Your jacuzzi is the star attraction in your backyard, providing plenty of fun throughout summer and early fall. However, with winter turned up full blast, the days of fun in the sun are gone until next year. If you do plan on closing your hot tub for the winter, the last thing you’ll want is to be left with a big job to get it back in operation the next time you’re ready for a soak. Whether you decide to let the hot tub run so you can use it on some snowy occasion, or if you would rather shut down the entire operation through winter, you will still need to make sure it’s protected and kept clean and free of leaves and debris.
Drain or Change the Water
Winter is an ideal time to change out water in the tub. This can involve two very different processes. Some jacuzzi owners will do just fine in completely draining, cleaning, and leaving the tub dry for the winter. This is especially prudent if you know there’s no chance you’ll be using the hot tub for the duration of winter. The second option is to drain the water from the tub, clean well, and then refill for use during the winter months. Consider the climate in your region when making this decision. If you expect freezing temperatures, it might be best to drain the tub and hoses of all moisture to avoid unexpected cracking and big issues of maintenance that can affect the tub down the line in warmer seasons.
Invest in a Good Cover
Protecting your investment with smart coverage is important in preserving a jacuzzi during the winter. Whether you plan on taking a dip or leaving it bone dry, covering your hot tub is critical in maintenance.
- Covers provide an added layer of protection against nature. This buffer stops things like bugs, bacteria, and debris from getting inside the tub.
- Covers prevent frost from permeating the water inside tubs, proving a better more tempered water environment.
- Covers carry use into other seasons, providing an additional barrier during summer, spring, and fall.
Try to find a jacuzzi or spa cover that is both breathable and durable so as not to trap moisture from rain or snow that can lead to mold, mildew or cracking. Depending upon the climate where you live, you might need a more durable and heavier cover that can stand up to a good bit of snow and wind. Other tubs might be fine to have a sturdy and water-resistant cover that will do the job just fine.
Monitor Your Water Level
If you do plan on using your jacuzzi during the winter months, it’s important to check your water levels to ensure they’re not too low. Otherwise, your pump and heating mechanisms can shut off, in turn, creating a surefire formula for frozen water and potential damage. By taking a few small preventative measures now, you can save yourself a lot of money and time in the long run, and your hot tub will be ready and waiting for the warmer days that wait ahead.
Change The Filter
When closing your hot tub for the winter, it’s always a good call to pull out and clean the filters. If they’re worn out, replace them. If they’re new, take them out, clean and dry them, and put them somewhere safe for the duration of winter. These small changes make a big difference in extending the life of your hot tub. If you’re keeping your hot tub open, make sure you also have test strips handy to keep an accurate balance of chemicals in the water. This goes hand and hand with changing filters to ensure a cleanly and tidy hot tub.
Cool Your Jets
Going full-jet might bring some serious relief to stressed out muscles, but don’t overdo it, or you risk ending up with a chilly tub. Jet mechanisms on tubes pull in outside air, which, in turn, lowers the water’s core temperature. Use your jets in moderation with cleanly and well maintained tubes to ensure your hot tub stays warm and cozy.
Other Considerations
The area around your jacuzzi is just as important as the hot tub itself. Winter is the perfect time to maintain this area by sprucing it up with small do-it-yourself projects. This might include replacing wood on the surrounding deck, cleaning and replacing patio furniture, or even lining the backyard area with privacy screens.
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