Hot Tub Winter Use and Cold Weather Hot Tub Tips

I was speaking with Alexis, one of my coworkers at Central Iowa Pool & Spa, this week and we both agreed that we jumped from the heat of summer right into the cold of winter- we had no fall in Iowa this year.  My mind started to wander about the best time to use your hot tub, specifically your Sundance hot tub (I am a bit bias) and I reasoned that winter time is HOT TUB SEASON.  Let me make a case for this and give some winter tips.

It is always warm in a hot tub.  The weather man saying it is 0 degrees but it is summer time in a 102 degree hot tub.  It allows our minds think of warm beaches and pleasant thoughts.

Get rid of the winter blues.  Study after study have proven that a person’s mood can change during the winter time, many times this is a function of less light from the sun, cold temps make us “hole” up at home, maybe we sleep too much, the weather saps what little energy we have at the end of the work day, the reasons can go on.  A hot tub gives us a reprieve, it gives us an outlet to rejuvenate.  With your hot tub conveniently located outside your deck, one can jump in the warm massaging water and many “mood issues” go away.  Your hot tub all but forces you to get out and do something, get off the couch and feel better.

Rejuvenate sore seasonal muscles.  During the winter season, we use muscles that we do not normally use.  Shoveling and moving snow, skiing, riding the snowmobile, which can wake up muscles that have been sleeping for a number of months.  When the stiffness appears, jump in the soothing warm hot tub water and the stiffness evaporates.

Try it you will like it! Imagine speaking with your co-workers about jumping into a pool of water the night before when the temps are below 0.  At first blush, they will think you are crazy, but then the co-worker will think you are bound for “Survivor”, a real adventurous person.  One to envy.  You want to “make their day” invite the co-worker over for a hot tub session.  You have made a friend for life.  One word of caution, once a person experiences a hot tub dip in the cold weather, it will not be the last one.

The stars seem a lot brighter and the air a little clearer.  A winter dip in your hot tub, is the most aesthetically pleasing experience you will have in a long while.  it is just plain fun!

Keep the lid on.  It is no secret with colder weather it is going to take more energy to keep your hot tub set at the desired temperature.  the hot tub cover acts like a stocking hat and keeps the temperature contained when not in use.  It also keeps uninvited guests out of your hot tub, both 2 legged and 4 legged guests.

Since we are talking spa covers, do not use a metal edged shovel to remove the snow from your hot tub cover.  Use a broom.  Better spa covered are tapered with the center of the cover being higher.  This permits rain or snow to “run” off.  A shovel can tear the exterior of a spa cover and permits water to soak into the cover, reducing the life of the cover.

Time to drain and refill.  I do not like to think of how cold it was when I was draining my spa water one December.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS.  Many times Iowa’s climate gives us a chance during the first part of November to change the hot tub water in relatively mild weather- take advantage of this.  Getting the spa water changed will provide fresh water until spring weather breaks and temps get warm.

Take a peek at the spa water.  If there is a long period (a week or so) that you do not use your hot tub, take a walk to the deck, lift the cover and take a look.  Is the water at the set temperature?  Are there any codes on the control panel asking for help?  Many Sundance hot tub models, have an exterior warning light that changes color indicating there is a potential problem

Stay ahead of the snow.  Make sure you are stocked up on spa care products.  A prolonged storm could shut down roads or cause power outages, you might not be able to get to your spa retailer.  Make sure to stock up.

Power outages– though this does not happen as often as in the “olden days” (whenever that was), it still does and will happen to at least one part of the state.  When the electricity does go out, resist the urge to go to your hot tub repeatedly and open the spa cover, which lets the trapped heat escape.  During power outages, my mother used to tell us to quit opening the refrigerator door, which is the same principle.  A well insulated hot tub can last a long while when the cover is left in place.  I heard a story that in Minot, ND a Sundance hot tub was set at 102 degrees and the power went out, 4 or 5 days later, when the power was restored, the spa water was still over 80 degrees.

Keep soaking spa water set at a constant temperature.  Do not change the temperature when getting in and out of the water.  Everything I have ever read says it is more energy efficient to leave the temperature set at a constant temp.  It makes complete sense.  If you reduce the temperature when getting out of the tub and then jack it up when returning takes more energy.  it also will not be ready when you are ready for your next soak.

After thinking this through and from past personal experience, though it is good to use a hot tub for 12 months of the year, winter time is a GREAT time to sit and soak in your hot tub.  Don’t let the temps scare you from your hot tub.  TRY IT YOU WILL LIKE IT!