Cut Power Usage by 60% running Intex Spa / Hot Tub using cheap Home Depot Insolation

I cut my power bill on this hot tub by more then 60% I show the power usage before and after and how I did it.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Here is my one year follow up review and info on total power usage for a year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpSqdXmYg7Nmg6c

[@kelammo]

Which plug do you use for the electricity management?

[@themaster408]

This guy is the first I’ve seen of a simple fix. No crazy replacing the lid, just throwing this on top and tarp on that. This is a DIY I could actually do!

[@AllMyHobbies]

Thx

[@justinwymer7700]

Best video Ive seen about using the hard foam insulation for base. Thanks so much! This video should go viral for all new inflatable hot tub buyers!

[@bowhunter8235]

I've read the comments...I will add that I am also in PNW and thinking about one of these inflatables...my yard is conveniently small as I travel to volunteer with Veterans ie I dont have grass, I have turff. Yes, I love it. I dont cut my lawn I vacuum...🙂👍 Your numbers are amazing and possibly the most valuable info I've seen on KZbin. Big thank you.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

I have the Intex 4-person hot tub...in my garage. I just use one of those heavy blue moving blankets from Harbor Freight draped over the top air lid. Power consumption dropped about 4-5 kWh per day. About 200 kWh/month average overall power use to run it 24/7 at 104F. $5 solution.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ya good option for inside but the weather would not work well for that and at -5 like we get here that would not be enough insulation

[@kelammo]

I’ve never wished I had a garage so much in my life!

[@35057]

Only video I’ve seen to help reduce heat loss from the side is to fill it with spray foam on the sides but that’s a little to permanent for me. But saving 60% by using a top and bottom insulator is a huge savings. Def doing this when I retool the inflatable hot tub area this winter. Third winter with it and it’s such a bargain! Only use it for a month in the spring and a month in the fall. So far.

[@TheFifthWorld22]

Interlocking 🧩 foam I saw a guy on here do it I wish I remembered his name

[@MrSteveMckenzie]

This works! I'm in Victoria, BC and we had a some good snow in February and this cover really helped keep the tub hot. Thanks for posting.

[@AllMyHobbies]

great glad to hear it! thx for commenting

[@TheFifthWorld22]

I'm in Florida I'm going to give the foam interlocking tiles a try thank you for the videos!!!

[@kelammo]

In a very cold Oklahoma winter, with several feet of snow, several times- the electric bill ran $30 higher a month.

[@tristansandoval1826]

Very informative video! Thank you for taking the time to make and post this. Super helpful. We just bought one and live in the PNW as well. Will definitely be doing this!

[@BradFriday]

Down to -5 and -10*C? Better keep that a little quiet or we might have to revoke your Canada card! Sounds more like Hawaii! All kidding aside lots of good information in here with actually energy numbers to clearly show the differences. Great work!

[@nailworx6593]

That's insane no heat loss from the top at all im gonna do this I'd love to run mine all the time

[@0zfer]

Have seen several other videos of people doing similar. I love how you have actual measurements. I would be interested in the difference noticed if you wrapped it with some reflective insulation or tie wrap on some pipe insulation on the pipe that goes around (not sure if this model has one?). Also interested in more info about the floating insulation.

[@jilliannoga8894]

What were the actual measurements I can’t find them?

[@milothechihuahuabrunetandmommy]

Love Vancouver i will be getting the same spa in the spring I can't wait

[@tylerhughes5420]

A solar heater would cut it down even more you can make one for 300 bucks and in direct sunlight they will make a 5 to 10 degree difference. Probably get you down to 280 watts per hour in the day, so that would take 18 months to pay for itself.

[@mr.papaveraceae3009]

I'm wondering too if you filled the tub with expanding foam would make it even more efficient.

[@aaronlabonville]

Ya nice just bought one and waiting for arrival

[@runin1wild149]

Omg your saying December? And you have No 🤬 Snow! We get a lot of snow in northern NY and I'm not from from Ontario/Kingston. But anyways I might have to try this when I decide to take it outside once again.

