There’s a unique magic to immersing yourself in a hot tub as snowflakes gently fall around you on a chilly winter evening. To relish this heavenly experience throughout the winter season, it’s crucial to learn how to maintain your hot tub properly in cold weather. Our guide is here to help you master this art.
Understanding the Heating Process
On colder days, heating a hot tub may take a bit more time due to both the water’s initial temperature and the outdoor conditions. To expedite the process, keep your hot tub covered while it heats up. The insulated walls and base of the bathtub play a crucial role in reducing heating time and preserving warmth during your bath.
Protecting Your Hot Tub’s Aesthetics
Preserve the beauty of your hot tub by applying a protective coating on all external wooden parts, such as stairs, wooden panels, and lids, twice a year. Applying it just before and after winter is most beneficial. Linseed oil is our top recommendation, though other wood care products are also effective. In snowy conditions, ensure that you clear away snow buildup on the cover.
Preventing Freeze Damage
One of the main dangers of winter is the risk of water freezing inside your hot tub. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause significant damage to components such as liners, wood panels, heaters, and massage systems.
If you’re not planning to use your hot tub for a while, it’s advisable to drain the water from the pipes. If you plan to use it again the next day, leave the water inside, as the temperature will not drop drastically overnight.
Keeping Your Tub Ice-Free
A floating freeze prevention heater that sits atop the water can prevent water from freezing, enabling you to enjoy your hot tub all winter long without the need for frequent draining. It’s an investment that can enhance your winter hot tub experience.
Full Winter Preparation
Winterizing your hot tub means more than just draining it. Ensure that no water remains in any connections and hoses, such as those for air and hydromassage. After draining, run the jets for a few seconds several times, and don’t forget to drain water from the heater to prevent freeze damage.
Examining and Cleaning Electric Components
Winter preparations offer an excellent opportunity to inspect and clean the filter, heater, and other pumps. If your electric pumps will be idle for an extended period, we recommend disassembling, cleaning, and storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep in mind that the ideal storage temperature for these parts is between -10℃ and +50℃.
When Not in Use
In periods of non-use, it’s important to clean, rinse, and thoroughly dry the hot tub. Ensure that no water remains in the tub or drain pipe after rinsing. Leaving the barrel’s overflow valve open can be beneficial during winter, allowing any residual water to drain out and preventing valve freeze. Be sure to remove the filter and drain it thoroughly before storing it in a warm location.
The Closing Rituals for Winter
Preparing the hot tub for winter extends to several tasks, including cleaning the summer cottage, securing doors, turning off utilities, and ensuring that your hot tub is well-prepared for the cold months. Depending on your bathing plans for winter – whether you wish to continue enjoying baths or take a break – you’ll need to follow different procedures to protect your tub.
Hibernation Mode
If you decide to give your hot tub a winter rest, you’ll need to empty it, clean it thoroughly with a recommended solution such as Biowash, and rinse it out well. Also, make sure to securely fasten the cover with the provided fasteners to prevent it from being blown away. Empty the ash from the stove to prevent corrosion from wet ash. During winter, store the filter indoors after cleaning it thoroughly. If you’re using a sand or fiber filter, make sure to remove any debris and drain any water from the system. If the filter cartridge is worn out, replace it.
Remember to check the anode rod in the stove, a key component that protects the stove from corrosion, and replace it if necessary.
Year-Round Bathing
If you plan to enjoy your hot tub throughout winter, you need only follow standard post-bath procedures: clean and rinse the tub and remove ash from the stove. After cleaning, leave the drain plug out to prevent moisture from freezing and causing damage. Before emptying the tub, ensure that the stove is completely extinguished to prevent melting if there’s no water in the tub.
Clear any snow around the tub and on the lid to make it easy to use when you feel like taking a bath. Be cautious about potential slip hazards when water splashes out of the tub and freezes. We recommend sanding the area around the tub, as well as the path from the sauna to the tub.
Embracing the Cold
Swimming in the autumn and winter can offer an incredible and atmospheric experience. After a long day of winter chores, like chopping wood or clearing the ice, sinking into a hot tub with friends under a starry sky can be pure bliss. You could even dare to take a plunge into a freezing lake or roll in the snow before warming up in the tub. Adequate lighting, such as lanterns or a glow-in-the-dark hot tub, can add to the ambiance while also ensuring safety during dark winter evenings.
By taking proper care of your fire-heated hot tub during the winter, you can enjoy countless hours of relaxation, even in the chilliest of seasons. So don’t let the cold weather stop you; follow these tips, and immerse yourself in the warmth of your hot tub, amidst the chilly winter air.