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Hey Bene, Have you ever asked your brother what it cost him to operate? From what you have said it probably didn't matter much to him though!! Good luck...........Sean
One thing I noticed is that this thing does not seem like it is will insulated at all. It's got some bubble wrap and a piece of styrofoam around it. Thats it. I just does not seem well insulated.
So what are you expecting. Fiberglass insulation between the shell and the tub? If I find that the bill is crazy high I just may run it until Sept/ OCt then shut it down for a 6 months.
They are poorly insulated and I would not wait for the bill to come to get into action. Visit your local home depot and explain your situation and see what alternatives they show you. Whatever you sped will come back to you in a more reasonable bill. If you're not a DIYer consider hiring a handyman to insulate if for you. I'll bet you can save $15 to $50 per month by improving the insulation (total guess not knowing your power rates or climate or how poorly it is set up now though I'll bet its very minimal) so you'll get back what you spend.
Some times i don't understand the concept here.Look you are getting a free tub. most people paying 6000$ and up.Don't worry so much about a 30 higher power bill.Have fun with your tub.Regards Frank
On the better spas what is used for insulation? (with the exception of foam)