For those who live in chilly climates, using an outdoor hot tub in the frozen months of winter is a luxurious experience. There’s no better way to warm your body and spirit in subzero temperatures than by taking a decadent soak in hot water. Your hot tub can also be an ideal site for holiday gatherings with your family or a few close friends. If you’re a home hot tub owner, you know this to be true: Winter is the perfect time of year to use your spa.
However, if your home hot tub will lie dormant during the winter months—for instance, if you have plans to spend the season vacationing in a warmer climate—we can show you how to winterize your hot tub in advance. By following these steps and tips, you can protect your spa during the long, cold winter to ensure it remains in excellent working condition.
SHOULD YOU WINTERIZE YOUR HOT TUB?
If you’re planning on spending most of the winter at home, it’s best to keep your home hot tub constantly running and filled with hot water that you test and treat according to your usual schedule, even if you don’t expect to use it frequently. Energy-efficient hot tub models require a minimal output of electricity to remain constantly heated, even in cold weather, whereas winterizing a hot tub can be a complicated process. In the long run, the time and effort spent winterizing your spa may not be worth the few dollars you save on your electric bill.
Similarly, it’s simpler to keep your spa operating as usual if you plan on spending up to two consecutive weeks away from home during the winter. Before going on vacation, make sure the water is freshly sanitized, the filters are clean, and the hot tub is covered by a high-quality, well-fitting cover in good condition; secure your cover with child safety locks to provide an extra barrier of protection against any unsupervised use of your spa in your absence. To conserve energy while you’re away, you may wish to lower the spa temperature by five or ten degrees, but make sure your water stays constantly warm—if the water freezes, it could cause expensive damage to your home hot tub.
If your winter plans involve a lengthy vacation or a season-long retreat to a warmer climate, a good option is to either arrange for a trusted individual to monitor and adjust your tub’s water quality in your absence. Otherwise, because even a clean and sanitary home hot tub will eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria if left unattended for a long while, you’ll want to drain it, clean it, and protect it from freezing temperatures. One caveat: To avoid damaging your spa, it’s important to winterize it correctly. If you have any doubts about your ability to manage this on your own, hire a professional to do it for you.
