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.