Here in Northwest Arkansas, we recently received a light dusting of snow, accompanied by temperatures in the low twenties. Inevitably, the phone calls came in with regard to hot tubs freezing. We do not typically encounter freeze damage on our daily service and maintenance calls, but it is a distinct possibility. That being said, here are some tips for enjoying, and protecting, your hot tub during the cold, long dark of winter.
The most common question we get at the beginning of the season is, “Should I close my hot tub if I won’t be using it?” to which we always reply, no. The follow-up question is always, “Won’t my tub freeze?” to which we always reply, no; if you follow a few simple steps.
Keep your tub open. In our humble opinion, there is no better time to utilize your hot tub than the winter. Plus, it follows that circulating, warm water is far less likely to freeze than stagnant, cool water. And, a full tub is less likely to freeze than an empty tub. Draining and closing does not completely void your hot tub of water. Deep in the bowels of your tub, trace amounts of water is sure to remain, and its those small, seemingly insignificant amounts that concern us. When we do see freeze damage, its usually under these circumstances. The larger the body of water, the harder it is to freeze. And, it will take consecutive nights of sub-freezing temperatures to turn your tub water to ice.
Speaking of a full tub, diligently check your water level throughout the winter. A low level, not just an empty hot tub, is still worrisome. Your tub is designed to run full. There is a point-of-no-return where the water gets below a certain line (its different in every tub) and your pump and/or heater will cease to work properly or, worse still, cease to work at all. That is another set of circumstances where we see freeze damage.
Your hot tub will lose more heat in the winter, and thus require more energy to maintain temperature. Our advice? Invest in a good cover. Think of your tub as a pot of boiling water. If you have ever found yourself preparing a meal in the kitchen, you know that your pot will boil faster, and maintain the boil, with a lid. The same is true for your hot tub. Get yourself a quality cover and keep it on when not in use.
Two final bits of advice; one that is better read at the beginning of winter, and the other for the quickly approaching summer season. First, we recommend that you drain and clean your hot tub every four months. That being said, drain and clean it just prior to your first cold snap. Attempting to drain and clean in the midst of a harsh winter can be miserable. Second, show your tub some love in the summer. If you’re not the type to soak in hot water on a hot evening, consider turning your hot tub into a cool tub for the summer. How about a shallow, splash zone for the kids during adult swim? Just make sure the kids are supervised!
