Here’s Your Top 5 Winter Weather Hot Tub Questions, ANSWERED!
Anytime we get a winter storm heading our way we get a lot of questions about preparing your hot tub for winter weather. Here’s our top 5 questions and answers to help you feel in control and ready for anything during a snow/ice event.
1. What should I do if we are without power for several days?
It’s possible with inclement weather that we may lose power for several days. And in the event that your hot tub is not able to be powered on and running the most important thing to remember is DON’T OPEN THE COVER. Leave the cover closed so that the heat stays inside the hot tub. Your hot tub is well insulated and the cover also has excellent insulating properties. Even in sub-freezing temps, your hot tub will be fine and the water will remain warm for several days. When the power comes back on, test your breaker and be sure that the hot tub cycles back up and set the desired temperature.
2. Should I empty and drain my hot tub in advance of winter weather?
NO. The best thing you can do for your hot tub is leave it on and running. Go ahead and turn it all the way up to 104 degrees. An empty hot tub is more at risk for freezing plumbing lines than a filled hot tub. And if you keep the tub powered on as normal, water can circulate thru the plumbing lines and keep the spa from freezing. Even if we lose power, a ho tub filled with hot water will fare better than an empty spa with no circulation. ALSO, remember that we lose more water to evaporation during cold weather so be sure you top off the water levels before the freezing weather sets in so the water level is covering your jets.
3. Will my hot tub cover be okay if we get a heavy snow or ice accumulation?
Luckily here in North Caroline we rarely see extreme snow accumulation but a layer of ice building up on your hot tub cover is a more likely scenario. While the hot tub cover will most likely hold up just fine with the precipitation building up on the top (most covers are weight rated for 200+ lbs of weight) you may want to throw a tarp onto of the hot tub before the storm sets in so that any accumulation of moisture does not sit directly on your cover. Standing water, ice and snow that stays on top of the cover might lead to the cover being oversaturated with moisture and will reduce its R-value…and in the long run could make the cover much heavier and challenging to open.
4. What if my hot tub is empty or not operating properly?
No sweat, you can easily create a warm environment for your hot tub’s equipment compartment that will prevent freezing in the event that you don’t have the ability to power on your hot tub because it’s empty or not working correctly and in need of service. The best thing you can do is to get an exterior grade contractor’s work lamp and run a drop cord out to the equipment compartment. Check out the photo below as an example. Tuck the light in the equipment bay near the hot tub’s pumps but be careful that the light is not coming into contact with any insulation or material that might be a fire hazard. An exterior flood light or warming/heat lamp is a good choice. Run a drop cord to your power outlet and you are all set. Close the cabinet as best you can so all the heat stays inside. This will create just enough heat to prevent freezing in the plumbing lines and equipment.
5. Is it safe to use my hot tub while it’s snowing?
YES! In fact I think there is nothing more magical than sitting in. your hot tub watching the snow fall while you enjoy a hot chocolate. Just remember that the surfaces around your hot tub, including the steps, may be icy and hazardous. So be sure you treat those surfaces with salt so you don’t slip. And I think it’s’ a smart idea to wear a warm hat or toboggan while soaking in your spa so you don’t catch a cold. Your body may be submerged in warm water but heat escapes thru your head when it’s really cold outs, so be smart, bundle up and enjoy a special hot tub soak in the snow!
Have more questions?
Call Phoebe at 919-917-0063 or email at jhtofthetriangle@icloud.com and we’ll be sure you have all the information you need to enjoy your hot tub during the upcoming winter weather. Happy Hot-tubbing!!
