Winter is regarded by many to be the best time of year to get out and do some serious hot tubbing. There are few things more enjoyable during our brutal winters than to sit outside in 104 degree water while the snow is flying. But when that hot tub isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to during the frigid months, it can result in panic trying to ensure that spa doesn’t become an ice cube! We’ve got a few suggestions to help minimize the possibility of this occurring.

Spa Cover  – Having a well-functioning cover is critical to enjoying the hot tub during the winter months. Removing the cover can be a real challenge if it’s too heavy, and if getting the cover off is a two person job, the spa will not get used as often. It’s also important for keeping all that heat in the water, because no one wants to go out for a soak on a chilly evening and find the temperature lower than their ideal range. Make sure the cover is manageable for one person to remove, and also ensure there is no way for the heat to escape through it.

Sealed Cabinet – It’s always important that the cabinet is properly sealed, but it’s especially true in the colder months when the heat is trying to escape and critters are trying to get in! This applies more to older spas with wooden cabinets than newer hot tubs with composite cabinets, but either way it’s smart to ensure that there are no cracks in the cabinet or entire pieces missing.

Drain – The last thing anyone wants to do in January is discover that the water is cloudy and realize that it’s been 8 months since the water was changed. The ideal window for getting one last drain before winter is between September – November, depending on the weather. It’s important to drain and refill once before winter so you don’t have the hassle of trying to do it when it’s below 0 outside.

By heeding these few simple tips, that hot tub can be loved all winter long without any hiccups! And remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.