Running costs are the number one concern we hear from people considering a spa purchase. It's a fair question — and one that deserves a straight answer rather than vague reassurances.

So here it is: an honest, plain-English breakdown of what it actually costs to own and run a spa in Australia, what drives those costs up or down, and how to keep them as low as possible without compromising your enjoyment.

What Are the Main Costs of Owning a Spa?

Spa ownership involves four main ongoing costs: electricity, water, chemicals, and routine maintenance items like filters. Let's break each one down.

1. Electricity

This is the biggest variable. A spa uses electricity to heat the water, run the pumps, and power any lighting or control systems. The key factors that determine how much electricity yours uses are:

• Insulation quality — a well-insulated spa retains heat far more efficiently, meaning the heater runs less often
• Cover use — a quality insulated hard cover prevents significant heat loss when the spa isn't in use
• How often you use it — and how often you lift the cover and let heat escape
• Your local climate — a spa in Hobart works harder to hold temperature than one in Brisbane
• Target water temperature — most owners set between 36–38°C

For a quality insulated spa used 3–4 times per week, electricity costs typically range from around $30–$70 per month based on Australian average electricity rates. Lower-end estimates apply to well-insulated spas in warmer climates; higher estimates to larger units or colder regions.

At Spas Wholesale, all our spas and swim spas are built with full high-density foam insulation throughout the shell, infrared heat lining in the cabinet, and an insulating base platform — specifically engineered to minimise heat loss and reduce your power bill.

2. Water

Spa water should be fully replaced every 3–4 months depending on usage and water care practices. A typical spa holds between 1,000–2,000 litres of water. At Australian water rates, a full drain and refill costs roughly $3–$8 — a negligible expense.

You'll also top up water occasionally due to evaporation and splashing. This adds very little to your water bill over a year.

3. Chemicals

Keeping your spa water clean, balanced, and safe requires regular use of sanitiser (chlorine or bromine), pH balancers, alkalinity adjusters, and occasional specialty treatments. A typical spa owner spends around $20–$40 per month on chemicals, depending on usage frequency and the size of their spa.

This cost can be reduced with advanced water care systems. Our Venice Swim Spa and select other models feature a PureOzone System that continuously disinfects the water using ozone gas, reducing reliance on added chemicals. The AquaPure UV System on Pro Max models uses ultraviolet light to further reduce chemical demand.

For a detailed guide on keeping your water clean from day one, read our spa water startup and care guide.

4. Filters and Routine Maintenance Items

Spa filters should be rinsed every 2–4 weeks and replaced roughly every 12 months, depending on usage. Replacement filters for most spa models cost between $30–$80. Beyond that, routine maintenance is largely handled by the owner — there's no equivalent of a pool service company coming monthly.

Our spas feature top-loading Microban filters that are easy to access, rinse, and replace without tools.

Annual Cost Summary

Note: These are general estimates based on Australian average electricity rates and typical usage patterns. Actual costs will vary based on your specific spa model, location, usage frequency, and local utility rates. Contact our team for model-specific guidance.

How to Reduce Your Spa's Running Costs

The good news is that running costs are largely within your control. Here are the most effective ways to keep them down:

Always Use Your Spa Cover

This single habit makes the biggest difference. Up to 60% of a spa's heat loss occurs through the water surface. Putting the cover back on every time you finish — even for a short soak — dramatically reduces how hard the heater has to work. Our spas come with energy-efficient insulated lockable hard covers designed for exactly this purpose.

Set a Heating Schedule

Most spa control systems allow you to set a target temperature and schedule. Rather than keeping the spa at 38°C around the clock, set it to a lower economy temperature during the day and have it heat to your preferred temperature an hour before you typically use it. The Balboa control system on our premium models makes this straightforward.

Run Filtration Cycles Off-Peak

If your energy plan has off-peak rates, schedule your filtration cycles to run overnight. This can meaningfully reduce your electricity cost over the course of a year.

Keep Your Water Chemistry Balanced

Well-balanced water requires less chemical correction, and also protects your spa's components — reducing the chance of expensive repairs down the track. Test your water regularly with test strips and adjust as needed. Our water care guide has everything you need to get this right from day one.

Choose a Well-Insulated Spa

Not all spas are insulated equally. Cheaper models often cut corners on insulation, which feels like a saving at purchase but costs significantly more over years of ownership. All Spas Wholesale models feature full-foam spray insulation, infrared heat lining, and insulating base platforms — engineered to keep running costs as low as possible.

Is a Spa Worth It? What Owners Actually Say

The most consistent feedback we hear from Spas Wholesale customers is that they use their spa far more than they expected — and that the running cost feels negligible compared to the value they get from it.

One customer described using their swim spa three to four times a week after years as a gym member: the annual spa running cost worked out to less than two months of gym fees. Another customer — a retired law enforcement officer — told us the hydrotherapy benefits for their knees and back made the running cost "completely irrelevant" compared to what they'd been spending on physio.

When you divide the annual running cost across the number of times most owners actually use their spa, the cost per session is typically just a few dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spa Running Costs

Does a swim spa cost more to run than a regular spa?

Generally yes, because swim spas hold more water and are larger to heat. However, the difference is smaller than many people expect, particularly with a well-insulated model. Our swim spas are built with the same premium insulation as our regular spa range, keeping running costs as efficient as possible for their size.

How much does it cost to heat a spa from cold?

Initial heat-up from cold tap water uses more energy than maintaining an already-warm spa. This is why most owners keep their spa at a low economy temperature rather than heating from scratch each time. Once at temperature, maintaining heat is far more efficient — especially with a quality cover in place.

Can I reduce costs by lowering the temperature?

Yes. Every degree lower in target temperature reduces heating demand. Some owners set their spa at 35°C rather than 38°C and find it still perfectly comfortable, while saving on electricity. In summer, many choose to run it cooler still — using it as a refreshing plunge rather than a hot soak.

What happens if I leave the spa running while I'm on holiday?

Most spa owners leave their spa running at a lower economy temperature while away — turning it off completely and restarting can be harder on the equipment and costs more energy in the long run than holding a low temperature. Check your spa's manual for its recommended holiday/economy mode setting.