Quick answer: a modern, well-insulated mid-range spa used 3–4 times a week typically costs $25–$45 per month in electricity across most of Australia. Older spas, larger models or those with thin insulation can easily run $60–$120 per month. Add roughly $20–$40 per month for water chemistry and a small amount for filters. The good news: there are several practical things you can do to keep the bill closer to the lower end of these ranges.
What actually uses the power in a spa?
A spa's electricity bill comes down to four jobs:
- Standby heating — keeping the water at temperature 24/7. This is the biggest single cost on most spas.
- Heating after a soak — bringing the water back up after the heat from jets, evaporation and use lowers it.
- Filtration cycles — usually a small amount per day, typically programmed automatically.
- Pumps and jets while in use — only run when you're actually in the spa.
Most people focus on jets and use time, but the truth is that standby heat loss is what dominates the bill. That's why a well-insulated spa with a tight-fitting cover can cost half as much to run as a poorly insulated one — even when you both soak in them the same number of times a week.
Real monthly running costs in Australia
Australian electricity rates in 2026 sit roughly between $0.28 and $0.45 per kWh, depending on your state and whether you're on a flat or time-of-use tariff. Using a middle figure of around $0.35/kWh, here's what different spa setups typically cost to run:
Small, well-insulated portable spa (2–3 seater)
- Used 2–3 times per week
- Indoor or covered outdoor location
- ~$15–$30 per month in electricity
Mid-range family spa (4–6 seater, modern insulation)
- Used 3–4 times per week
- Open backyard, good cover
- ~$25–$45 per month in electricity
Larger or premium spa (6–8 seater)
- Used several times a week, year-round
- Strong jets, full lounger setup
- ~$40–$70 per month in electricity
Older spa with thinner insulation
- Same usage, but heat loss is much higher
- Cover may not seal properly
- ~$70–$130 per month in electricity
Swim spa
- Larger water volume to heat
- Used regularly for swimming or hydrotherapy
- ~$60–$140 per month in electricity, depending on size and insulation
These are realistic ranges across Australian conditions. Coastal Queensland and northern New South Wales sit at the lower end because the ambient water and air temperatures are warmer year-round. Tasmania, Victorian highlands and inland New South Wales sit higher because the spa has to fight harder to stay warm in winter.
Why your state matters
Electricity prices vary across Australia by quite a bit. As a rough guide:
- South Australia and parts of NSW tend to have higher rates and can push monthly running costs above the averages quoted above.
- Queensland, Tasmania (hydro) and parts of WA often sit at the lower end.
- Victoria typically sits somewhere in the middle.
If you're on a time-of-use tariff, you can lean into off-peak rates and run heavy filtration cycles overnight to save more. Solar households often find spa running costs close to negligible during the day because the spa quietly tops up while the sun's out.
How to cut your spa running costs
Most people are surprised at how much of a difference a few simple changes can make. Here's what actually moves the needle:
1. Look after your cover
The cover does most of the heat-retention work. A waterlogged or sagging cover can double your bill. Replace it every 4–6 years, keep the seal tight, and use a cover lifter so it sits properly every time. Browse our spa covers if yours is due.
2. Set a sensible temperature
Most Aussies sit happily at 36–38°C. Every extra degree above that costs measurably more over a year. If you're not using the spa for a few days, dropping it 1–2°C and bringing it back up costs less than holding it at peak temperature the whole time.
3. Use the economy mode
Modern spas have economy or sleep modes that drop the temperature slightly between heating cycles. On a well-insulated spa, this can shave 15–25% off your standby cost without you noticing a difference at use time.
4. Run filtration cycles off-peak
If you're on a time-of-use plan, schedule your daily filtration during off-peak hours. It's a small change but adds up over a year.
5. Consider a heat pump
For larger spas and swim spas, a spa heat pump can cut electricity use significantly — often by 40–60% compared to standard element heating. The payback period varies, but for high-use households the savings are real.
6. Site your spa well
A spa that's sheltered from wind, on a paved or decked surface, and ideally with some side cover will lose less heat than one exposed to the elements. Even a simple gazebo can make a noticeable difference.
7. Buy a well-insulated spa to start with
This is the biggest decision. Full-foam insulation, perimeter foam, reflective layers and high-quality covers are what separate a $25/month spa from a $100/month one. Our energy-efficient spas page walks through what to look for.
Beyond electricity: chemistry and filters
Electricity is the biggest variable, but there are a few smaller running costs worth knowing about:
- Sanitiser and balancers: roughly $20–$40 per month for routine chemistry on a family spa. Tablets, granular chlorine or bromine, plus pH and alkalinity products.
- Filter cartridges: typically $40–$120 per year depending on the spa and how heavily it's used. Some can be deep-cleaned and reused for a season before replacing.
- Water changes: a full drain and refill every 3–4 months. The water cost is small in most Australian metro areas — usually a few dollars per refill.
- Annual service or check-up: optional but worthwhile, particularly after the first year. Catches small issues before they become big bills.
What about heating costs in winter?
Winter running costs are higher than summer, but for most Australian climates the difference is smaller than people expect on a well-insulated modern spa. As a rough guide, winter costs run 30–60% higher than summer for the same usage. A spa that costs $30/month in February might cost $45–$50/month in July. In Tasmania, the Victorian highlands and the Snowy region, the difference can be larger.
The cover earns its keep in winter. So does insulation. If you're shopping right now and you live somewhere with real winters, prioritise insulation and cover quality even more than the headline jet count.
How to estimate your own spa's running cost
If you want a back-of-the-envelope estimate before buying, here's the rough maths:
- Find the spa's stated daily standby consumption in kWh (good manufacturers publish this — ask if it's not listed).
- Multiply by your tariff (around $0.28–$0.45/kWh).
- Multiply by 30 for a monthly figure.
- Add a small uplift for your typical weekly use.
Example: a spa that uses 3 kWh/day on standby at $0.35/kWh = $1.05/day = roughly $32/month. Add a few dollars for actual use, and you're at $35–$40/month.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to keep a spa on or turn it off between uses?
For most spas used at least once a week, leaving it on at a slightly reduced temperature (or in economy mode) is cheaper than letting it cool fully and re-heating from cold. Re-heating uses a lot of energy in one hit. For spas used less than once a fortnight, turning it off between uses can make sense.
How much does a heat pump save on a spa?
On larger spas and swim spas, a quality heat pump typically reduces electricity used for heating by 40–60%. The savings are larger in temperate climates and on higher-use spas. They're less impactful on small spas that already use little energy.
Do spas use a lot of water?
No. A typical family spa holds 1,000–1,800 litres and only needs a full water change every 3–4 months. In metro Australia, the water cost is usually a few dollars per refill — far less than most people expect.
Will my power bill double when I get a spa?
Almost never on a modern, well-insulated spa. A more realistic expectation is an extra $25–$60 per month on the bill, depending on the spa and usage. Older or poorly insulated models can be more.
Are Australian-made spas more energy efficient?
They tend to be, because they're designed for the climate and water hardness they'll actually live in. Build standards like full-foam insulation, suction-less filtration and good cover seals are common on our Australian-made spa range. The upfront price is higher, but the running cost over years is usually lower.
Want help estimating your spa's running cost?
If you're comparing spas and want a realistic monthly figure, the Just Spas team can walk you through the numbers based on the models you're considering and your location. Browse our spas and swim spas, then get in touch for a no-obligation chat. We can also help you choose a heat pump or replacement cover if you already own a spa and want to bring the bill down.