Winter Hot Tub Care: Do’s & Don'ts

Winters in Toronto are incredibly unpredictable. All winter long, the Greater Toronto Area is bombarded with snow, freezing rain, flip-flopping temperatures, ice and sleet. These cold winters can take a major toll on outdoor appliances such as hot tubs. Many hot tub owners enjoy their tub during the long winter months but aren’t sure how maintenance should differ in the snowy cold. Unfortunately, your hot tub can be easily damaged by cold temperatures and unpredictable weather even with regular use. In this blog post we will provide some helpful tips and tricks for protecting your hot tub this winter. 

Do Invest in a High-Quality Cover and Ensure it is Locked

    The cold winter temperatures make it especially difficult for hot tubs to maintain their heat. One of the best ways to save energy and reduce heat loss is to invest in a good quality cover that can be locked. The tight seal formed when you lock your cover allows you to reduce heat and steam loss, making it easier for the hot tub to maintain it’s temperature and reduce the frequency with which you need to top up the water level. 

Do Turn Off Air Controls

    For jets in a hot tub to function, air is taken from inside the hot tub cabinet and forced through the system. This extra air allows you to fully enjoy the hydromassage capabilities of your hot tub while simultaneously lowering the overall temperature of the water. In the winter, this cool air can substantially decrease the temperature of your water, making the experience less enjoyable and making your heater work harder to maintain temperature. Therefore, we recommend turning your air controls off and simply enjoying the warmth and relaxation offered by the hot tub in the winter. 

Don’t Refill Your Hot Tub with Snow

    In the winter it can be difficult to refill hot tub water, as outside taps are shut off and hoses are put away. Some people choose to instead add snow into their hot tub to top up water levels. Unfortunately, this can be damaging to your hot tub as impurities present in snow can disrupt the balance of water and result in cloudy debris that requires additional chemicals to fix. Instead, we recommend bundling up and filling the hot tub with buckets of water from your inside taps. 

Don’t Remove Snow Using a Shovel

    In the winter, snow can collect on hot tub covers that needs to be removed before use. Using a shovel to remove this snow can result in a ripping of the hot tub cover barrier. Your cover will then take on water and its life span will be greatly reduced. Instead, simply clear snow with a brush or broom to prevent any damage to the cover itself. 

    For all your hot tub needs this winter, visit Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs in Markham or Newmarket. Our expert team are official Beachcomber hot tub dealers and can provide any information, parts or chemicals you may require. For more information, contact us today at 905-294-8030 (Markham) or 905-853-8500 (Newmarket).