How to use less energy and save money in your spa operations

As energy prices increase, and health clubs like Bannatyne announce they are reducing pool temperatures to save on energy bills, we talk to five spa business leaders about how to save energy in your spa.

Bannatyne operates in 69 locations, 40 of its Health Clubs include an in-house Bannatyne Spa and its owner, Duncan Bannatyne, recently revealed that he has reduced the temperatures of swimming pools at his chain of spas and health clubs.

“They were turned down by one degree to help us combat the energy crisis,” Bannatyne told The Telegraph. “Some other clubs have closed pools or hot tubs and many clubs and leisure centres will close during the next few months.”

It is a common story at health clubs. Gym chain Nuffield Health announced last month that it was closing its 72 jacuzzis until spring. The move was said to enable it to keep swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms open at its 114 gyms.

The UK government has announced a series of measures to support business with the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The scheme will help businesses with energy costs from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. Businesses don’t need to apply for the scheme, the discount will automatically be added to bills.

The crisis is affecting all parts of the spa industry, so many operators are using this time to review their energy use and make plans for the future of their business. Our experts explain what measures they are taking to save money as energy bills rise:

Independent analysis

Jamie Pagan, senior director of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, explains how his team are dealing with the rise in energy bills.

“We currently have several ongoing initiatives in the spa including the completion of in-depth energy report by a third-party company, and the implementation of recommendations. These include time control adjustment for ventilation equipment, slight reduction in primary boiler temperatures, survey and remediation of pipework insulation and lagging and further conversion to LED for back of house lighting.

“We are embarking on a major investment to install higher efficiency boilers, this project has been implemented and is in progress. We plan a future Capex application for installation of solar thermal pre-heating of feed water to the hot water boilers.”

Educating teams

Kirsty MacCormick, founder, The Spa Consultancy and group spa manager, Crerar Hotels discusses key point to consider during the winter period.

“Many spa and salon owners are extremely concerned about what the next few months will bring. For many when realigning expenditure, beauty and spa services are the first to go.

“Typically, the personal care sector is a high energy user and as utility rates increase so do overheads, this will put a risk to jobs and livelihoods. For us to survive this challenging next six months we must be mindful of teaching our teams to save energy where possible and be careful not to create unnecessary waste along with reviewing our opening times and days.

The support of our clients and guests is essential and each and everyone should be encouraged to continue to book services at their local salons or spa.”

New approaches to save energy in your spa

Amanda Jennings, spa manager at Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall discusses the measures her team are implementing.

“The challenges we face whilst operating a luxury destination spa in the current economic climate means we are initiating procedures that help drive down and control energy consumption, ensuring this does not directly affect guest experience.

“We resource as much renewable energy as possible to support our continued rising costs and we are fortunate to have led innovation techniques, including installation of our CHP unit, combined heat and power resource using gas to produce electricity across the property.

“With regards to some small remedial measures, we are continuously reassessing the period of time our spa water features are in use and are also sourcing pipe jackets for our pool plant area to aid a higher level of insulation while maintaining heat.

“Our team are also our biggest asset who can help us through this difficult time, they treat Seaham Hall as they would their own home and help to conserve energy daily, protecting our future.”

Renewable energy sources

Tara Moore, head of spa operations at the Galgorm Collection, explains how the team are exploring renewable energy options on site.

“At Galgorm, we have seen a significant rise in energy costs covering both electric and gas, as well as increases across product ranges, food and drink. This coupled with the increase in the living wage in April 2022 has meant we have had to look at ways to reduce costs without compromising the guest experience and doing so in a way that supports the achievement of goals detailed in our sustainability commitment, launched earlier this year.

“Jonny McKay and I head up our sustainability committee and are passionate about championing sustainable practices across the Collection. We work in collaboration with the team so that each individual introduce greater efficiencies in our journey to become carbon neutral by 2030.

“Initiatives that we have implemented over the past 12 months include: removing plastic water bottles and replacing them with mains filtered water stations; introducing a fleet of electric vehicles that includes laundry and maintenance buggies; and investing in a new building management system for controlling heat systems. Sensor lights have been implemented in back of house areas to conserve energy. Halogen lights have been replaced with LED lights throughout the resort.

“We are embarking on an exciting sustainable solar and hydro project in the coming year, which will involve creating four acres of solar energy that will produce electricity in the summer months. Further plans to harness the potential of our own weir to product hydropower that will generate power in the winter months.”

Simple changes to save energy in your spa

Rachel Webb, general manager (maternity cover), UK Spa Association reveals simple changes to make in your spa today.

“Spas and health clubs are vital to improving the health and wellbeing of people of all ages, both mentally and physically. With the rising energy costs posing very real and significant issue for the sector, it is vital immediate action is required to stop the closure of essential services and our facilities.

“Turn off lights and unnecessary equipment when not in use and during closed hours, although be mindful that air conditioners and some units as some may need to remain powered. Use swimming pool covers with humidity control in spa areas – reduce air temperatures when covers are on and humidity drops.”