The winter months are closing in. That means cold, snowy weather is sure to come, along with the shopping frenzies and playoff football. At this point, you may be wondering, “Should I leave my hot tub on all the time?” Great question! You wouldn’t leave a pool running in the dead of winter, would you? So, naturally, you ponder if it’s okay to keep your hot tub running after the pool party season as well.
Surprise! This is one of the areas in which hot tubs have an advantage over pools. Their heated waters make them usable all year long, even when snowmen are popping up around the neighborhood.
Therefore, the short answer is “Yes!” You should leave your hot tub on all the time. With that said, there are some key points to keep in mind as you operate and monitor your hot tub throughout the season.
Why should I leave my hot tub on all the time?
Before we go any further, know that “leaving your hot tub on all the time” does not mean letting the jets pulse and the water bubble 24/7. Rather, this means keeping the tub heated and connected to a power source and the water circulating on a regular basis.
Your hot tub contains a filtration preset that, when activated, runs the water through the filtration system during non-peak utility hours to help you save on energy costs. By circulating the water at timed intervals throughout the day, you protect the spa shell and the plumbing from frost and condensation that would otherwise accumulate and cause damage.
What role does water chemistry play in my hot tub’s winter use?
While warm water proves a big help in combating frost, temperature alone is not enough to keep the hot tub functioning properly in the snowy months. That’s why maintaining healthy water chemistry is, as always, paramount, especially during the winter.
Clean, clear water is essential to preserving your soaking environment and its equipment. Anything less promotes the build-up of microbial matter and biofilm that compromises your health and that of your hot tub. Add cold conditions to the mix, and you’re in for some costly consequences.
At Goodall, we recommend that you bring in a water sample from your hot tub to one of our five locations once a month. We’ll conduct a free water test so you can assess exactly what you need to properly treat and balance your spa water.
How important is my spa cover in the wintertime?
Your hot tub is running appropriate cycles throughout the day. You have your water treatment regimen set. Is your hot tub ready to run? Only if you devote the same level of care to your spa cover.
In our blog, 5 Signs Your Spa Cover Needs to Be Replaced, we explained how your spa cover helps contain the heat inside the tub, thus limiting your energy consumption. Also, we mentioned how the cover can absorb water if it’s cracked or torn in any place. Therefore, be sure that your spa cover is clean, secure, and damage-free. This will ensure your spa’s safety and sanitation as it runs (even when you’re not using it).
Where do I go for premium hot tubs in Pennsylvania?
Our mission statement at Goodall Pools & Spas reads, “We create sparkling water and lifelong memories for all of our customers, every day.” Indeed, we keep the water sparkling and the memories coming for our customers even in the midst of a Pennsylvania winter through our selection of hot tubs and swim spas.
Contact us or visit one of our Central Pennsylvania stores today. We’ll introduce you to our selection of premium hot tubs and swim spas and answer any operational questions you may have.
