Using your 13amp plug and play spa (winter edition)

Xavier Labelle

Introduction

Relaxing in a hot tub in the middle of a cold UK winter might sound like a luxury for spa resorts. But with a 13-amp plug and play hot tub, it can be part of everyday life, right in your own garden.

Here is how to enjoy your hot tub even when the temperature drops.

Open hot tub with clear bubbling water overlooking a frozen, snow-covered lake under a blue sky

What is a 13-amp plug and play hot tub?

Traditional hot tubs need professional installation and their own electrical circuit. A 13-amp plug and play hot tub is built for convenience instead.

As the name suggests, it plugs into a standard 13-amp socket, like the ones in most UK homes. No special electrical work is needed, so it suits many households.

Setting up your hot tub for winter

  1. Location: Choose a spot sheltered from strong winds. Ideally, keep it close to the house so it is easy to reach in cold weather. Make sure the ground is level and can take the weight of the tub when full of water and people.
  2. Electrical safety: Use a waterproof outdoor socket with a circuit breaker for extra safety. Make sure the plug and socket are kept away from water.
  3. Insulation: Think about insulating the base of the tub to stop heat escaping. Always use an insulated cover when the tub is not in use. It keeps the heat in and the leaves out.

Enjoying your hot tub in winter

  • Temperature: Heat the tub up in good time. Around 37–40°C is ideal for a comforting soak.
  • Drinks: Stay hydrated. A cup of hot tea or coffee goes well with a winter soak.
  • Safety first: Limit your time in the tub so you do not overheat. When you get out, do not stand around in the cold with a wet head or body.
  • Atmosphere: Add waterproof LED lights, outdoor speakers and a few hardy winter plants around the tub.

Maintenance tips

  • Check and balance the pH and chlorine levels regularly.
  • Keep the water level steady. Water can evaporate faster in cold weather.
  • Clean or replace the filter when needed so the tub runs efficiently.

Benefits of using a hot tub in winter

  • Physical wellbeing: Warm water can soothe aching muscles, which often feel worse in the cold.
  • Mental relaxation: There is something special about soaking in warm water while the air around you is crisp and cold.
  • Time together: It is a great way to spend quality time with family or friends at home.

Conclusion

A 13-amp plug and play hot tub is a great way to add a touch of luxury to UK winter days.

With a little preparation and regular care, your garden can become a winter favourite for relaxing, feeling good and spending time with others. Enjoy your winter soaks.

How a 13 amp spa behaves in cold weather

A plug and play spa runs on the same 13 amp supply as a kettle, so it has less power to work with than a 32 amp hardwired spa. The heater is smaller, typically 2 kW on our plug and play models such as the Montreal. In practice that means:

  • Heating from cold takes longer, roughly 1 to 2°C an hour with the cover on.
  • The water can lose a little temperature during a long soak with the jets running and the cover off, especially on a windy night.
  • The spa relies more on the cover and insulation to hold its heat between uses.

None of this stops you using it all winter. It just rewards a bit of planning. If you're still choosing a spa, our guide to buying a hot tub in autumn or winter compares 13 amp and 32 amp models for winter use.

Winter tips for 13 amp spas

  1. Keep the temperature steady. Turning it right down between soaks means a long reheat in cold weather. Hold a steady temperature, or drop it only a couple of degrees midweek.
  2. Soak in shorter sessions. 15 to 20 minutes is plenty, and the water loses less heat.
  3. Close the cover straight after. Every minute it is open in cold air costs heat.
  4. Use the socket correctly. The spa must plug directly into a weatherproof outdoor socket with RCD protection. Never use an extension lead, and keep the plug and socket cover closed and dry.
  5. Shelter from the wind. A screen or gazebo on the windward side helps.
  6. Keep the filter clean. Good flow lets the small heater work efficiently.

Heating times at a glance

Starting water temperature To reach 38°C at 1 to 2°C an hour
8°C (cold mains water in winter) About 15 to 30 hours
15°C About 12 to 23 hours
30°C (after a few days off at a lower setting) About 4 to 8 hours

These are estimates. Wind, air temperature and the condition of the cover all make a difference. Our guide on how long a hot tub takes to warm up has more examples.

Winter running costs

You can estimate the cost of putting heat back into the water. Raising 700 litres, the Montreal's capacity, by 1°C takes about 0.81 kWh. At the October to December 2026 Ofgem cap rate of 26.32p per kWh, that is about 21p. If a cold night and a soak cost the spa 3°C, putting it back costs roughly 64p. Your own costs depend on your tariff and your spa, so check the current rate on the Ofgem price cap page.

Frost protection

While the spa is plugged in and powered, its control system watches the water temperature and runs the pump and heater if it gets close to freezing. The risk comes if the power goes off: a tripped RCD, a power cut, or someone unplugging it. If that happens in freezing weather:

  • Keep the cover on and closed.
  • Find out why the power went off. If the RCD has tripped, see our RCD troubleshooting guide.
  • Call us on 01293 824094 before draining if the spa is likely to be off for a long time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a 13 amp spa every day in winter?

Yes. Keep the cover on between soaks and hold a steady temperature.

Why does the water cool slightly while I am in it?

On a cold night, the water loses heat to the air faster while the cover is off. Keeping soaks shorter helps.

Should I switch it off if I go away?

No. Use Economy or Sleep mode and leave it powered so frost protection stays on. Our holiday checklist for hot tub owners covers the water, filter and cover checks before you go.

Can children use the spa in winter?

Yes, with supervision, short soaks and the water no higher than 36°C for under-12s. You should not use a hot tub while pregnant.

Choosing a hot tub?

Compare our hot tubs and swim spas, or visit our showroom near Gatwick.

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