[@dylansoutdooradventures]

just buy intex deluxe cover lol it's like 90 bucks for like new and has reduced power consumption by 50-70%, although you ideally want a 77 inch round tub cause that's what the cover was made for. it would work on a smaller tub but won't be as visually appealing. I'm only using anywhere from 4-6kwh a day depending if I get in once or twice a day, night temps are in the 40s Fahrenheit

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ya i looked at that but up here in Canada it was way more expensive with shipping and 2 years ago it was way more then 90. If you can get for 90 i would say ya go for that option.

[@tangowiskey4740]

Very smart idea

[@youandideclercq7109]

Hey there! Awesome video. Do you have a picture for the final result ?And how you mount it on the jacuzzi? It seems logical but just to confirm.. thanks!

[@simonphillips3519]

Thank you - this is very informative and something I will try. Can you please provide details of the energy monitoring system you use. I am current researching and cannot find one with historical graphs like yours. Many thanks

[@tracyf8420]

Easy to install, I love it

[@jamesbarrett937]

Considering putting the pump and control in a insulated box with heat tape

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Nice job .can you say how much in money you are saving. Is it worth me wrapping mine around the sides too before I build around it .

[@dirchyboy]

Great video, really useful, thanks very much

[@jilliannoga8894]

What are the measurements you used to create the circle? How many boards did you use total? Top and bottom?

[@ricardo19851]

Any updates? Have you have thought about insulating the sides too? I’m adding a soft tub to my gazebo it be enclosed with windows. We will get -31 Nice video btw! What smart plug do you use to watch your usage?

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ya I did make an update video a few weeks ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpSqdXmYg7Nmg6c I just checked amazon and it looks like they don't make the smart plugs I use anymore but there are others there just look for a smart plug with energy monitoring. I use a brand called T TECKIN

[@josephkirsch9880]

good video where did you get that little step i need one of those

[@LordAtrix]

ikea

[@stephenhickey1709]

Can you please explain floating cell cover..could you upload small video on this? Thanks

[@crappiesniper]

Thanks for this informative video... I have one but i haven't opened it yet. I want to know that if I set it up right now in the winter (Ohio) do i need to run it 24/7????

[@AllMyHobbies]

Well the way it works the pump has to run 24/7 but that only used 1kwh per day. What you want to do is limit how often and long the heat cycle comes one without any extra insolation I would say it will heat probably 90% of the day and be about 28 kWh per day but that is just estimate and I could be off by some.

[@Russellviews]

Should one be in a hot tub with the remnants that may flake of the insulation?

[@Gottavom1]

Are you doing anything to protect the pump or electrical unit? I've heard people say the can freeze; but I don't understand how that's even possible if the unit is in use and the water is flowing.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Im not doing anything. I did insulated short pipes from the until to the hot tub but you dont have to worry unless you lose power for a long time. The water keeps it warm and there is heat from the pump running too.

[@maverick5059]

Love our spa but would like to insulate it, as well. Where did you purchase the plug to measure power usage that can be monitored with your smart phone? Thanks.

[@ttseroga1986]

So with these insulation modifications, will it be able to keep a 102°F if ambient average temps are around 0°F?

[@yawjunior]

Any plans/ideas on wrapping the side walls? Appreciate this video. Considering methods for a future set up.

[@AllMyHobbies]

i have been thinking about it i’m just not sure it would be worth the hassle adding the extra cover and base insolation made a huge difference. and they are not a hassle at all the top cover just lifts right off it’s very light and quick. the one other thing i have that i did not show was i have a floating closed cell foam cover very thin but if you leave that on when your in the tub in very cold weather it stops the temp lose when using it. and one use at cold temp can be like 2 to 3 kwh of extra power for the day.

[@MediaUnlocked]

What electrical power meter did you end up buying to track the usage? I see there’s a bunch of cheap ones but they don’t seem to have an app and the other ones are super expensive.

