Winter Hot Tub Care: Should I Empty My Hot Tub in Winter?
If you have taken advantage of a January hot tub sale to invest in a hot tub and are looking forward to enjoying it throughout the year, you might be wondering what will happen when it comes to the coldest parts of winter. Should you carry on using your hot tub or do you need to carry out any maintenance tasks to ensure it is ready for when you want to use it again? Perhaps you have Googled the popular question ‘should I empty my hot tub in winter?’ but still aren’t totally convinced on the best course of action? Hopefully we can help you to decide what you need to do by presenting you with some guidance on hot tub care over the winter.
The most important thing to remember is that how you look after your hot tub during winter will very much depend on whether you intend to keep using it or not. For this reason, it’s best to decide on what you want to do and then read up on the appropriate hot tub care tips below:
Hot tub care tips: if you’re going to keep using it in winter
It might surprise you if you are a new hot tub owner, but the winter months actually present the best opportunity to use your hot tub. Despite plunging temperatures and short days, a dip in the warm, soothing water can be very invigorating and uplifting, helping to ease away your stresses and strains. Some of the key benefits of using a hot tub in winter include better sleep and relaxation, improved circulation, boosted immunity and pain relief.
If you are going to keep on using your hot tub throughout the winter, here are a few tips to bear in mind to keep your tub in great working order:
Invest in a Good Cover: To protect your hot tub from the cold and to maintain the temperature, a quality cover is crucial. It can also help in keeping out debris and snow.
Monitor the Water Level: Cold, dry outdoor air can cause your hot tub water to evaporate more quickly. Regularly checking the water level is necessary to avoid water flow issues and heater shutdown.
Keep the Water Clean: Regular maintenance is vital for the health of your hot tub, especially in winter when bacteria can thrive. Regularly draining and changing the water, and using appropriate cleaning agents can help.
Adjust the Jets: The jets work by blowing air into the water, which can lower the temperature. Hence, turning down the jets can help maintain a warm temperature.
Limit Soak Times and Stay Hydrated: It’s recommended to limit your soaking time to around 20 minutes and stay hydrated, as spending a longer time may lead to dizziness or overheating.
Plan for Retreat: After leaving the hot tub, ensure you have a warm place to retreat to avoid the cold.
Consider Remote Monitoring: If you’re planning to travel, consider using a remote monitoring service to keep an eye on your hot tub.
Add Winter Accessories: Adding accessories like heating lamps and a towel warmer can enhance the outdoor hot tub environment in winter.
Hot tub care tips: if you are not going to use it through the winter
Hot tubs generally operate most efficiently when they are kept running all year round. You can always lower the temperature by a degree or two to compensate for the fact that your hot tub will use more energy at colder times of year to keep the water warm. However, if you prefer to shut your hot tub down for the winter it’s worth bearing in mind the fact that most damage occurs during the winter months, usually from water that has been left in the pipes and subsequently freezes. If you’re determined to drain down your tub this winter, please follow these winter hot tub care recommendations:
- Empty and flush: begin by emptying all the water from your hot tub. You can use a garden hose or a sump pump to drain the majority of the water. Make sure you also flush the components within the tub. Keep in mind that any water left in the hot tub that is not circulating can freeze, causing damage to the components or plumbing.
- Drain the air blower – many hot tubs come with an air blower. After shutting off the heating system, run the air blower for about 30 seconds to push out any remaining water from the system.
- Clean or replace the filters – if you’re planning to shut down your hot tub for a prolonged period, it’s a good time to remove and clean the filters. If your filters need replacing, seize this opportunity to do so. Once cleaned, dry the filter and store it safely for the winter.
- Loosen the fittings – even after draining the hot tub, there might be water trapped in the fittings that connect your pipework. Loosen these fittings to let any residual water drain out.
- Clear the jets – using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, blow air through each jet to ensure all the water has been removed. This is important as water remaining in the jet system can lead to freezing and damage.
- Deep Clean: Finally, clean the hot tub shell and cover thoroughly to eliminate all bacteria. This prevents any unwanted growth while your hot tub is unoccupied.
Remember, winterising your hot tub requires some time and effort, but it is essential for preventing freezing or other damage to its system.
Hopefully this guidance has answered your question: should I empty my tub in winter? But, if you need further advice or require the products to help you complete the above steps you can search online for companies such as All Weather Leisure who offer a range of chemicals, accessories, servicing and hot tub care advice such as using your hot tub in winter.