Winter Hot Tub Tips: How to Keep Your Soak Cozy and Clean All Season Long

As the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, there’s something incredibly soothing about sinking into the warm, bubbling water of a hot tub. The contrast between the cold air and the heated water creates a perfect environment for relaxation and stress relief. Here are a few tips to ensure your hot tub is comfortable and safe during the winter months.

1. Maintain the Right Water Temperature

One of the best things about a hot tub is the ability to adjust the water temperature to your liking. But in winter, it’s important to keep a close eye on this setting to avoid a drop in water temperature that could cause equipment issues.

Ideal Temperature Range:

• Standard Soak Temperature: Most people enjoy hot tub water between 100°F and 104°F. This range is warm enough to promote relaxation and soothe sore muscles without being too hot.
• Winter Considerations: During colder weather, you might want to bump your hot tub temperature up a few degrees for extra coziness.

Keep the Heater Running:

In cold climates like the Midwest, you need to ensure that your heater continues to function properly, as extreme cold can cause water to freeze, potentially damaging the system. Keeping the water temperature at a minimum of 90°F (32°C) is recommended during cold spells.

If your Sundance® Spa is equipped with the SmartTub™ system, you can monitor the temperature of your spa from anywhere on your smartphone and even be notified if there is a power outage.

Cover When Not in Use:

A well-fitted hot tub cover will help retain heat, reduce energy costs, and prevent debris from getting into your water. Using the cover after each soak will help maintain the temperature and reduce the workload on your heater. It is important to check that your cover is in good condition each season and replace it if necessary.

2. Monitor Chemical Balancing Regularly

Maintaining proper chemical balance in your hot tub is crucial, especially during the winter months. When you adjust the temperature and the water volume changes, chemical levels can fluctuate as well, so regular testing and balancing are key. Don’t forget, water testing is always FREE at your local Poolwerx.

4. Prevent Freezing Damage

The colder the weather, the greater the risk of your hot tub plumbing freezing, which can lead to costly damage. A bit of proactive care can save you from expensive repairs.

Keep the Tub Running: Keep the heater running during cold spells, even if you aren’t using the hot tub regularly. The constant circulation of water can help prevent freezing.

Be Prepared: In the event that you experience mechanical failure during the winter months, we recommend you keep a space heater and an old blanket or sleeping bag on hand. If your spa fails in freezing temps and it’s after service hours or on a weekend, these tools can help prevent freezing damage until one of our service guys can get to your spa and take a look. Better safe than sorry!

5. Safety First: Be Mindful of Cold Weather

While a hot tub is great for winter relaxation, there are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Avoid Extremes:

Be mindful of the temperature contrast between the hot water and the freezing air outside. When stepping out of the hot tub, the drastic change in temperature can affect your blood circulation, so take your time to warm up gradually.

Keep the Area Around Your Hot Tub Clear:

Ensure that the path leading to and from your hot tub is clear of ice and snow. Slips and falls are more common in winter months, so use salt or sand to reduce slipping hazards.

Conclusion

With a little extra care and attention, using your hot tub during the winter can be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. By keeping the water temperature steady, maintaining proper chemical balance, cleaning filters, and preventing freezing, you can ensure your hot tub stays in great condition all season long. So, light some candles, wrap up in a warm robe, and enjoy the soothing benefits of a hot tub soak—winter has never felt so good!