Even though winter means you won’t be diving into the pool or lounging by the outdoor entertainment center, your hot tub or spa can still be enjoyed year-round, especially in colder months. However, keep in mind that cold and moisture aren’t exactly best friends. Even mild Southern California can face near-freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to keep your spa running smoothly and efficiently during winter.
**Preventing Freezing**
The biggest threat is water freezing inside the pipes. Most modern, portable spas have a built-in system to stop this from happening. A thermostat or a no-freeze setting in the control box ensures the hot tub stays at a constant temperature.
If your spa lacks these features and only runs on a timer, adjust it for winter. Set it to turn on for at least 15 minutes every hour to keep the hot water circulating. This helps prevent the pipes from freezing. In very cold areas, you might need more than 15 minutes per hour.
**Keeping Warm and Covered**
Colder weather makes it harder for your spa to heat up and maintain its temperature. The best way to keep your spa warm and cut down on energy use is to invest in a good insulating cover, which works much like a jacket. Adding a floating blanket beneath the cover can help retain heat even better and reduce the amount of chemicals needed.
If you get snow or frost, regularly clear them off your spa cover since covers can’t support extra weight. Using a plastic tarp over the cover can simplify snow removal. For customized cover advice, reach out to your local pool builder.
**Draining and Cleaning**
Keeping your spa clean is key to maintaining its performance. Regularly wipe down your hot tub with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and rinse it well. For a deeper clean, fill the tub with hot water above the jets, add about a quarter cup of dishwashing detergent or half a cup of bleach, and run the jets for 15 minutes before draining. Refill with cold water, run the jets for another 15 minutes, and drain again.
Don’t wait for the first frost to perform this maintenance. Ideally, carry out these tasks in late fall to keep your spa in top shape throughout the colder months.