Hot Tubs Save Water

Get the Facts: Hot Tubbers Are Water Wise

HOT TUBS ARE A SMART WATER CHOICE.

Now more than ever it’s important to make smart water choices. Using a hot tub is a responsible decision, even during periods of water shortage. When properly cared for, hot tubs use very little water relative to other everyday household activities, and they provide health and wellness benefits, making them well worth the small water investment. In addition, hot tubs use far less water than lawns and gardens and require less water to fill them than most households use in just one day.

Because of the hot tub industry’s importance in California’s economy, it’s important to view hot tubs as part of the solution—not part of the problem.

Hot tubs don’t waste water.

The typical U.S. household consumes 400 gallons of water per day. The average household loses 10 gallons of water per day due to leaks—that’s 3,650 gallons over the course of a year. Standard toilets use 3-5 gallons a flush. Doing laundry can use 20-40 gallons of water per load.

In contrast, the typical hot tub holds 400 gallons of water. Because that water can last for four months or longer, hot tub water usage averages out to less than 3 gallons per day, or just 1% of total household water consumption.

Hot tubs provide health and wellness benefits.

Many people use their hot tub for therapeutic purposes, including relief from achy muscles, arthritis, and stress. Instead of soaking in baths or taking extra-long showers for the benefits of warm-water therapy, hot tub owners save water by using their hot tubs instead.

Hot tubs use far less water than lawns and gardens.

According to the EPA, 60% of household water each year is used for lawn and garden maintenance. A properly maintained hot tub uses a fraction of the water used on a typical lawn that’s watered three times a week.

People who own a hot tub save water year-round.

Hot tub households can reduce their total water consumption by replacing long showers and baths with time spent in their hot tub. Reducing showers by just one minute per day will more than offset their annual hot tub water usage.

87% of people shower for relaxation and let the water flow for more than 13 minutes. Hot tub users save water by using the hot tub for therapeutic purposes instead of baths and long showers.
People who shorten their showers to five minutes and use their hot tub for warm water therapy can save an average of 2,050 gallons of water a year.

Hot tubbing is a responsible and smart use of:

Hot tubs are clearly a water-conscious choice when compared with the 58,000 gallons needed annually to maintain a lawn. People who shorten their showers to five minutes and use their hot tub for warm water therapy can save an average of 2,050 gallons of water a year. In addition:

Hot tub water, once cooled, can be re-used for lawns and landscaping. Any chemicals break down within 48 hours, making spa water safe for plants.
Hot tubs are self-contained, and their tight, energy-efficient covers seal in heat and water, conserving energy and eliminating evaporation by up to 95%. By comparison, up to 50% of the water consumers use outdoors is wasted from inefficient watering methods and systems, according to the EPA.

The hot tub industry is an important part of our state’s economy.

The pool and hot tub industry is a billion-dollar industry that helps keep California solvent. Water regulation will cost the region manufacturing, retail, service, and construction jobs that will significantly and adversely impact our economy.

The hot tub industry employs thousands of California residents whose incomes rely on hot tub sales.
The sales taxes on sold and serviced hot tubs provide monies for the state’s general fund.
Hot tub retailers, as well as companies who sell, service and provide aftermarket products, would suffer if regulations were to prohibit filling hot tubs.

Hot tubs are not part of the problem — they are part of the solution.

We understand that this drought is unprecedented, but regulations to prohibit filling hot tubs are not the answer. There is always more everyone can do, including our industry. That’s why we are working with the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) on a statewide education campaign. Our Consumer Fact Sheet Hot Tubbers Are Water Wise, which includes Smart Tips to maximize responsible water usage, will help your water district spread the word about responsible hot tub management.