Can you use a hot tub in the rain?

We’ve all been there: just as you’re getting ready to soak up the sun on a lovely day, the heavens open and the rain changes your plans. It’s a classic scenario, but what can you do when bad weather interrupts your hot tub session?

Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about using your hot tub in the rain, or any other bad weather. We’ll give you our tips for enjoying the best session possible when it’s pouring down, and show you how you can stop rain from affecting your tub’s performance.

 

Can I use my hot tub in the rain?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of a hot tub is that it can be used year-round in any weather and climate – whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, or warming up in the winter – so long as it’s in good condition and properly cared for. While a spot of rain can slightly affect the chemistry of your hot tub, the difference will be too small to notice unless you’re using it in torrential rain.

Hot tubs are also fine to use in hot weather, snow, and more. If the weather works out okay for you, it works out okay for your tub! So long as you care for your spa system properly, any time of year is fine for a dip.

 

What weather should I avoid using my hot tub in?

The only weather to avoid bathing in is lightning, as it’s not worth the risk. While it’s very unlikely that your hot tub will be hit in these conditions, it’s safest to remain indoors as you typically would during a thunderstorm.

 

Tips for a rainy-day hot tub session

Although rainy weather isn’t ideal for enjoying your hot tub, there are still plenty of ways you can brave the rainfall and have a nice, relaxing soak. Want to make the most of your session without the weather getting in your way? Here are our best tips for keeping the conditions at bay when you’re using your tub.

 

Be prepared for the cold

For most people, the biggest issue with using a hot tub in bad weather isn’t when you’re actually in the water, it’s when you’re out of it. Our bodies sometimes struggle to adapt to sudden changes in temperature, so it’s best to prepare for braving the cold before and after your hot tub session.

Before entering the water, you can start warming up early by having a hot drink or wearing comfy clothes to the tub. Make sure to bring suitable clothing for when you leave too, such as a bathrobe, and a towel to dry off quickly. Don’t leave them out in the rain though – remember to shelter them so they won’t be wet when you need to use them!

 

Shield yourself from the rain

Hot tubs are best when you can soak up the sun as you relax, but if the weather is less forgiving, you can protect yourself from the rain with some well-placed shade. Consider setting up an umbrella or parasol, so that you can bathe without being drenched in cold water. If your hot tub is already under shelter, such as on a porch, then you’ll be fine.

If a makeshift shelter doesn’t seem possible, then a wide-brimmed hat can help protect you from rainfall in a pinch.

 

Wear appropriate footwear

Anyone who’s been near a pool knows that water can make surfaces slippery and dangerous, so it’s important to wear appropriate shoes when moving between your home and your hot tub. Opt for shoes with good grip and that you don’t mind getting wet in case they’re left in the rain or splashed by your hot tub water. Nobody wants to ruin that expensive new pair of trainers!

 

Protect your skin

Just as you would when you’re bathing in the sunshine, you can take extra steps to protect your skin while you use your hot tub in the rain too. Instead of applying sun cream, try moisturising before your soak to avoid your skin feeling dry after you leave the water. This can be especially useful if you’re going to be spending a long time in the tub.

 

Test your water once you’re finished

It’s much too small to be obvious, but rain can change the chemical makeup of your hot tub’s water by slowly changing the pH, total alkalinity, and hardness over time. It’ll take a particularly torrential storm to change it overnight, but you can still maintain your tub’s health with the right level of care and attention. 

When you’re finished bathing in the rain, make sure to check up on all the essential levels of chemicals in your hot tub, and fix any issues that might affect future sessions. You can also consider getting a hot tub service to futureproof your tub and avoid any costly issues that might come up.

 

How to protect a hot tub from the rain

Rain takes a long time to change the makeup of your hot tub, but the effects of lots of stormy days and nights will build up over time. While it’s not in use, consider using hot tub covers to shield your tub from any unwanted rainwater and keep the levels of chemicals stable.

Other than covering your tub, maintenance after a storm should be relatively simple and light unless you’ve noticed any serious damage.

 

Are hot tubs suitable for any weather?

There are no major issues with using a hot tub in the rain, so long as there’s no lightning and you’re sensible about protecting your tub from the elements. It’s important to keep your system in shape for the whole year, regardless of the weather, so read our guide to summer maintenance if you’re looking to sort your spa out for better weather! 

If you’re looking to invest in a new hot tub for your home so you can beat those rainy day blues, why not browse The Wellness Co.’s collection of all the UK’s top brands? We have options to suit any budget, as well as a host of top-quality accessories and replacement parts, so you can be sure your order is in safe hands!