As opposed to a swimming pool, one of the beautiful things about owning a hot tub is that it’s possible to use it all year round. Although most of us probably prefer warm and pleasant weather, unfortunately cold winters are a fact of life for many of us. However, the warm waters of a hot tub may seem even more inviting when the weather is on the cooler side. In this post we’ll go over seven tips for enjoying your hot tub in any weather.
And although most of these tips are related to cold weather, we’re going to start with a very interesting tip on what to do when the weather is too hot.
Use Your Hot Tub To Cool Off
Some people may think that just because it’s hot outside that using the hot tub would be a terrible idea. Far from it! Despite its namesake, you can actually use your hot tub to cool off when the weather gets too hot. If you set the temperature to below 30C, or turn off the heater completely, you’ll find that a dip in the the tub will actually give you respite from warm weather and high humidity.
When the winter hits, you’ll want to consider these points when using your hot tub:
Set Your Timer For Winter Weather
Most hot tubs come with a switch that prepares the plumbing for cold weather and prevents the pipes from freezing. Make sure your system is set to “no freeze” or the equivalent during the colder months. If your hot tub doesn’t have this feature you’ll need to set your timer to come on intermittently to ensure the pipes don’t freeze. In very cold weather you may need to keep your hot tub running full time.
Use An Insulating Cover
To prevent too much heat loss when you’re not using your tub, cover it with an insulated cover. You may also consider using a floating thermal blanket on the water’s surface as an added protective layer. Be sure to keep the area clear of snow as too much weight may cause the cover to collapse.
Lower The Jets
Although responsible for the massage sensation, jets work by blowing air into the water. This, in turn cools down the water – which is of even greater consequence in the winter. Using your jets at a lower power will diminish the cooling effect.
Keep An Eye On Water Levels
If your water levels get too low, it’s possible for the heater and pumps to stop working which could lead to frozen pipes and damaged components. Monitor the water levels on a frequent basis and add more when necessary.
Wear Your Hat!
In cold weather we lose most of our body heat through our head. And when you’re immersed in a hot tub, your head will become even more susceptible to heat loss. Although you may not think it’s a big deal because you’re sitting in warm water, wearing a hat will regulate the heat loss. It will also keep your hair dry as wet hair could freeze and cause all sorts of cold related maladies.
Keep Warm Clothing Nearby
Getting out of a hot tub in the middle of winter can be an excruciating task. Make it easier on yourself by keeping easy-to-put-on clothing nearby. A large bathrobe or full length coat would be ideal. Also consider footwear with a good grip. Ice, snow and water from the hot tub can cause your pathways to become even more slippery than normal.
No matter what the weather is like, owning a hot tub provides an inviting backyard oasis that can be enjoyed every single day of the year.
Scott Bland has been in the leisure industry for nearly 20 years. As a sales manager in the leisure industry he knows hot tubs inside and out. Right now he works sales while writing about consumer goods on the side. If you want to contact him, you can do so at his LinkedIn.
