How We Save Money Operating Our Hot Tub

We moved into an home that has a gorgeous hot tub and I couldn’t be happier about it. I have wanted an hot tub for years and now I finally have one. Owning a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax, but the costs of running and maintaining it can add up quickly. During the last 3 months since our move, we’ve found several ways to cut down on expenses while still keeping our hot tub clean, efficient, and enjoyable. By making small adjustments to energy usage, using DIY cleaners, and choosing cost-effective maintenance strategies, we’ve significantly reduced our hot tub costs.

Ways to Reduce Hot Tub Operating Costs

1. Optimize Heating Efficiency

• Use a well-insulated cover – A high-quality cover prevents heat loss and reduces the need to reheat the water frequently. This hot tub cover will not only protect the tub but acts as an extra layer of safety if you have kids. 

• Lower the temperature when not in use – Dropping the temperature by a few degrees (especially in warmer months) can save energy.

• Use a floating thermal blanket – This helps trap heat and reduces evaporation, lowering heating costs.

2. Reduce Energy Consumption

• Run the pump during off-peak hours – Many power companies charge lower rates during certain hours, so running the hot tub at night or early morning can save money. Using a timer for your hot tub is a great way to run it at the exact time you want. 

• Turn off air jets when not in use – Air jets cool the water quickly, making the heater work harder.

• Keep the hot tub full – Water retains heat better than air, so maintaining the proper water level helps reduce heating time. 

Using lights is such a great way to add ambiance to your tub time. We don’t use the lights that are installed in our hot tub we bought these great rechargeable hot tub lights and they are super bright and take batteries so it is way more cost efficient.

3. Save on Chemicals

• Test water regularly – Keeping pH and chlorine levels balanced prevents the need for excessive chemicals.

• Shower before entering – This minimizes contaminants, reducing the need for extra sanitizers.

• Use alternative sanitizers – A combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide can help reduce reliance on expensive store-bought chemicals.

4. DIY Hot Tub Cleaners & Chemicals

Making your own hot tub cleaners is a great way to save money and reduce exposure to harsh chemicals. Here are a few simple, effective DIY solutions:

1. DIY Hot Tub Filter Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup baking soda

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar and baking soda in a bucket of water.

2. Soak the filter for 1-2 hours.

3. Rinse thoroughly before placing it back in the hot tub.

It is about half price to buy the filters for your hot tub on Amazon then it is in store. 

2. Homemade Hot Tub Surface Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.

2. Spray on the hot tub shell and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

3. Rinse with water before refilling.

3. Natural Hot Tub Shock Alternative

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%) per 100 gallons of water

Instructions:

1. Add hydrogen peroxide directly to the water after use.

2. Run the jets for 10-15 minutes to circulate.

3. Test levels before using the tub again.

Final Thoughts

With a few smart strategies, running a hot tub doesn’t have to be expensive. By optimizing energy use, maintaining proper chemical balance, and using DIY cleaners, we’ve managed to enjoy our hot tub while keeping costs low. If you’re looking to save money while keeping your hot tub in top condition, give these tips a try!

Benefits Of Collagen & How To Increase Intake

Collagen supplements can be hit or miss, depending on how your body absorbs them, so I did some digging before trying Naked Marine Collagen. While the potential benefits—like improved skin, hair, joints, and muscle recovery—sound great, it’s not always clear if a product will deliver.

The benefits of Naked Marine Collagen: 

Naked Marine Collagen has only one ingredient: Premium marine collagen peptides sourced from wild-caught cod to help unlock your natural inner glow. 

Highly bioavailable marine collagen is easily absorbed by your body resulting in more radiant skin, shiny hair, and strong nails.

An odourless and tasteless protein powder that dissolves easily in your favourite hot or cold beverages like coffee, tea, or smoothies.

Collagen is an essential protein for healthy growth and nutrition. The body produces it naturally but as you age it produces less. There are very few scientific studies to prove that collagen improves pain, skin, gut health, or improve muscle mass but there are chances that these benefits could happen. And taking collagen has no negative impacts so it might be worth it to try. 

