A hot tub isn’t the most eco-friendly item you could have in your backyard. However, if you suffer from stress, muscle or joint pain, headaches or poor circulation, a hot tub is more than just a luxury, it’s a serious health aid. According to Cancer.org, hydrotherapy provided by a hot tub can ease all of those medical conditions and possibly more. It is possible to enjoy your hot tub and keep your greentegrity intact:
Energy Efficiency
Reduce the amount of energy your tub uses by following these tips:
Purchase an energy-efficient spa or tub to begin with. EnergyIdeas.org reports that an energy-efficient hot tub uses about 7 to 11 fewer kWh per day than a poorly made one. Look for models with low-wattage lights and pumps, pre-heated jets and a high insulation rating. Keep the thermostat set at 102 degrees F and turn the thermostat down when you’re on vacation. Most heat escapes through the spa cover, according to EnergyIdeas.org. Use a hard foam cover and a floating blanket to retain the heat in your tub. A cover with an R-value of 12 combined with a floating blanket can bump up the total insulating value to R-16.Build windbreaks around the hot tub to reduce heat loss. Using shrubs or fencing around your tub will create a nice private retreat atmosphere in addition to reducing energy costs.
Maintain your hot tub properly for peak performance. Once a year, replace old filters and make any needed repairs as soon as they’re noticed. Hot Tub Works filters cost around 20 dollars on average, depending on your model. The cost of replacing them is minimal when compared to the cost of service calls. According to Hot Tub Works, old and dirty filters are the number-one reason for service calls. As the porous material of the filter breaks down, it can clog your tub’s pump, and replacing a pump is far more costly than replacing a filter.
Water Use
Ease your eco-friendly mind by remembering that a hot tub uses less water than the average indoor spa tub because the same water is used over and over according to GreenerIdeals.com.Repair leaks immediately. Adjust jets properly so they’re not spraying water outside of the tub. Leave a few inches of headspace when filling the tub to allow for water displacement when you enter for a soak maintaining the right chemical balance means draining the tub less frequently. You may be concerned about the environmental impact of chlorine or bromine disinfectants, but both of these chemicals revert back to an innocuous salt after cycling through the hot tub filters. Swim University reports that alternative non-chemical cleansers are available. However, some of these products contain heavy metals and may be more harmful to the environment in the long run. Ozonators, ultra-violet pumps and sphagnum moss are a few other chemical-free options.
Also See : Three Alternative Energy Sources for Everyday Use
Avoid adding chemicals at least 48 hours before draining and you can release dirty water directly onto your lawn or flower beds. Never drain your tub into a storm drain or a stream.
