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Winter Hot Tub Care Tips
for Rochester, MN Residents
At our hot tub store in Rochester, MN, we understand the challenges of cold weather – and we’re here to help you keep your Hot Spring Spa running smoothly all winter long. With the right care, you can enjoy relaxing soaks no matter how cold it gets outside. Here are some essential winter spa care tips.
Drain & Refill Before Winter
Why it’s important: Before freezing temperatures set in, it’s crucial to drain and refill your spa. This helps prevent water from freezing inside your system, which could cause damage. We recommend draining your spa in the fall, cleaning it thoroughly, and refilling it to prepare for winter. In spring, repeat the process to keep your water fresh and your spa functioning optimally.
Winter tip: If you must drain and refill during the winter, wait for a day when the temperature is above 20°F to prevent any freezing.
Cover Your Spa When Not in Use
Why it’s important: A well-fitting cover is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain heat and save energy. A cover helps insulate your spa, preventing heat loss and reducing the need for your heater to work overtime.
Winter tip: Walk around your spa to make sure the cover is completely pulled over the edges on all sides. Apply pressure to ensure the cover is tightly sealed. This will help retain heat and prevent ice buildup on the cover, which could cause damage or strain on the system.
Clean Your Circulation Pump Filter Regularly
Why it’s important: Your circulation pump filter is essential to keeping the water flowing and the heater working efficiently. If the filter gets clogged, it can cause the heater to shut down, which could lead to a cold, unpleasant spa experience during the winter months.
Winter tip: Clean your filter every 30 days, and be extra diligent in winter. Snow and ice can lead to debris buildup, so maintaining a clean filter ensures optimal circulation and consistent heating. Neglecting this can lead to more serious problems like frozen pipes or malfunctioning equipment.
Leave Cover Open After Adding Chemicals
Why it’s important: After adding chemicals to your spa, you should leave the cover open for a while. This allows the chemicals to disperse properly and prevents them from getting trapped under the cover, which could affect the balance of your water.
Winter tip: Always run the jets for at least 15-20 minutes after adding chemicals, and leave the cover open during this time to avoid any potential damage to the cover or spa components. This simple step helps maintain water quality and spa performance.
Consider a Handrail for Safety
Why it’s important: Safety is a top priority, especially when the ground is icy. Installing a handrail near your hot tub steps can provide extra stability and prevent slips when getting in and out of your spa.
Winter tip: In addition to the handrail, consider using non-slip mats on the ground near your spa to further reduce the risk of slipping. Many of our customers find handrails essential during Rochester’s long winters, and we sell a variety of models in our store.
Use Your Hot Tub Regularly
Why it’s important: Make it a habit to use your spa regularly, even in winter! The more you use it, the less likely it is to experience problems. Plus, there’s nothing better than warming up in your hot tub after a day of winter activities!
Remove Snow from the Cover
Why it’s important: Snow accumulation on your spa cover can place unnecessary weight on it, potentially causing damage or causing it to sag, which reduces its insulating properties.
Winter tip: Clear off snow regularly using a soft broom or brush. Avoid using sharp objects like shovels or ice scrapers, as these can scratch or tear the cover’s surface. Keeping the snow off will help preserve your cover’s lifespan and prevent damage caused by excessive weight.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Why it’s important: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean spa maintenance should take a back seat. Regular water testing, cleaning, and chemical balancing are essential to maintaining your spa’s performance year-round.
Winter tip: Even in winter, test your water weekly to ensure the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels are balanced. Clean the filters as recommended and be sure to add chemicals as needed. Staying on top of these tasks will prevent costly repairs and ensure a comfortable, worry-free soak all season long.
Got Hot Tub Questions?
Still have some lingering questions about your hot tub? Give us a call or shoot us an email!
Contact Thatcher Pools today for any questions or come by our showroom to check out our great inventory of hot tubs, swim spas and saunas!
