Safely Using Your Hot Tub in the Winter

Hot tubs are like a great friend – it can sometimes feel like you can never get enough. Although Canadian winters can be harsh and extremely cold, hot tub owners in Canada would agree that hot tubs can still be used throughout the winter season. At Seaway Pools & Tubs, our hot tubs are designed to withstand harsh Canadian weather. But there are safety precautions you should take when preparing and using your hot tub in the winter. Let’s discuss the top tips for safely using your hot tub in the winter.

1. Use an insulated hot tub cover: An insulated hot tub cover reduces the amount of energy (and costs!) required to operate your hot tub in the winter. It serves numerous purposes, such as locking in heat to keep the hot tub water warm, and protects the tub from falling debris, snow and ice. For extra protection and warmth, you can also use a thermal blanket under the cover to further lock in the heat. It can also prevent a buildup of moisture on the hot tub cover.
2. Protect the pipes: Our hot tubs typically come with freeze protection systems. That said, in some cases, you need to remember to turn this function on. This function prevents hot tub pipes from freezing up, and helps the water temperature in the hot tub stay constant. If your tub doesn’t have a freeze protection system, you can always use a timer and schedule the tub power to go on every 10-20 minutes to ensure warm water is warming the pipes.
3. Maintain heat: If you use your hot tub on a daily basis, it’s better to keep it at a warm temperature rather than going from cold to hot every day. Ultimately, this helps you save on your energy costs and helps to prevent your pipes from freezing.
4. Dress appropriately: If your hot tub is outdoors, always make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing when you walk to your hot tub. This means shoes or sandals with a strong grip to prevent slipping, warm clothing for before and after your hot tub session, and towels. The last thing you want is a cold run back into the house because you forgot your towels inside.
5. Clear the path: Make sure that the path to your hot tub has been shoveled and de-iced (salt is great for this) to prevent any slips or falls on your way to the tub.

We hope you found these tips useful, and are happy to hear you’re going to get great use of your hot tub this winter season. If you have any questions or would like to purchase equipment that will help you safely operate your hot tub in the winter, feel free to give us a call at (905) 294-8030 or send us an email at online@seawaypoolsntubs.com. We look forward to hearing from you, and wish you a warm winter season from your friends at Seaway Pools & Tubs!