How much work is it to maintain your hot tub in freezing weather? Good question.
If you own a hot tub, then you know that enjoying it during the winter can be a real treat!
However, keeping your hot tub in optimal condition during freezing weather can be a bit of a challenge.
In this blog post, we will provide you with essential tips for maintaining your hot tub in freezing weather.
We’ll give you advice on how to keep the water temperature comfortable, how to prevent snow and ice from building up on the cover, and how to properly winterize your hot tub.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your hot tub all winter long!
Using Your Hot Tub in Freezing Weather.
Using your hot tub during winter is one of the most satisfying times to do so.
As snow falls around you and cold air dances on the outside of your hot tub, you stay nice and toasty on the inside.
Add in stress-melting jets giving you a massage while the hot water bubbles around your skin and you’ve got the recipe for bliss and relaxation.
The surreal feeling of being outside in freezing temperatures in a steaming hot oasis, with friends, and a tasty hot beverage in your hand is truly surreal.
Hot tubs are also a great way to help you get the sleep you deserve!
It isn’t all fun and games, though.
There are certain precautions you must take before you can reap the benefits of your hot tub in the winter.
We will look at these below!
Proper Hot Tub Water Temperature in Freezing Weather.
One of the most important things to remember when you start to maintain your hot tub in freezing weather is to keep the water temperature at a comfortable level.
The ideal range is between 98° and 104°.
When it’s frigid out, your hot tub will take longer to heat up, keeping it at the suggested temperatures will ensure that your water will always be ready for you!
In Freezing Weather, Your Hot Tub Cover Is Key.
Another important tip is to keep the cover securely on the hot tub when not in use.
If you do notice snow or ice build-up, be sure to remove it promptly.
This will help to prevent snow and ice from building up on the surface and damaging your cover.
It also keeps snow from falling in when you remove your cover to use your hot tub, which can decrease water temperature and throw off water chemistry.
Most of the heat you will lose will come from the top of your hot tub.
Having a well-insulated cover is paramount to retaining heat.
You can also buy a thermal floating blanket.
This blanket floats on top of the hot tub water, helping to trap even more heat.
If your cover needs to be replaced, look at Wholesale Spa Covers!
Maintain hot tub chemistry in cold weather
It’s also important to continue to balance the water chemistry and clean the filters as normal, even during the winter.
This is a crucial step to maintain your hot tub during freezing weather.
This will help to keep your hot tub in top condition and prevent any problems from developing.
The last thing you want is to have to spend a copious amount of time in the cold weather fixing a hot tub issue.
This can be easily prevented through proper maintenance.
If you’re looking for a hot tub with easy maintenance – check out the Dr. Wellness series.
Keep proper hot tub water levels in freezing temperatures
Finally, be sure to top off the water as needed.
The water level should never drop below the level of the jets. If it does, you run the risk of damaging the pump.
A floating thermal blanket can also be a great investment here.
This will help to minimize heat loss and keep your hot tub running efficiently.
Winterizing your hot tub
If you do decide you don’t want to use your hot tub during the winter, you’ll want to winterize your hot tub.
When it comes time to winterize your hot tub, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow.
1. Flush the lines
Use a flush line product to clean bacteria and biofilm from the hot tub pipes. This will keep your hot tub from getting nasty lines over the winter months.
2. Turn off the power
3. Drain out the water
Use a sump pump or garden hose to drain your spa.
4. Loosen the unions
These connect the heater and pump to the pipelines; this will drain them. Re-tighten after draining.
5. Remove and soak the filter in solution
Filter cleaning solution will clean your filter, so it is ready for use the next time you use your hot tub. If it needs to be changed, just throw it away.
6. Remove excess water in pipes using a wet vac
Open the jets and suck out excess water with a wet vac. You don’t want that water freezing!
7. Clean the shell
Clean your hot tub shell with a non-abrasive cloth and hot tub cleaner, this makes sure your hot tub doesn’t get nasty over the winter months.
8. Ask your spa dealer about hot tub antifreeze (not automobile anti-freeze)
If they deem it worth doing, then you may want to consider this step.
Clean your hot tub cover with a gentle cover cleaner and secure it tightly to your spa.
Once you have winterized your hot tub properly, it is good to go for the winter!
Consult your spa dealer before winterizing your hot tub, as different hot tubs may require their own distinct winterization methods.
The winter hot tub wrap-up
If you’re looking to keep soaking all winter long, make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep your hot tub running well – especially in cold weather!
Follow our tips and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing soak even when it’s below-freezing outside.
Looking for the best-priced hot tubs on the market?
Have any questions about how to properly care for your hot tub during winter?
Any of our friendly spa experts at one of our locations will be happy to answer them!