[@AllMyHobbies]

@@MediaUnlocked what you want to look for is a smart plug with power monitoring. i got mine 2 plugs for 30 dollars on amazon and they have a app to control and check power. make sure you get one rated for 15amp some are rated for less

[@chrisray438]

@@AllMyHobbies great video. Thanks for the advice. Can I ask, what is a floating closed cell cover?

[@stephenhickey1709]

Can you please explain floating cell cover..could you upload small video on this? Thanks

[@stevemarshall2728]

Brilliant

[@stevemarshall2728]

Just trying to find the equivalent insulation here in the UK

[@tomaslogue1609]

How did your insulation help in spring and summer?

[@chloeulis]

Hi thanks for the video! Do you think a Durospan sheet with R5 rating would work in b.c? I live in White Rock bc, so similar to Vancouver. The reason I ask is that the Durospan sheet of R5 is lighter and cheaper. I was thinking of using the extra pieces to make a box around my spa heater. Have you done that? Thanks, Chloe

[@AllMyHobbies]

the R5 should work you will use a little more electricity vs the r10 that I used but will still help a lot. I have not made a box around the motor, the only reason I have not is I know pumps last longer running colder then they do running hot. by making the pump much warmer it might shorten its life but I really have no idea if that's true with this type of pump.

[@NiroshanSA]

I have the 6 person intex spa in California and its running near 1200w constant to stay 104 degrees. And low temps here in nor cal are around 45 at night and mid 60s during the day. Haven't done any of these changes, but thinking about them. Cost of electricity here ($0.30 per kWh) + high wattage here is estimating $300/month to run this, I really don't understand. Should this thing be running that high all the time?? I got the control base replaced from intex because the heater broke, but high wattage still seems to be an issue.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ya you need to add the insulated top. When it's heating it will be 1200 but the more its insulated the more it can stay off about 40 w when the pump is running but no heat. I only pay 14c kw if i was paying 30c j would be driving to the hardware store right now. You could save over 100 dollars a month with the cover i made. It only took me 2 hours to make it

[@NiroshanSA]

@@AllMyHobbies Great, thanks! I also have been using an energy monitor on this for a bit and its opened my eyes to really see how much power this is wasting from heat dissipation ~ 1200w with heater on ~40 with filtration only ~700w with jets on without heat and ~1350 with everything on. Do you have an ideal temp you set it to when not in use and then turn it back up before you use? or constant high of 104? And when it reaches the high does it shut off the heat automatically (aka the thermal icon goes green)?

[@AllMyHobbies]

@@NiroshanSA yes when it turns green it’s no longer heating. yeah I only set it to 103 at the max for me that’s what I like. If you drop it to 102 you would save some power for sure but really the best thing you can do is to go buy that good insulation is super cheap at home depot. I was running about 18 kW a day and it dropped to about 10.

[@NiroshanSA]

@@AllMyHobbies you mentioned and show having it on top, what about on the bottom between the ground and the tub. That seems like a large area of heat loss

[@AllMyHobbies]

@@NiroshanSA yes I did end up putting the same stuff on the bottom after i saw how much the top helped. i have on top and bottom. i showed that in my one year review video.

[@geriengel]

What device are you using to measure the kw?

[@dejayne8246]

This insulation isn't waterproof though is it? Will it not just get spoiled and is it safe if it gets wet?

[@AllMyHobbies]

it’s closed cell so it does not let a lot of water in. and i have a tarp over it. after a year and a half it’s still great.

[@ChefFlee2018]

Is the weight of the spa and water gonna smash that

[@AllMyHobbies]

No you would think so but pound per square inch is kind of counter intuitive. It's such a large area that the weight per square inch is not too bad. It's been fine for years.

[@Ygblitzz]

how much money a month does it add to electricity to have this

[@AllMyHobbies]

In the winter using it once a day. And usage changes the numbers a lot. Its about 340kwh per month in the winter months so and in the summer down to as low as 180kwh so just times that by what you pay per kwh

[@bradthemarsh]

I'm attempting to do this, I wondered though, the middle of the inflatable cover floats way up high. How do you get it to lay flat? Did you remove the inflatable part of the standard cover?

