How to Maintain a Hot Tub in Freezing Weather

It's winter in full force as cold weather and even freezing rain and snow descends on many of our United States including Texas.   

Maintaining a hot tub during the winter months can be a challenging task. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can keep your hot tub working properly and safely even in freezing weather. Here are some tips on how to maintain a hot tub in freezing weather.

Tips To Operating a Hot Tub in the Winter

1. Increase the Temperature: Keeping the hot tub temperature at 104F (40C) is recommended for winter months. This will help prevent the water from freezing and will also help keep the level of chemicals balanced in the water. In the event of a short term power outage, you will have a little more temperature to loose before things get critical for hot tub plumbing

2. Check the Cover: Inspect your hot tub cover for any signs of damage or wear. If your cover is cracked or worn, it can reduce the temperature of your hot tub and also increase the amount of debris that can enter the tub.

3. Add Insulation: Adding insulation to the hot tub and the area around it can help to keep the temperature higher by reducing the amount of heat lost. You can use bubble wrap, foam pads, or even a tarp around the hot tub to help insulate it and keep the heat in

.4. Clear Debris: Leaves and other debris can be a problem when it comes to maintaining a hot tub in freezing weather. Make sure to keep the area around the hot tub clear and clean. This will help to reduce the amount of debris that can enter the hot tub and also make it easier to access and maintain the tub.

5. Clean the Filter: The filter is an important part of the hot tub and it should be cleaned regularly during the winter months. This will help to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that can enter the hot tub and also help keep the water clean and free of bacteria.

6. Check the Pipes: Make sure to inspect the pipes for any signs of damage or leaks. If any pipes are leaking, it can reduce the temperature of the water and cause the hot tub to freeze.

7. Hot Tub Freezing Prevention - There are plenty of published methods on draining and winterizing a hot tub by blowing out the lines and removing any water from the plumbing system, however many manufacturers recommend operating the hot tub through the winter months and also what is the point of having a hot tub if you don't enjoy it once in awhile during the winter in addition to the spring and fall.   

8. Winter Repairs -  In case the hot tub control system or pumps should go down during the winter, finding a quick replacement is essential so that repairs can be made in a timely manner.  Once a part is identified, check to be sure the part is in stock to assure a speedy delivery and select the upgraded, faster shipping method when needed to get the part faster.  Find a break in the weather to have any repairs completed while monitoring the spa water temperature to assure it does not approach freezing.  Most vulnerable would be exposed plumbing parts in the spa cabinet such as manifolds and jet bodies as well as other PVC parts that could crack if the water freezes in the plumbing system. 

With the right preparation, you can keep your hot tub working properly and safely even in freezing weather. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hot tub remains in good condition during the colder months and you can also enjoy a safe and relaxing hot tub experience even in freezing weather.