While there are various methods for heating hot tubs, electric and natural gas are the most common choices.
Both electric and natural gas hot tub heaters are widely available and efficiently raise your hot tub’s temperature.
This blog covers electric vs. natural gas hot tubs, their pros and cons, and how electric and gas heaters operate. It also presents a comparison chart for users to choose the best hot tub option.
What are natural gas hot tubs?
Natural gas hot tubs are heated by natural gas or propane. They can be free-standing wooden hot tubs, portable spas, or in-ground spas powered by gas heaters.
These gas-heated hot tubs can be instantly heated for hydrotherapy sessions.
Now, most people may ask, is there any difference between natural gas and propane in terms of hot tub heating? Well, both natural gas and propane are equally efficient.
The only difference is that natural gas is piped-in gas available in many areas, while propane is a liquified petroleum gas stored in tanks and requires refilling.
How does a gas heater work?
Warming your home with a gas heater is simple.
The following steps show how a gas heater functions.
Step 1: The heater is connected to a natural gas line or a propane tank.
Step 2: When ignited, the gas mixes with air inside the burner and ignites, creating heat.
Step 3: The heat from the burning gas radiates and warms up the heat exchanger’s metal.
Step 4: The hot tub pump moves the water through the pipes that heat the water.
Step 5: Water circulation absorbs heat from hot metals, gradually increasing the water temperature.
Step 6: The hot tub thermostat closes the gas valves once the desired temperature is reached. If the temperature drops, the gas valve opens and the heating cycle repeats.
What are the pros of gas-powered hot tubs?
Gas heaters have long been the primary choice for hot tubs. There are some cool perks to having a hot tub heated by natural gas.
Low Operational Costs
Gas hot tubs are economical options because of their low operational costs. Modern heaters require less fuel, which can lower fuel costs.
Rapid Heating
Gas hot tubs quickly reach the desired temperature, so if you want hot water instantly, they are the best option.
Suited for Large-Size Hot Tubs
Gas hot tubs are best suited for large families. If you have a 10-person hot tub, a gas heater is the best choice for quickly obtaining the desired hot tub temperature.
Temperature Control
Gas hot tubs allow you to control the hot tub temperature more precisely. You can set the water temperature at the exact range you want.
What are the cons of natural gas hot tubs?
While gas hot tubs may have benefits, they also have disadvantages. Here are the cons of having a gas hot tub.
High Initial Cost
Natural gas hot tubs are more expensive compared to electric hot tubs. The gas lines, gas heater, and the installation cost raise their initial ownership costs.
Low Efficiency
These hot tubs may heat your hot tub quickly, but gas heaters have a low efficiency. This is because, during the fuel-burning process, nearly 20 percent of the energy is lost.
Gas Emissions
Another downside of the gas hot tubs is their CO2 emission during the chemical reactions. This is the reason they are not considered as environment-friendly hot tub options.
Fuel Dependency
A gas hot tub requires constant fuel availability. Interruptions in the gas supply will hinder the hot tub’s temperature from reaching the optimal range.
What are electric hot tubs?
Electric hot tubs and spas, powered by electric heaters, are popular nowadays. They raise the water temperature gradually without any gas or smoke emissions.
How does an electric heater work?
Electric heaters consist of heating elements submerged in water. These elements turn electricity into warmth by making it work harder for the current to flow through them. The heating element generates heat when the current flows through it.
A thermostat monitors the water temperature. Once the water reaches the set temperature, the thermostat shuts off the power.
However, when the water temperature falls below the set range, it activates the heating element, and the heating process starts again.
What are the pros of having electric hot tubs?
The plus points of owning an electric hot tub are:
Optimal Heating Efficiency
Electric hot tubs are cost-effective with maximum heating efficiency. They function smoothly without unnecessary heating fluctuations.
Low Initial Cost
Electric hot tubs have low upfront costs compared to gas hot tubs. You just need to pay the price of the hot tub shell and electric heater, and you’re all set.
Low Maintenance
Electric hot tubs are also simple and easy to maintain. The electric heaters are easy to clean and require low maintenance, saving you precious costs and money.
Environment-Friendly Option
Electric heaters save you from the headaches of smoking or hazardous gas emissions. An electric hot tub soak is healthy for the body and environment.
What are the downsides of electric hot tubs?
Here are some of the cons of owning an electric hot tub.
Slower Heating Time
With an electric hot tub, you will experience slower water heating. The heating time depends on the hot tub size, insulation quality, and surrounding temperature.
However, an electric hot tub takes 3 to 8 hours to reach the desired temperature.
Operation Cost
Due to the high cost of electricity, the running cost of an electric hot tub may exceed that of a gas hot tub.
Natural Gas vs Electric Hot Tub: Which One is Better?
The best option between a natural and an electrical hot tub depends on the individual’s choice and other factors.
However, here is an electric vs. natural gas hot tub comparison chart to help owners choose the right hot tub.
| Features | Electric Hot Tub | Natural Gas Hot Tub |
| Heating Cost (per hour) | $1.50 (varies) | $1.00 (varies) |
| Heating Speed | Slow (1-2 degrees per hour) | Fast (1-2 degrees per minute) |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance | May require professional servicing |
| Availability | Widely available | Requires natural gas line |
| Efficiency | 100% | ~80% |
| Environmental Impact | Potentially cleaner option | Produces CO2 emissions |
Note: The above comparisons are not fixed and may vary according to the region, surrounding temperature, and other factors. What matters the most is the hot tub type that works best for you.
How do I know if my hot tub heater is gas or electric?
If you have installed a hot tub and are now confused about whether your hot tub heater is gas or electric, fret not. We have found you a quick hack.
Simply remove the hot tub heater’s access panel. A blue light in the access panel indicates you have an electric hot tub.
Another way to differentiate between a gas and electric hot tub is that gas hot tubs will have visible gas lines or pipes. On the other hand, a power supply cord indicates an electric hot tub.
Wrapping Up
Hot tub heaters raise the water temperature, which is why we enjoy a soothing hot water massage.
Electric and gas heaters are popular and efficient ways to heat your hot tub. Both electric and natural gas hot tubs have their pros and cons.
Consider the one that best fits your energy (electric or gas) availability or personal choice. Contact Silverline Pools for expert and professional hot tubs and spa installations.
