How to prepare your hot tub for winter

While you might not think it, for many of us, winter is one of the best times of the year to enjoy your hot tub! After all, there’s something magical about soaking in the warm, bubbling water of a winter hot tub while the chilly air swirls around you.

Of course, using a hot tub in winter isn’t for everyone, and you might be more inclined to turn it off for the winter. However, if you’ve never looked into shutting down your hot tub for winter, then there are a few important things to know.

From essential cold weather preparation to protect your hot tub’s internal system to maintaining your hot tub cover so that it doesn’t bend, read on to learn everything you need to know about how to winterise a hot tub!

 

Steps for shutting down a hot tub for winter

First things first, if you’re not planning to use your hot tub this winter, it’s important to properly winterize it to avoid any damage to its pipes and bowl from freezing temperatures.

Simply draining your hot tub and turning it off will not be enough to protect it from the elements. Instead, we recommend doing all of the following:

 

1. Switch off the power

Naturally, if you’re not using your hot tub over winter, then your first step should be to turn off the power to your hot tub completely. This includes shutting down the heater and any other electrical components and making sure that it’s disconnected from the mains power supply so it can’t accidentally be turned on.

 

2. Clean and empty your hot tub

Next, once your hot tub has been turned off, you’ll want to remove any debris from the water and then drain your hot tub in its entirety. And, just like with summer hot tub maintenance, once it’s empty, take some time to thoroughly clean the bowl, jets, filters, and any other components to remove any lingering debris from the system.

 

3. Dry and loosen all fittings and jets

With your hot tub nice and clean, it’s time to make sure that every drop of water is out of the fittings, pipes, and jets. Even a small amount of standing water can freeze and cause damage to your hot tub’s internal systems, so you want to flush the systems with air or use an external pump to remove any remaining water.

Once this is done, you should then loosen all your fittings and jets. This will give them room to expand and contract under the temperature changes and prevent them from cracking or breaking entirely.

 

4. Remove the filter and cover

Finally, once your hot tub has fully dried, remove the filters and store them elsewhere so they won’t be damaged by the cold, and then place your hot tub cover securely in place so that no snow can get in and it won’t be taken off by the wind.

 

Prepping a hot tub in winter

Rather than shutting your hot tub down for the cold months, you might decide that you want to pop in for a soak every now and then as a winter treat. If so, this is what you need to know about using your hot tub in winter:

 

1. Consider relocation

If you want to save money when using your hot tub over winter, then it’s essential that you minimise temperature loss as much as possible. Needless to say, wind chill can make your hot tub experience less enjoyable and increase heating costs.

So, consider moving your hot tub to a different spot that’s more sheltered from the wind. This simple move can make a huge difference in the comfort of your hot tub experience and improve energy efficiency while the cover is off.

 

2. Change the water and clean your tub

Even if you plan to use your hot tub over winter, it’s always worth giving your hot tub a fresh clean before the cold really sets in. Drain the old water, scrub everything down with the right cleaning products, and make sure your filters and jets are spotless. The, refill with clean water and let it heat up as usual.

 

3. Keep your cover secure and clear

A tight, secure cover is crucial in winter in order to keep in your hot tub’s heat and prevent debris from sneaking in. Therefore, regardless of how often you’ll be using your hot tub in winter, always replace and secure the cover after use to trap the heat.

On top of this, we recommend keeping your hot tub cover clear of snow and ice when possible. This will prevent your hot tub cover from sagging and ensure that you can remove the cover should you want to use it.

 

4. Add a thermal blanket

A thermal blanket can be a game-changer for hot tub maintenance during winter! Acting like an extra layer of insulation, such a blanket will keep your hot tub warm and your energy bills down by keeping in that extra layer of heat.

 

5. Utilize Freeze Protection mode

If you’re in a region where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, some hot tubs come equipped with a freeze protection mode. This helps protect your pump and internal mechanisms from freezing, keeping everything running smoothly. So, if you do have it, make use of it.

 

Get the winter hot tub experience with The Wellness Co.

And there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about how to winterise a hot tub and shutting a hot tub down for winter. With this info in hand, you should have no trouble keeping your hot tub in ship-shape condition over the colder months and enjoying a refreshing soak or two while the snow is falling.

Of course, if you’re yet to invest in a hot tub and want one ready to go for winter, then take a look at The Wellness Co. range today! From hot tubs and swim spas to ice baths and more, we’ve something for everyone in our range.

Get in touch today to find out more about our product range or book a visit to our showroom, and don’t forget to visit our inspiration blog for more hot tub advice pieces like this one.

 

Winter hot tub FAQs

Still have a few questions around winter hot tub use? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions on the topic below:

 

Should I empty my hot tub in winter?

Unless you plan on using your hot tub over the cold months, it’s absolutely essential that you empty your hot tub over winter. If you don’t you run the risk of the water freezing, which can damage your bowl and pipes.

 

What is the minimum temperature for a hot tub in winter?

In general, we don’t recommend changing the temperature of your hot tub over winter – after all, you want to get the same effect as you would in summer. However, if you do plan on dropping the temperature slightly to save on energy costs, then there’s no harm in lowering it by a few degrees.

 

Can plug-and-play hot tubs be used in winter?

Yes, plug-and-play hot tubs can be used over winter but be aware that they might not heat the water as quickly as in warmer months, and it may take a bit longer to reach the perfect temperature in colder conditions.