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Is a Hot Tub Air Source Heat Pump Worth It?
Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient way to heat your hot tub. It's a wise investment that can reduce your energy costs by up to 75% each year, potentially saving you thousands over the lifetime of your spa.
Customers are always asking our technicians - what is the cheapest way to heat a hot tub? Forget all the little tips and tricks - investing in air source heat pump technology will give you meaningful savings each week, month, and year.
Types of Heat Pump
There are two types of heat pumps: on/off and inverter. The latter are typically more expensive because they are more energy efficient. Inverter air source heat pumps have variable-speed fans that react to the ambient temperature and heat draw required by the pump to generate heat most efficiently. Our inverter heat pumps also convert AC into DC. See the diagram below to explain.

How Much Does An Air Source Heat Pump For Hot Tub Cost?
how much is a heat pump for a hot tub?
Whatspa states 'a cheaper on/off model will cost around £1,500 & an inverter model will be around £3,500 fitted.' - Whatspa
The larger the kW output of the heat pump, the more money you will save over time.
We like these options for a small to medium-sized tub:
R2 5.2kW heat pump (on/off) £1,499
X1 Pro 5kW heat pump (inverter) £1,849 (Whatspa Best Buy)
R2 7.8kW heat pump (on/off) £1,699
X1 Pro 7kW heat pump (inverter) £2,049 (Whatspa Best Buy)
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how much does it cost to run a heat pump for a hot tub or swim spa?
Of course the cost depends on so many factors. As previously mentioned, larger inverter heat pumps will cost less than on/off and smaller models. In the studies, our heat pumps have been shown to offer up to 75% energy savings, and that's why they're a Whatspa best buy.
What Size Heat Pump Do I Need For My Hot Tub?
As a rule of thumb, the larger the heat pump, the more you will save, but typically this is the order:
5.0kW Small Spa
7.0kW Medium Spa
9.0kW Large Spa / Small Swim Spa
14.4kW Medium Swim Spa
21kW Large Swim Spa
How Does A Heat Pump For Hot Tub Work?
We don't want to get too technical here, but a heat pump works like an air conditioner in reverse. It uses electricity, but instead of generating heat like a standard hot tub heating element, the air source heat pump works by extracting heat from the air. It's this fundamental difference that lowers running costs.
The air source heat pump requires just the lowest ambient air temperature to draw heat from. Once extracted, it's boosted and transferred to the hot tub in the following process:
- The heat pump's draw fan pulls in outside air.
- It's passed through a titanium heat exchanger surface.
- The heat is enough to cause a chemical reaction where refrigerant liquid inside the heat pump evaporates into a gas.
- The gas travels to an electric pump or compressor, which compresses and increases the pressure, increasing the temperature of the gas. The heat from the gas travels to the heat exchanger.
- Meanwhile, the hot tub's circulation pump pushes through cool spa water.
- The heat is transferred between the warm gas and the cool water from the hot tub in the heat exchanger.
- The warmer water passes back into the hot tub, and the gas falls in temperature, turning back into a liquid.
- The whole process then repeats.
Air Source Heat Pump Hot Tub Setup
how to connect a heat pump to a hot tub
Unless you have a new hot tub that is heat pump-ready, then we'll assume that the hot tub will need to be retrofitted.
In this case, the heat pump will be plumbed into the return side of the heater. In most domestic cases, the hot tub's heater will be disconnected, but in some scenarios, running both heaters at once can be helpful - e.g. for a holiday park with quick turnarounds. A valve or bypass kit controls how much flows through the heat pump. We must throttle the flow to the heat pump to get the best efficiency out of it.
The heat pump normally connects to a regular 13A household socket, but some makes/models may require a more significant power source.
See the diagram below for a clearer picture of how the plumbing connects.

Preparation For Installing A Heat Pump Into Your Hot Tub
Installation will vary due to your individual needs. First, you should figure out the location for the heat pump. You will need to give it space for the fans.
Through some basic modifications to your hot tub, they can be fitted to any spa, but you need enough cabinet space inside to plumb the heat pump in.
You will also need good water circulation from your hot tub. The power from the hot tub pump will push the water through the heat pump and needs to be powerful enough for an efficient heat exchange.
Finally, you will need power - most of our heat pumps can be plugged into a standard household 13A socket. Check the technical specification of any product to see if you need any additional electrical installation.
Free Delivery & Installation
In our current sale, we've decided to offer free nationwide delivery and installation so our customers have full peace of mind that there'll be no hidden costs or hassle.
Have you got a question? Talk to our friendly team today!
Give us a call: 07454272660
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Finance
Investing in a heat pump might not be a cost everyone can afford immediately. We've partnered with Kandoo to offer soft credit checks and affordable short and long-term finance options without the stress of conducting a hard credit check. To check your eligibility, click the link here.

Spa Heat Pump FAQ's
How long does it take to heat a hot tub with a heat pump?
Again, many determining factors are at play here, such as hot tub water volume, circulation, temperature of the water filling the spa, ambient temperature, size and the type of air source heat pump connected to the hot tub. Therefore, despite the better efficiency, we advise readers to expect the heating process to take a minimum of 6 hours realistically.
Really though, is a heat pump worth it for a hot tub?
Yes, from a financial aspect, the hot tub heat pump is the most effective way to save you money on the energy bills. Our heat pumps can save up to 75% of energy.
Can you heat any hot tub with a heat pump?
Yes, and they significantly improve the energy efficiency of any hot tub. Any electric hot tub can have a heat pump retrofitted. Newer models of hot tubs and swim spas are often coming heat-pump-ready, too.
What is the cheapest way to heat a hot tub?
If you're looking for the cheapest way to run an electric hot tub, then an air source heat pump is the most effective way to heat the water. You can add a heat pump to your hot tub through some modifications. We must enter the spa to plumb the heat pump into the circulation system. You will also need a power source.
Will a heat pump still work in the winter air temperatures?
Any decent heat pump model will still work efficiently in the minus temperatures. Our heat pumps operate at temperatures -15 °C - +43°C.
Will having a heat pump fitted void my hot tub warranties?
Yes, but check with your manufacturer. If you're working with a reputable heat pump manufacturer/installer, your hot tub manufacturer may be willing to honour your warranties.

Contact Pinkblock Hot Tub Services Manchester
So you can heat a hot tub with a heat pump, and the savings on offer are pretty extraordinary. But is a heat pump worth it for your hot tub? Contact us today to discuss the options and potential savings. If you're based in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire or West Yorkshire, we can arrange a site visit to assess your viability, so don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team.
Got a question? Talk to our friendly team today!
Give us a call: 07454272660
Email Us: hello@pinkblock.co.uk
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