Significance

• The specifics of maintaining a winter hot tub vary by model of hot tub, and the particulars vary by specific winter and geographic location. Power loss in the winter can threaten your tub with freeze damage, and running a tub in the winter is more expensive than draining it. That said, improperly drained tubs get freeze damage too, and the emotional enjoyment of using your tub in winter can outweigh the negatives.
  
  

Freeze Prevention

• To keep your spa usable, you need to have it warm. In terms of energy efficiency, it's more sensible to have a constantly warm space than to keep your hot tub on cold, then jack it up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up. Hot tub suppliers suggest setting an auto heat mode above freezing to hot; if your hot tub lacks an auto heat mode, plan to run it for 15 minutes out of every hour to maintain a warm temperature and prevent freezing.
  
  

Covers

• Using a cover helps insulate your hot tub during the winter to keep the warmth inside. If your cover is worn out, cracked or old, it could leak dirty snow or ice into the hot tub or collapse under the weight of a heavy snow. Replace old covers, and seal covers for the winter with protectant spray designed to keep out UV rays.
  
  

Cleaning

• If you give your hot tub a good cleaning before winter sets in, you will not have to clean it during the chilly season. Pool and Spa recommends cleaning and draining your tub in preparation for winter use during a mild December day. If you clean and refill in mid December, you can make it through February and into March until you need to clean it again, when temperatures will be warmer.