During the winter, many people turn to alternative heating sources for their homes. Fire-heated hot water systems have been used for centuries as a dependable and cost-effective method of heating water, but can this be done in the winter as well? In this article, we’ll look at the feasibility of using a fire-heated hot tub during the winter months, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks.
Using a fire heated hot tub during the winter
As winter approaches, it’s time to consider how to best prepare for the upcoming cold months. Whether you want to use a fire-heated hot tub or simply want to be prepared for potential outdoor activities, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter.
When it comes to fire-heated hot tubs, there are a few things you should do before using them during the colder months. One of the most important is to ensure that your hot tub is properly insulated, so that all of the heat generated by the fire stays inside. Additionally, it is critical to inspect your hot tub for any cracks or leaks that could result in additional energy loss and discomfort when using it during the winter.
Below are some thinks you should think about if you want to use your fire heated hot tub during the winter.
After using the hot tub, drain the water.
Ice accumulation may cause serious harm if your hot tub is completely composed of wood. When water freezes, it expands by 5% or more, inflicting irreversible damage to a wood-burning hot tub: fractures, uneven proportions, and form changes. The humidity is greater in the winter than in the summer, thus the wood stays moist even when the hot tub is empty. In contrast, fiberglass hot tubs are particularly resistant to cold conditions (up to -20 C). The primary guideline, however, remains the same: after usage, quickly dump the water from the wood-burning hot tub. In addition, after utilizing a fiberglass hot tub, you should keep the jacuzzi system empty for a bit to enable the pipes to drain entirely. Discharge valves must be kept open throughout the winter. If a model comes with a rubber plug, it must be removed fully. If required, drain any residual water from the heater. Keep in mind that water sprayed about the wood-fired hot tub freezes, increasing the likelihood of sliding.
Use a lid or cover to keep the heat in
The most typical winter addition for a wood-burning hot tub is a heat-insulated cover. The insulated lid prevents detritus like leaves and snow out of the wood-burning hot tub. It avoids heat loss while “keep the heat on” and heating (water heats up faster, so the energy cost is lower). It is easy to clean, remove, and reapply. It does not distort like a wooden one. It protects fiberglass against deterioration and color loss. A lid suggests safety, which is especially important for families with children. Before winter, we suggest that you thoroughly verify the lid of your wood-burning hot tub to ensure that it is complete. If required, repair or replace it.
Make sure your hot tub has adequate thermal insulation.
Polyurethane thermal insulation in a wood-burning hot tub is undeniably advantageous for people who swim in the hot tub on a regular basis throughout the winter. The polyurethane’s low thermal conductivity keeps the water in the wood-fired hot tub warm and offers solid protection against chilly air. The hot tub may then be utilized even while it is snowing. Furthermore, polyurethane is a fireproof material due to the presence of a flameproof ingredient that enables the heater to self-extinguish and cease burning even while the material is on fire. A heat-insulating layer is applied to a barrel to obtain polyurethane thermal insulation. The volume of the polyurethane foam increases substantially when it clings to the surface of the wood-fired hot tub. Polyurethane expands to produce a strong, virtually hermetic layer that penetrates even minor gaps. Thermal insulation made of polyurethane minimizes servicing costs while enhancing energy efficiency in a wood-fired hot tub.
Make use of flange plugs
To store a heater, flange plugs are required. These plugs are designed to close the water loop that circulates water between the heater and the wood-fired hot tub, such as if you leave water in the hot tub overnight in the winter. Flange plugs are moderately priced, have a long lifespan, and considerably minimize ambient heat exchange.
Maintain the water temperature
The 3kW electric heater is a small heater with a built-in thermostat element that maintains a steady water temperature in the wood-fired hot tub even in the cold. This implies that the Electric heater 3kW warms the water to a set temperature before shutting off and resuming when it cools. On the exterior of the wood-fired hot tub, a tiny and compact electric heater of 3kW is fitted. So, if you need to keep the water warm during winter, an Electric heater 3kW can do the same job as a typical wood-burning fire, but it is simpler and more comfortable to operate. We propose that you first heat the water using a wood-burning stove to save money on service. As a consequence, if you correctly prepare your wood-burning hot tub, you may use it and enjoy it all year. While enjoying the winter scenery and falling snow, spend romantic nights in a toasty wood-burning hot tub!
Frequently asked questions about using a fire heated hot tub in the winter
How long can you leave water in the hot tub in the winter?
Do not leave water in the barrel without monitoring or heating during cold conditions, since the burner and pipe sections may quickly freeze. If the hot tub is covered with a lid, the water in the stove and pipes stays ice-free for many hours even in severe cold. We suggest that you empty the barrel after usage in cold weather, as long as the fire and embers are totally extinguished.
The hot tub has frozen, what do I do?
If you fear the stove is frozen, never turn it on. If the drain hose/faucet has frozen, remove the stove from its seat and drain the water via the bottom connecting line to empty the tub. If the stove has frozen, you may defrost it using a heat fan/heat gun. If this fails, remove the stove and put it in a warm location to defrost. If you fear the stove is frozen, never turn it on.
Can a wood fired hot tub be used during winter?
The hot tub may be used routinely throughout the winter as long as the heater is kept on and the hot tub is emptied after bathing. It should be noted that water left outside the barrel has the potential to freeze and become slippery.
Can the treatment system for a hot tub be used during winter?
Yes, however it is best to bring the filter system indoors while not in use during the winter. If left outside in the hot tub it may freeze which will cause it to crack and break.