[@AllMyHobbies]

No I show how I did it in the video there is a second layer attached like a ring around so the float cover can have room to float and the ring around the outside will lay flat

[@phil4499]

Just cut power usage by 100 % - Yes got shot of it.

[@stevemarshall2728]

Is it Polyisocyanurate ?

[@AllMyHobbies]

DuroSpan GPS Insulation Board is a closed cell graphite-enhanced insulation with a silver-gray colour that meets or exceeds requirements for expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufactured to CAN/ULC S-701. DuroSpan GPS is manufactured using a graphite-enhanced expandable polystyrene (GPS) insulation with a thin film laminated to the top and bottom surfaces

[@AllMyHobbies]

Mine is 2.25 inch thick insulation value of r10 basically styrofoam. So its cheep. Are you just looking for a rigid foam insulation of some kind. The type i got was the cheapest they make here. Look for extruded polystyrene foam

[@AllMyHobbies]

If you can get close cell that's ideal because open cell will get saturated with water when your tarp starts to fail

[@stevemarshall2728]

We don’t have R Ratings but it’s same thickness as yours …. Both sides lined with foil….. high compression…. Comes in 47in x 24 in packs of 5

[@AllMyHobbies]

@@stevemarshall2728 ideally you would want to find somethjng that comes in bigger size so one board can be attqched to one other if uoh are using a 2 foot by 4 foot board will have a lot of joints. Based on this site your country does have it ita option 3 but what you have would work if you could get bigger size maybe 2 feet by 8 feet or 4 foot by 8 foot ideally. www.eco-home-essentials.co.uk/rigid-foam-insulation.html

[@zerodesu5248]

whats material is the cover? where did you buy it?

[@AllMyHobbies]

That’s all In the video I think. Home Depot

[@Lcpr206]

What size is this hot tub? Is it the 4 or 6 person?

[@AllMyHobbies]

Mine is the 4 person.

[@Yourtruthmightnotbemine]

Unless you use it every day why would you want to keep it heated when not in use?im the type of guy who turns things off when not in use.it reduces my bills! Just saying the obvious

[@AllMyHobbies]

i use it i would say 6 days out of 7 of not 7. so would make no sense and dropping them temp just to have to wait many many hours to increase does not make sense.

[@patfal1514]

If you need or want a hot tub you're going to need/or want to use it almost daily. at least 3-4-5 times a week. Otherwise, why would you have one? It does add to your power bill. And if your installation isn't inside then has to run "24 X 7" to keep hot and keep from freezing. Having an inside installation comes with LOTS of issues ( steam,moisture, water on floors.) I love having outside, nothing nicer than watching it snow while sitting neck deep in your hot tub with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of wine. A lot of times your use isn't on a schedule so you wouldn't want to wait for it to heat up. If you're the extremely frugal type that really worries about electric bill ( one of the cheapest utilities there is) then a home owned hot tub isn't for you. A spa,gym membership (with hot tub access) might be cheaper. I don't travel or pamper myself in very many ways and have several health issues that respond well to hot soaks so its worth it to me.

[@Yourtruthmightnotbemine]

@@patfal1514 lol you just sounded like you were trying to convince me to buy your one!🤣🤣electric the cheapest of utilities?your obviously not the one paying the bills in your household because that’s certainly no longer true in the uk !!. We’ve seen an average household electric bill go from around £700 a year to £2500. I Can’t call that cheap! So I’m invest ing in a solar heater😜

[@patfal1514]

@@Yourtruthmightnotbemine No I do pay my bills and they have gone up quite a bit. Luckily I live in an area that still allows wood and coal stoves so I'm loking into doing a wood fired hot tub. Will just require thinking ahead to heat up to use. Not nearly as convenient as electric with a thermostat

[@Yourtruthmightnotbemine]

@@patfal1514 have a look at some Scandinavian sauna applications. They use firewood to heat their saunas and also generate large amounts of scaldingly hot water from a copper tank system attached to the furnace. It’s totally an amazing way to get hot water and heat a sauna off grid. Many Finnish people have these at their off grid holiday homes in the countryside for an absolute pittance.