One of the biggest perks of this collagen is how easy it is to use. It has very little to no taste, so you can mix it into just about anything—smoothies, coffee, or even plain water—without it being noticeable. That makes it a lot more convenient than other supplements that might have a strong flavour or unpleasant texture.

My oldest son, Tyson, is a real gym rat who’s always on the lookout for natural products to enhance his fitness and recovery. He’s hoping this collagen will help with his shoulder pain during workouts and improve his hair and skin. Since collagen is such a key component of joint and skin health, the potential benefits of this product—if they pan out—could be truly worth it.

While looking up the benefits of collagen it was also a great idea to look into foods you can add to your diet that are high in natural collagen because that is always the best way to obtain proteins. 

1. Bone Broth – One of the best sources of collagen, made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues.

2. Chicken Skin & Cartilage – High in type II collagen, great for joint health.

3. Beef (especially tough cuts with connective tissue) – Contains type I and III collagen.

4. Fish Skin & Scales – Marine collagen, often considered highly bioavailable.

5. Pork Skin & Rinds – Another natural source of collagen, often used in collagen supplements.

6. Gelatin – Made from collagen and used in gummies, desserts, and broths.

Collagen-Boosting Foods

These foods help your body produce more collagen:

1. Egg Whites – Contain proline, an amino acid essential for collagen production.

2. Citrus Fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) – High in vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis.

3. Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.

4. Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – Contain chlorophyll, which may boost collagen levels.

5. Garlic – Contains sulfur, which helps prevent collagen breakdown.

6. Tomatoes & Bell Peppers – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene.

7. Nuts & Seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews) – Provide zinc and copper, which support collagen production.

8. Shellfish & Oysters – High in zinc, a key mineral for collagen formation.

9. Soy Products (tofu, tempeh, soy milk) – Contain genistein, which may help prevent collagen breakdown.

Here is a great list of simple recipes you can make using these collagen boosting ingredients:

Here are some collagen-rich and collagen-boosting recipes to help you incorporate more of these nutrients into your diet!

Image Credit

1. Bone Broth Soup (Collagen-Rich)

A classic way to get natural collagen from animal bones.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef, chicken, or fish bones

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract collagen)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 tsp salt

• Water (enough to cover bones)

• Optional: leafy greens, turmeric, or ginger for extra nutrients

Instructions:

1. Roast bones at 400°F for 30 minutes (optional but adds flavor).

2. Place in a slow cooker with all ingredients.

3. Cover with water and cook on low for 12-24 hours.

4. Strain and enjoy as a soup base or sip warm.

2. Berry Citrus Collagen Smoothie (Collagen-Boosting)

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to support collagen synthesis.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop collagen powder (optional for extra boost)

• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• ½ cup orange juice (or fresh squeezed lemon/lime)

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (for protein)

• 1 tbsp flaxseeds or chia seeds (for omega-3s)

• 1 cup almond milk or water

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Enjoy immediately for a refreshing collagen-boosting drink.

3. Garlic & Lemon Chicken (Collagen-Rich & Boosting)

Great for skin, joints, and muscle recovery.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs (with skin for collagen)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt & pepper

• ½ tsp turmeric (anti-inflammatory)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown (about 5 minutes).

3. Flip, add garlic and lemon juice, and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

4. Serve with steamed spinach or kale for extra vitamin C.

4. Egg White & Spinach Scramble (Collagen-Boosting)

High in proline and vitamin C for collagen production.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites

• ½ cup fresh spinach

• ¼ avocado (for healthy fats)

• 1 tbsp feta cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

3. Pour in egg whites and scramble gently.

4. Serve with avocado and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Eating a combination of collagen-rich and collagen-boosting foods can help support healthy skin, joints, and overall body function.

Time will tell if Naked Marine Collagen lives up to the hype, but for now, it’s an easy-to-use, promising option for anyone looking to support their body from the inside out. Naked Nutrition has all kinds of amazing supplements for your health journey, take a look at their great products today and begin