Winter is one of the best times to enjoy a hot tub, but cold weather brings its own care routine. Here is how to keep your spa clean, balanced and protected from freezing all season long. Always check your spa manufacturer's manual first, since some models have specific winter instructions.
1. Keep it running and keep it covered
If you plan to use your hot tub through the winter, the safest choice is usually to keep it full, heated and circulating. Moving, warm water is much less likely to freeze than water sitting in the pipes.
- Keep the cover on whenever the spa is not in use to hold in heat and keep out snow and debris.
- Brush snow off the cover so the weight does not damage it.
- Protect the vinyl with a cover conditioner like Leisure Time Cover Care & Conditioner.
- Check the water level often. Low water can damage the pump and heater.
2. Test and balance the water every week
Winter use, snow melt and lower evaporation can all shift your water chemistry. Test at least once or twice a week with spa test strips and keep pH, alkalinity and sanitizer within the ranges on your test strip and product labels.
- Adjust pH with Spa Up or Spa Down.
- Keep a steady sanitizer level with bromine tablets or chlorinating granules.
3. Shock after heavy use
Oils, lotions and sweat build up quickly in a small volume of water. Shock your spa weekly, or after heavy use, with a non-chlorine oxidizer like Leisure Time Renew.
4. Clean the filter regularly
A clean filter keeps water clear and reduces strain on the pump. Rinse your cartridge regularly and use a filter cleaner like Instant Cartridge Clean to remove oils and scale. Wait for a milder day if you need to remove the filter for a deep clean, and do not leave the spa off for long in freezing temperatures.
5. Plan for power outages
A long power outage in freezing weather is the biggest winter risk for a hot tub. Keep the cover on to hold in heat, and follow your manufacturer's guidance on what to do if the power is out for an extended period.
6. Closing your spa for the winter instead
If you will not use your hot tub this winter, it needs to be fully drained and winterized so no water is left in the plumbing. Many owners blow out the lines and use a non-toxic pool and spa antifreeze such as Splash Pool & Spa Antifreeze. Follow your spa manual, or ask a local spa technician if you are unsure.
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