the water has been drained altogether, detach the wires – but first, check that there is no voltage across each terminal. After removing the wires, you can now remove the hot tub heater element. Take the heater element and buy a new one at a plumbing supply store or a similar source. Buy both upper and lower elements if you have to. If you only have one heater element, that makes things much easier. Hot tub heater elements are cheap. You can save money if you replace them instead of buying a new water heater.
When you have your new hot tub heater elements already, you can now install them. However, before installing them, it is better to clean the water heater beforehand. Cleaning the heater before installing the heater elements ensures its longevity. It may be tedious, but it pays to clean it in the long run. Clean the heater elements before installing them also. You can use Teflon tape around the threads of the elements to prevent any leaks. After that, connect the wires again.
Before using the water heater again, be sure to check if the drain at the bottom has been closed. When the water heater is already complete, you can now turn on the circuit breaker. Do not turn it on if you did not double-check on everything in the system. A slight oversight may destroy the new hot tub heater element.
Relaxing in a hot tub can be a wonderful experience, especially during cold days or nights. The heat produced by the hot tub relieves the body of tension and stress. Everyone loves soaking their bodies in a comforting hot tub after a day’s work, a gym workout, or perhaps before going to bed in the evening. Whatever activity precedes it, it is something that almost everyone enjoys.
The device that heats the water in a hot tub is called the hot tub water heater. Generally, there are three kinds of hot tub heaters – natural gas heaters, wood heaters, and electric heaters.
Natural Gas Heaters
All three of them heat the water in a tub, but not all of them are cost-efficient. The low-cost option is the natural gas heater. This is kind of hot tub heater is perfect if you are looking for a water heater that can easily raise the water’s temperature. Using this heater help you save more money in contrast to the other two kinds of heaters, the wood heater and electric heater. If you use the hot tub often, then this type of heater should be your choice.
Wood Heaters
The next type of hot tub water heater uses coal or cord wood to heat up the water. This system is virtually unchanged through the centuries it has been utilized. However, you cannot use just any kind of hot tub for the wood-burning heater system. The system requires that you use especially-made hot tubs. Although they require a different type of hot tub, these heaters speedily heat up the water in no time. In addition, they are the most economical hot tub heaters to use, but only if you use hot tubs occasionally.
Electric Heaters
Lastly, we also have electric heaters. These models are more commonly used today because they are readily available on the market. They are also easy to repair and simple to install. These heaters come in 110v and 220v types. Choosing the right one for you depends on certain factors. If you are planning to use the heaters more often, especially in a cold area, choose the 220v types. Remember that electric water heaters eat up a lot of electricity, and therefore cost a lot of money. However, if you only use the hot tub every once in a while or if you can afford high electric bills, then use an electric water heater!
Choosing the hot tub water heater for your spa or tub depends on your preferences, as well as the type of hot tub you have. If you have a wooden hot tub, then the wood heater is what you should buy. If you want to save money, natural gas heaters are the best choice for you. However, if you want to buy a water heater that is easy to repair, buy an electric water heater. In the end, natural gas heaters are still the best one to choose is the one that saves you a lot of money.
There two general types of hot tub heaters in use today. People usually use electric or gas heaters to control water temperature in their hot tubs. If you are a hot tub user or a spa owner, you might want to replace the old, conventional hot tub heaters that you have. You can choose any model you like. However, before considering buying gas heaters or electric heaters, make sure that you know the difference between the two. Knowing more about these two kinds of hot tub heaters can save you both time and money. Of course, you can always change your mind and buy another type of heater during your next purchase.
First, there are newer and more cost-efficient hot tub heaters available in the current market. Old hot tubs use heaters that not only work inefficiently, but also waste a lot of your money on energy consumption. Today, you can use reasonably-priced heaters developed just for you and your hot tubs. There are also solar-powered hot tub heaters available today. These inexpensive heaters are eco-friendly and obtainable at a decent price. However, you must live in a location where you can take full advantage of sunlight, otherwise the solar heater may be a total waste of money. The solar heater can be very effective if you are in a good location where the energy from the sun can be harnessed easily to heat up your hot tubs.
Going back to the two usual types of hot tub heaters, choosing which one to use depends on the availability of the energy source. If you are in an area where natural gas or propane is abundant, gas hot tub heaters are a good choice. Gas heaters save more money than electric heaters. You can save at least half of what you spend if you use electricity as a source of energy. If you decide to use a gas heater, you have to choose between natural gas and propane. Again, the choice depends on the availability of both. If both are available, then opt for the cheaper one. Better yet, ask an expert’s opinion on the matter.
If you plan to buy electric hot tub heaters, make sure that you what this kind of heater entails. Electric heaters use a lot of electricity, and that means they require a lot of money. If this is the only option available to you, then make sure you are willing to pay for your hot tub use.
An important factor to consider when choosing a heater to use is the size of the hot tub heater you are buying. Larger ones tend to heat up water faster while smaller ones take a longer time to do their job. The optimum size of the water heater is also dependent on the size of the hot tub you will use. Nevertheless, if you have a smaller tub but want your water heated up fast, choose larger heaters.
Whichever one you select, remember that the final decision rests on you. Make sure you that you know the pros and cons of the hot tub heater you are buying.
An electric hot tub heater is a vital component of the hot tub that is often used for relaxation, hydrotherapy, or massage. A hot tub is a fabricated or homemade tub that contains heated water for relaxing the muscles and for warmth during the winter. The one-piece spa is the most common type of hot tub. Seats are provided inside the tub and one or more water jets are usually aimed at certain parts of the body. Meanwhile, the heater ensures that the proper temperature for the water is maintained.
Based on the kind of fuel used, there are three kinds of heaters for the hot tub: the electric heater, gas heater, and wood heater. The electric hot tub heater is the most convenient of the three to use. If you have a standard 110/220V power supply, you can easily install and use this type of hot tub heater. This is also the easiest to maintain among the three types because its various components are readily found in the market. Another benefit of the electric hot tub heater is that it is self-contained or it can be designed to fit inside the cabinet of the hot tub. The only disadvantage to this kind of heater for the hot tub or spa is that electric energy is expensive. You may not be able to use your hot tub or spa as often as you want with an electric hot tub heater. You may have to opt for the gas hot tub heater if you plan to use the tub frequently.
The second type of heater for a hot tub is the propane or natural gas heater. Its primary advantage is that natural gas is a cheaper source of energy. However, propane has approximately the same cost as electric power. Another benefit of the gas heater is that the water heats up faster and more efficiently compared to an electric hot tub heater. Thus, the gas heater is the choice for those who often use the hot tub during the cold season because it is less expensive to operate. Of course, if there is no available electrical supply, the gas heater is the only alternative unless the hot tub is designed for wood heaters. On the other hand, one disadvantage of the gas hot tub heater is that it is harder to install and it is more difficult to find spare parts in the market. The gas heater is also more expensive than the electric heater, and there are restrictions to its outdoor use during winter. If you use the hot tub indoors, you will also need to make some adjustments to the flues and chimneys for proper ventilation.
The third kind of heater for a hot tub is the wood heater, which is the cheapest of the three. However, it can only be used in wooden hot tubs. The fuel source is usually coal or cordwood. The system usually heats up the water in the wooden hot tub very efficiently and very rapidly. If you plan to use the hot tub often, you may want to consider having a wooden hot tub with a wood heater.
- September 2009 (6)
