Last Updated on September 14, 2023

In the states where the climate is frigid in the winter, like the northeast, as an example, the cold temperatures can seem endless. Having a hot tub is a saving grace.

Many people love to indulge in the leisure of the hot waters in the cool of winter to break away from the winter blahs. Click here for the benefits of basking in the warmth of a hot tub.

Winter has its own set of care requirements to ensure the systems run smoothly and efficiently. It’s essential to keep the water and piping from freezing, which can do significant damage to the unit. A primary factor is always having the cover on when you’re not using the spa.

This helps keep the heat in and protects the hot tub from outside elements. The water shouldn’t be exposed to sleet, snow, or ice, let alone the brutal temps. Let’s review suggestions for using the hot tub during the winter months, keeping effective maintenance techniques as a priority.

Tips for Using a Hot Tub in the Winter 

One of the premium times to use a hot tub is winter. The beauty of the seasons surrounds you, but you’re warm and cozy in the warmth of the tub.

It’s even more blissful with jets massaging away any tension and stress that might have been lingering. Add a hot spiced cider to that, and you will have a surreal winter experience.

The spa will need a few extra precautions in addition to the standard schedule you follow for routine maintenance in the frigid temperatures than other seasons to ensure it will run at peak performance. These tips will help to keep the system running efficiently and smoothly.

· An insulated cover is essential

The hot tub water will need to be protected from the elements. It’s important to invest in an insulated cover to keep the heat inside the unit. This will keep the heater from working double time and keep the water close to its temperature. Water will lose a majority of its warmth at the top.

The cover must be free of ice and snow or sleet accumulations if the tub is out in the open with no overhead structure. If there’s a buildup of “6” or greater,” it’s suggested to use a broom to sweep off the accumulation. You should avoid using a shovel on your spa cover.

This is a good way to destroy a hot tub cover since a shovel will often result in tears or gashes in the material.

· A thermal blanket should be an added layer

If you’re in a particularly frigid climate, the suggestion is to invest in a thermal blanket. This layer will be applied to the water surface directly under the hot tub cover. It’s extra protection from the brutal cold the spa is exposed to, keeping the water to temperature.

An insulated cover is ideal for maintaining the water temperature and keeping energy bills at a manageable level.

Despite below-average temperatures, these will prevent the possibility of freezing and are affordable to buy. Find out how to select the best hot tub at https://home.howstuffworks.com/5-tips-to-select-a-hot-tub.htm.

· Water temperatures in the winter

Water temperature is a priority in the winter especially. No tub should go above 104 degrees F, and modern, new tubs don’t have the capacity to rise above this setting because those in authority have deemed it unsafe to do so.

The recommendation is to keep the temp between “97 and 104 degrees F in the winter.”

The colder the climate, the longer it takes for a hot tub to warm up to the desired temperature. By performing standard care and upkeep and keeping the system at your desired temp, you’ll be able to use the spa whenever you want to all year long.

· Avoid pipes freezing

In the same vein as pipes freezing in the household, lines are also at risk within the hot tub in winter. The recommendation is to turn on the hot tub’s freeze protection. This isn’t available with all models or brands.

If your equipment doesn’t have this setting, the other option is to set the timer switch to turn on roughly every 20 minutes to ensure warm water circulation continues through the piping. You can also contact your professional service tech about having an “auxiliary freeze sensor” added to the system.

Final Thought

Proper spa maintainence is imperative even through the winter season. If you close the tub down during the winter, adequate professional winterization is essential. An improperly winterized spa can lead to freezing plumbing lines and cracking, resulting in expensive repairs that won’t be considered under warranty.

If you intend to use it all winter, you shouldn’t change the water when the temperatures are frigid. This should be done while it’s still mild. Then, throughout the winter, partial changes are recommended to get through the bitterly cold weather.

When maintained adequately, you should enjoy pleasant hot water to warm chilled bones on those frigid winter evenings.