Winter Hot Tub Tips: Enjoying Your Spa in The Winter

A hot tub on a frosty evening is one of the best things about owning one. Cold weather does change how the spa behaves, though. It loses heat faster, the water chemistry drifts, and a power cut matters more in January than in July. These are the habits that keep a spa running efficiently and safely through a UK winter.

If your spa trips its RCD on a cold, damp night, our RCD troubleshooting advice explains how to keep it safe from frost until it is fixed.

To help you get the most out of your winter soaks, here is our practical checklist for when the temperature drops.

1. Keep the heat in

Most winter heat loss happens through the top of the spa, so the cover does most of the work.

• Use a well-fitting insulated cover. It should sit snugly with no gaps at the hinge or skirt. Check it for cracks, a sagging middle or a heavy, waterlogged feel, and replace it if it has started to go. See our replacement covers if yours is past its best.
• Check the cabinet and pipework insulation. Our hot tubs are designed for Canadian winters, but it is still worth making sure the insulation behind the cabinet panels is intact and dry.
• Keep the lid closed between soaks. Every time the cover comes off, warm air escapes. Open it when you are ready to get in and close it as soon as you get out.

2. Keep the water temperature steady

Turning the temperature right down between uses can look like a saving. In freezing weather it often isn't, because the heater then has to work hard to bring cold water back up before your next soak.

• Around 37–39°C suits most people for regular use.
• If you are going away, use Economy or Sleep mode rather than switching the spa off. A spa that is switched off in a frost risks freezing in the pipes. Our guide to going away with a hot tub lists what to do before you leave.

3. Watch water levels and chemistry

Cold, dry air and warm water mean more evaporation than you might expect.

• Check the water level weekly. The jets and heater need to stay submerged. Running low can damage the pump.
• Test the water regularly. Keep sanitiser and pH within the recommended ranges, as the balance can shift in colder weather.
• Change the water before the coldest months. A full drain and refill in sub-zero weather is risky. Do it in late autumn and you should be set for the season. If you have a swim spa, our swim spa winter care guide covers the extra points for a larger spa.

4. Stay safe and comfortable

• Keep the path clear. Use non-slip mats, or grit with a pet-safe salt, so the route to the spa doesn't ice over.
• Warm your towels and robes. Keep them indoors or on a heated towel rail until you need them.
• Wear sandals or slippers for the walk out and back.
• Keep soaks to 15–20 minutes so you don't overheat or get dehydrated. Have a glass of water nearby.

5. Be ready for a power cut

Winter storms do knock the power out. If yours goes off:

• Keep the cover on to hold in as much heat as possible.
• If a long outage is expected in freezing weather, call us on 01293 824094 for advice before draining or adding water.
• When the power comes back, check the pump is running so warm water circulates through the pipework again.

6. Make the most of it

A few small touches make winter evenings in the spa more enjoyable:

• LED lighting for soaking after dark.
• Aromatherapy scents such as eucalyptus or peppermint.
• A hot drink in an unbreakable cup.

Designed for cold weather

Canadian Spa Company is Canadian-founded, and our hot tubs are designed for Canadian winters, with insulated cabinets, efficient heaters and fitted covers. Look after the basics above and your spa will keep running well all season, right in your own garden.

Browse our hot tub range or call us on 01293 824094 if you would like advice on winter running.

Winter temperature settings

Situation	Suggested approach
Using the spa most days	Keep it at your normal soaking temperature, usually 37 to 39°C
Using it only at weekends	Drop it by a few degrees midweek, then raise it a day ahead. Do not turn it right down in a hard frost
Away for a week or more	Use Economy or Sleep mode and keep the spa powered so frost protection stays active
Children using the spa	No higher than 36°C for under-12s, with shorter soaks and constant supervision

The upper limit for adults is 40°C. Anyone with a heart condition or blood pressure problems should speak to their GP first. You should not use a hot tub while pregnant.

Keeping winter running costs down

• Lift only half the cover on very cold or windy days when you just want to check the water.
• Add a windbreak. A fence panel, hedge or gazebo on the windward side cuts heat loss from the cover and the cabinet.
• Check the cover seal. If you see steam escaping at the hinge with the cover closed, heat is going with it.
• Keep the filter clean. Good flow helps the heater work efficiently.
• Look at your tariff. If you have a time-of-use tariff, setting filter cycles to cheaper hours may help. Compare your rate with the Ofgem price cap.

Cover care in snow and frost

1. Brush snow off with a soft broom. Do not use a shovel or anything sharp.
2. Never pour hot water on a frozen cover or clips, as the sudden change can crack the vinyl or plastic.
3. If the cover has frozen to the cabinet, wait for it to thaw rather than pulling it free.
4. Check the straps after storms. A cover that lifts in the wind loses heat fast and can be damaged.
5. A cover lifter saves you lifting a cold, wet cover by hand.

Safe paths and steps

• Fit a non-slip step and keep it clear of ice.
• Add low-level outdoor lighting along the path for dark evenings. Our guide to getting your hot tub ready for dark evenings covers lighting, the cover and filter cycle timing.
• Keep a towel and robe within arm's reach so you do not stand around wet.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during a soak. The NHS explains the risks of drinking too much, and heat adds to them.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a hot tub when it is snowing?

Yes, as long as the path and step are safe and there is no thunder or lightning. Get out if you feel dizzy, and warm up indoors afterwards.

Will my hot tub freeze if it is switched on?

A spa that is powered and circulating is protected by its control system. The risk comes when it is switched off, for example after a power cut or a tripped RCD. Our hot tub storm guide explains what to do if the power goes off in high winds.

Should I change the water in winter?

It is best to do it in late autumn or a mild spell. Refilling in freezing weather takes longer to heat and puts more strain on the spa.

Why does my water level drop faster in winter?

Cold, dry air increases evaporation from warm water, especially when the cover is open. Check the level weekly.

Keep your water clear

Find the right filters and water-care chemicals, or book a service.

• Hot tub filters
• Water care chemicals
• Servicing and repairs