| nergy Star program is run by the US Environmental | | | | With an estimated 1.2 million pools and about half a |
| Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. | | | | million spas the State of California by itself has to have |
| It is a great idea and has helped manufacturers move | | | | the entire yearly output of one nuclear power plant |
| toward more energy efficient products in many | | | | plus one conventional power plant just to feed the |
| different areas. Unfortunately though since it is a | | | | consumption of pools and spas. It’s no wonder |
| program paid for with tax dollars it has to be limited in | | | | the California Energy Commission has recently |
| scope or targeted so that the products it covers | | | | approved new appliance efficiency regulations that for |
| would be something that the majority of tax payers | | | | the first time include portable spas and a maximum |
| could see a benefit in. | | | | allowable watt per hour usage. |
| It would be really great if Every product or innovation | | | | As spa manufacturers struggle to meet these new |
| that reduced the energy required could be considered | | | | requirements the bottom line for you the spa owner is |
| however such is not the case. Understandably the | | | | how do you reduce the expense of operating your |
| program is focused on general energy consumption of | | | | already purchased hot tub? Since most of the energy |
| household products, washing machines, refrigerators, | | | | used in the spa is used keeping the water warm for |
| and materials used in home construction that reduce | | | | the next time you want to dip into it, getting that water |
| energy needs. | | | | insulated is the key. If wrapping your water heater can |
| Some products used in the home, for example | | | | make a difference in your energy bill, imagine what |
| computers are included, others in particular pools and | | | | “wrapping” your other water heater |
| spas are not. Unfortunate considering the percentage | | | | (your spa) would do. |
| of household energy consumption that goes into a pool | | | | Your hot tub uses the same type of heater your |
| or spa. We have even seen the Energy Star logo | | | | household water heater does only your household |
| used in advertising spas even though the Department | | | | water heater may have twice as many elements to |
| of Energy has clearly stated that it will not consider | | | | heat up about forty gallons of water while your spa is |
| such a product for inclusion as an Energy Star Partner | | | | trying to heat four hundred gallons. Good insulation |
| since the majority of taxpayers would not benefit from | | | | around the sides and bottom of your spa play a vital |
| such a product. | | | | role in helping keep that spa water warm. However |
| Personally I would prefer that every tax payer would | | | | most of the heat lost from your spa water is going |
| own at least one Hot tub. I can only see this as good | | | | straight up. Insulating the water with the best insulating |
| for the country. If more people were spending more | | | | cover makes the most sense. |
| time in their spa they would be using less fuel driving | | | | With the new amendments of the California Appliance |
| around and have a lot less stress. | | | | Efficiency Regulations, that state is taking the lead in |
| According to the findings of a 2004 study conducted | | | | setting tougher standards for the energy consumption |
| by the Davis Energy Group sponsored Pacific Gas | | | | of portable spas. Other states will no doubt follow suit. |
| & Electric Co., pool and spa pumps are almost | | | | With the biggest use of energy going straight up out |
| always the largest single electrical end-use (appliance | | | | the top, looking for the best insulating spa cover will be |
| in a home), using more than three times the energy of | | | | the answer for the seriously energy conscious spa |
| a new refrigerator. This same study found that the | | | | owner. The Energy Star may never be offered to |
| average residential pool pump consumes 2,600 | | | | spas or spa covers but it won’t be long before |
| kilowatt hours (kWh) annually with portable spas not | | | | meeting the California Regulations for spa energy |
| far behind at 2,500 kWh per year. | | | | consumption will be equal to the best endorsement. |