How to Take Care of Your Hot Tub During Winter Freezing Weather
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Winter’s here (meh), and if you’ve got a hot tub, you’re either soaking under frosty skies or thinking about shutting it down. Whichever camp you’re in, showing your spa some love during the colder months will keep it in great shape for years to come. Here’s a simple, practical guide to get you through taking care of your hot tub during winter.
Use It or Close It: The Big Decision
First, are you braving winter soaks, or are you giving your hot tub a break? If you’re closing it down, the key is protecting it from freezing. If you’re soaking, it’s all about keeping it running like a champ.
Closing Your Hot Tub for Winter
If you’re saying goodbye to spa days until spring, here’s what to do:
- Drain It All the Way: Empty it completely. Any leftover water can freeze and cause damage.
- Blow Out the Lines: This part is important. A shop vac can help remove water from the plumbing.
- Clean and Cover: Wipe it down, let it dry, and invest in a quality insulated cover to shield it from the snow.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about freezing, consider using a hot tub antifreeze in the lines (just follow the directions carefully).
Using Your Hot Tub in Winter
If you’re keeping it open, congrats, you’ve got the ultimate winter getaway in your backyard. To keep it running smoothly:
- Maintain the Water Level: Low water can stress the heater and pump. Check it weekly.
- Keep It Warm: Set your spa to a steady temp, around 100°F. This prevents freezing and keeps it soak-ready.
- Clean the Filters: Winter use can mean more debris. Clean your filters every few weeks to keep water flowing freely.
- Cover It Up Tight: A snug cover keeps the heat in and debris out. If you live in a snowy area, brush off the snow regularly.
Watch Out for Power Outages
Winter storms happen, and a power outage can spell trouble. Have a generator or backup power source ready just in case. Adding an extra layer of insulation, like a thermal blanket under the cover, can buy you some time if the power goes out.
Keep Up the Basics
- Balance the Water: Test your water weekly. Cold weather doesn’t mean you can skip the chemistry.
- Check Your Gear: Keep an eye on the pump, heater, and jets. If anything seems off, address it early before it turns into a bigger issue.
Why Winter Soaks Are Totally Worth It
There’s something magical about sitting in a hot tub while snow falls around you. The crisp air, the warm water. It’s a vibe. Just make sure you’ve got a robe and slippers handy for the trip back inside!
Hot tub care is important my friends. Whether you’re using your hot tub or winterizing it, a little care goes a long way. Need help with products or tips? AquaDoc has your back. Let us know how we can make winter hot tubbing easier for you!
Now, are you team “soak in the snow” or “see you in spring”? Let us know in the comments!
1 comment
Still have my hot tub open. In freezing cold Michigan weather. No reason to not soak up the heat in this cold weather.