Hot Tub Use in Winter

Picture this… it’s the middle of January. The house is reset after the holidays, the days are getting slightly longer, and snow begins to fall. Your hot tub is clean, clear, and ready at 104º. You step outside into the cool air, hang your towel and robe on the rack, and ease into the water. Your body starts to relax as the weight of the day lifts away, and your mind drifts from everyday stress. Snow falls quietly around you as your body melts into the warmth, preparing you for the deep, restful sleep to come.

Winter hot tub use is truly unmatched, but keeping it ready at a moment’s notice requires consistent care. In this article, we’ll cover a few simple maintenance tips to make upkeep easy and keep your water clean and clear all winter long.

Prepare your water in the late Fall Most hot tubs require a purge, drain, and refill about every four months due to the buildup of dissolved solids, which can prevent new chemicals from working effectively. When left unaddressed, this can lead to cloudy or foamy water. Note: Some systems, such as saltwater setups, may only require water replacement every 6–12 months. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

Keep Your Water at Temp Choose the hot tub temperature that’s right for you and maintain it consistently. If you’ll be away for five or more days, you can temporarily lower the temperature by about 10 degrees. While some hot tub brands offer an Eco mode, we do not recommend using it during the colder winter months.

Check Your Water Regularly Hansen’s customers receive free water testing, and we recommend bringing in a water sample monthly to ensure your levels are right where they need to be. At home, check your water weekly with a test strip. Note: Some systems may require more frequent testing. If your current chemical system calls for testing more than once a week, we’d be happy to help you explore a lower-maintenance option.

Add a Floating Cover The Midwest brings plenty of cold weather from November through February, so we highly recommend adding a floating spa cover to your hot tub. It increases insulation and reduces evaporation, helping save you money in the long run. As a reader of this article, enjoy 20% off a floating spa cover. See one of our associates for details.

Use a Broom for Snow on Your Cover Help prolong the life of your cover by keeping heavy snow off of it. Using a broom is ideal for brushing snow away, as a shovel can puncture the vinyl. This damages the main barrier between the foam and the outside elements and can significantly shorten the life of your cover. Note: Covers typically need replacement every 3-5 years.

With a little routine care and the right setup, winter can be one of the most enjoyable times to own a hot tub. Staying on top of maintenance ensures your water is always clean, clear, and ready whenever you need to relax. If you have questions or want help simplifying your winter routine, our team at Hansen’s Pool & Spa is always here to help you make the most of your hot tub all season long.