Yes, you can use a hot tub in winter, you may just need to take a few extra precautions to keep things running smoothly!
As the colder temperatures of winter start to bite, the warmth of a hot tub looks ever more inviting. You may, however, be wondering if you can safely use your hot tub in winter. The short answer is yes! Using your hot tub in the winter is common in cold areas like Canada and Scandinavia, and a great way to relax in the UK.
However, if you ask whether using your tub in the winter is good for the actual hot tub... the answer is a bit more complicated. After all, winter weather can damage a lot of outdoor furniture, including hot tubs.
Our hot tub experts have got some great tips on how to safely use a hot tub in winter while keeping your tub protected from the elements. We've put these together into this ultimate guide on winter hot tub usage - let's get started!
How Can You Use a Hot Tub in Winter?
Using a hot tub in winter not only gives you a way to soak away all the stresses brought on by the dark and the cold, but also extends your ability to enjoy being outdoors in your garden through the winter months.
Here are some of our top tips to keep in mind when using your hot tub this winter:
- It might seem counter-intuitive, but it’s worth turning down the jets of your hot tub when using it in winter as the jets pull in outside air, which can lower the water temperature and result in a cold tub!
- Be careful when getting in and out of the hot tub in the winter as the steps or deck could be icy.
- Ideally, the amount of time between getting out of the hot tub and back into your house should be as short as possible as being wet outside in winter can easily lead to hypothermia if you’re not careful.
- Make sure everyone using the hot tub has an exit plan with easy access to towels, robes, and slip-on shoes so that they can leave the hot tub and get indoors quickly.
- If it is extra cold, a winter hat can help you regulate your body temperature!
How Can You Take Care of a Hot Tub in Winter?
Whether or not you use your hot tub in winter, you should make sure you keep it in good condition with . Otherwise, the tub could easily suffer from frozen pipes or get clogged with leaves and other debris.
If you are planning on using your tub over winter, you should...
- Invest in a good hot tub cover, ideally an insulated one that fits snugly to create a tight seal. This will keep the heat in, and debris out, thus ensuring your hot tub stays functional during the winter. Keeping the cover on while you heat the tub will also mean the water heats faster – like heating water on the stove by keeping a lid on the pan.
- Change the water in your hot tub ahead of winter settling in. Drain and refill the water before the temperatures get too cold. This will help prevent frozen pipes.
- Keep your tub running to prevent frozen pipes and damage to the pumps and heater, in the same way that keeping your central heating system on an idle or standby setting works in your house. Many hot tubs have a "freeze protection" or "economy" mode that automatically activates the pumps and heater if the temperature drops too low; ensure this feature is enabled.
- Regularly check the water chemistry. Cold weather can affect the chemical balance of your tub so it is important to test the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels at least once or twice a week and adjust as needed to keep the water safe.
If you are not planning on using your tub over winter, you should...
- Drain and clean the entire tub. This process is known as hot tub winterisation and is crucial if you want to prevent expensive damage caused by frozen pipes and components. Be sure to always use a sponge to soak up any excess water from the drum and pipes and secure the cover after.
- Be aware that if you turn off your tub over winter, restarting it in summer will be more difficult. Anyone who owns a car will know how difficult it can be to get it started on a freezing winter morning - hot tubs have a similar issue!
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To learn more about winter hot tub care, read: How to Winterise a Hot Tub.
We hope this guide has helped give you the confidence to use your hot tub in winter. Just remember our safety tips! If you have any further queries, or any questions about any of our products, please get in touch and we’ll be only too happy to help.
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