A relaxing dip in your hot tub is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Thanks to Portland’s moderate winters, you can enjoy a spa experience year-round by taking just a few cold weather precautions.
Tips to Winterize Your Hot Tub During the Winter
- Monitor the water level. When your spa is full, the water stays warm longer, so less energy is used to maintain the ideal temperature. When it’s cold outside, check your water level regularly, especially if you don’t use your tub on a daily basis.
- Maintain the water temperature. If you have a timer/no freeze or timer/thermostat setting on the control panel, use it to automatically monitor the water temperature. You should activate the heater when it drops below the recommended default. If your hot tub doesn’t have this feature, set the timer so the heater comes on and circulates water through your system for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. This can help you avoid freeze damage to the pipes, pump, and filter.
- Invest in a cover. A good quality insulated cover is a worthwhile investment if you intend to use your hot tub throughout the winter months. It can keep water warmer, prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Always use a vinyl protectant on the cover to shield it from the bad weather.
- Shut off the air jets. If you don’t turn off your hot tub jets after each use, the heater has to compensate for an ongoing injection of icy air into the water. This consumes energy unnecessarily while putting extra strain on the equipment.
- Plan for electrical outages. Power outages that occur when it’s below freezing outside can ruin your costly hot tub components within a few hours. Installing a battery or solar backup on the pump can keep water circulating without electricity, helping you avoid a disastrous freeze.
For more advice on how to keep your hot tub from freezing this winter, contact Roth Heating & Cooling. We’ve helped Portland area residents increase their home comfort since 1976.
