Winter is one of the best times to enjoy your hot tub — crisp air, warm water, and total relaxation. But it’s also the season when energy bills can climb. The good news? With smart planning and the right tariff, you can keep your running costs low, even in the cold months.
At New Forest Hot Tubs, we want our customers to enjoy their spas all year round without worrying about energy usage. That’s why we recommend looking into Octopus Agile, a tariff that rewards you for heating your hot tub at the cheapest times of day.
Here’s a simple, practical guide written specifically for hot tub owners.
What Is Octopus Agile (and Why Hot Tub Owners Love It)?
Octopus Agile is a half‑hourly electricity tariff where prices change every 30 minutes based on the wholesale market.
This means:
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Prices are often much cheaper overnight
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Prices drop during windy or sunny periods
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You can heat your hot tub for a fraction of the normal cost if you time it right
Hot tubs are perfect for Agile because heating is the most expensive part — and you can schedule it when electricity is cheapest.
Winter Hot Tub Tip: Heat Cheap, Maintain Warm
Most hot tubs don’t run heaters constantly. They heat up to the set temperature, then “top up” periodically.
Here’s how to save money:
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Do the main heat-up during cheap Agile hours (usually 1am–6am)
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Let the tub maintain temperature through the day
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Avoid the 4pm–7pm peak window where Agile rates are usually highest
This simple switch can dramatically reduce your winter running costs.
Example: How Agile Helps Hot Tub Owners
On many winter days:
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Night rates can drop extremely low
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Off‑peak daytime dips give bonus cheap windows
If your heater is 2kW–3kW, running it during cheap rates instead of peak rates can mean:
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Huge savings over each 24‑hour period
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Lower overall monthly running costs
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More affordable winter soaking!
🛠️ How to Use Your Hot Tub Efficiently on Agile
Optimising your tub for winter + Agile savings is easy.
1. Use a Smart Plug or Timer for Heating
Schedule main heating cycles during the cheapest half‑hours.
2. Keep Your Lid Insulated and Locked
Lid insulation = the biggest difference in heat loss.
3. Use a Heat‑Retention Mat Under the Tub
Reduces heat loss into cold ground.
4. Drop Temperature Slightly When Not in Use
Lowering by even 1–2°C can reduce energy draw during peak periods.
5. Pair Agile With Cold Nights
Counter‑intuitive, but wind turbines often run harder in winter — pushing prices down at night.
Eco‑Friendly Soaking
By shifting heating to Agile's off‑peak periods, you're not only saving money — you're also using greener energy.
Hot tub comfort + environmental benefits = a win‑win.
Want to Switch to Octopus Agile?
If you’d like to join Octopus Energy (including Agile), you can use our referral link below:
👉 Sign up with this link: https://share.octopus.energy/rose-shrew-806
You’ll receive £50 off your bill, and we’ll get £50 too.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying your hot tub through the winter doesn’t have to mean high bills. With Octopus Agile and smart heating schedules, you can relax in warm bubbles for less.
If you need help setting up your hot tub for maximum efficiency, or want advice on winter care, we’re always here to help at New Forest Hot Tubs.
