Once you have made your hot tub purchase, you will need to establish some kind of maintenance program. A key element of this program revolves around the heater. By maintaining a strict program of cleaning and servicing with chemicals and the like, the hot tub heater is likely to last significantly longer. However, you may at some point be faced with the prospect of heater replacement for any number of reasons.

Given rising energy costs, you may be interested in installing a heater that is more energy efficient. For the frequent hot tub user, a new and efficient heater can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. If you make the determination to keep your current spa and decide to go for a new heater, get started soon because energy prices are only likely to increase over time.

Your options are limited mostly to gas or electric heaters. Each heater, regardless of the manufacturer, should be rated for energy efficiency. Check with your local dealer or reseller to help make the comparisons.  Another more expensive (at least initially) option is a solar powered heater. Depending on the brand or age of your spa, this may not be a feasible option. If you are really interested in going “green,” check out some of the newer models by Caldera, Bullfrog, CalSpa and the like for solar solutions. You may end up with a heater system that is integrated with your overall home solar solution.

If you have limited your heater choices to gas or electric, you will need to do a little investigating on your own. Generally speaking, gas is a more cost effective solution than electricity. However, due to the make of your hot tub, an electric heater may be your only choice. In that case shop around for the most efficient and least expensive heater that you can install on your spa. You will also need to factor in the amount of water that you are heating and the frequency that you use your tub to make a final choice.

Do you want to keep your hot tub’s water in an always heated state? Are you patient enough to wait for the water to heat up or do you want instant gratification? The answers to these questions and more will help you determine the appropriate heater for your tub.

For ease of use, electric heaters are a quick and easy solution.  The choices are simple for the kind of connection — 110 volt or 220 volt.  The outlets in most cases are held within the construction of the tub itself. Repairs to electric heaters, as a general rule, are quite easy. For frequent soakers, propane and gas heaters are thought to be more cost effective with only a few exceptions.

If you do encounter heater problems, always check to see if you hot tub is under warranty. Some of the newer high-end hot tub manufactures will include extended warranties that cover some parts for up to ten years. Likewise, with Caldera and Bull Frog hot tubs, for example, you will most likely have a heater that has a modern and highly efficient heat-transfer mechanism

Just knowing a little about heaters and other hot tub elements will help you appropriately assess your specific needs. Review what you want out of your hot tub and make your heater decision accordingly.

Jenn Lund writes more about the Hot Tub Heater at http://www.HotTubResearch.com