The last thing any hot tub owner wants to worry about is their hot tub overheating. Unfortunately, preventing overheating is a reality of hot tub ownership, especially during the dog days of summer.
Here, we’ll show you four handy tips you can use to make sure your hot tub runs smoothly and stays cool, even on the most sweltering days:
- Turn down the temperature.
- Add cool water.
- Don’t run your filter when it’s hot.
- Add some shade.
1. Turn Down the Temperature
The most straightforward solution to hot tub overheating is to simply turn down the temperature of your hot tub. Remember, if you have your hot tub set to 100 degrees during the winter, it may heat up even more in the summer.
To remedy this, try setting your hot tub at a lower temperature, like 98 degrees. After a few hours, check your hot tub’s temperature to see if it’s cooled down to a more reasonable temperature.
Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a hot tub with a greater temperature range. Some spas, such as those equipped with AnyTemp® technology, can be set to run at a cold, cool, tepid, warm or hot temperature.
Even in 115 degree weather with 85 percent humidity, an AnyTemp spa can maintain a temperature of just 85 degrees.
2. Add Cool Water
Since hot tubs are always recirculating and heating their water, it can be difficult for them to lower their temperature when the weather heats up.
To remedy this, try adding some cool water into the mix. All you’ll need to do is:
- Turn off your hot tub.
- Drain some of the water.
- Replace it with fresh, cool water from your garden hose.
- Turn the hot tub back on, preferably at a lower temperature setting.
It really is that easy. After adding some cool water, your hot tub should have no trouble maintaining a lower temperature.
3. Don’t Run Your Filter When It’s Hot
Most spas are pre-programmed to run a filtration cycle twice per day, usually for a few hours at a time. Naturally, the hot tub’s machinery tends to heat up during this process, which can be risky in hot weather.
If your spa is at risk for overheating, it would be wise to reschedule the filtration cycles to only run during the coolest. That means either very early in the morning or very late at night, when outdoor temperatures are at their lowest.
According to an article from Weather 101 titled, “When is the coldest and hottest time of day?,” temperatures are at their lowest just after the sun rises, and at their hottest around 3 or 4 p.m.
If you schedule your filtration cycles accordingly, you should see an improvement in your hot tub’s daytime temperature.
4. Add Some Shade
It makes sense that when in direct sun, it can be more difficult for hot tubs to maintain an appropriate temperature. If your hot tub doesn’t have any shade during the warmest parts of the day, consider adding some yourself.
You can do this with a:
- Gazebo
- Enclosure
- Patio umbrella
- Pop-up canopy
- Shade sail
No matter which option you choose, a little shade can go a long way toward preventing your hot tub from overheating. For help choosing between a gazebo and a hot tub enclosure, read our previous blog post here.
With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your hot tub cool and well-maintained, even during the most scorching days.
To learn more about how to get the most out of your hot tub in the warmer months, check out: The Ultimate Guide to Using Your Hot Tub in the Summer.
