Old Man Winter may have settled in for the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your Royal Spa hot tub in the winter. In fact, many people enjoy using their hot tub more when the temperatures drop below freezing. If you’re one of the countless Royal Spa customers who can’t wait to hop into your hot tub when the air turns frigid, here are some tips for keeping your spa in tip-top seasonal shape.
What should you know about using your hot tub in the winter?
Keep The Hot Tub Cover Clear
Step one for ensuring you can use your hot tub in the winter is to make sure you keep the hot tub cover clear of ice and snow.
Covers can become too heavy to lift with snow and ice on them. Too much snow and ice can damage the cover due to the excessive weight on the foam core cover. The longer you allow snow to accumulate on your hot tub cover, the less likely you are to even make an effort to enjoy your spa. Keep in mind, however, that if you’re not planning to use your hot tub often, small amounts of snow on top of the cover does add to the spa’s insulation characteristics.
Staying on top of the snow situation will enable you to hop in for a relaxing soak whenever the time is right.
Keep The Hot Tub Cover Tight
Before the temperatures drop for the winter months, make sure your insulated cover is securely attached to your hot tub. And after every winter use, make sure to fasten the cover well. Even the smallest gap can cause the water to evaporate and cause your heater to run more frequently.
Royal Spa hot tubs are extremely well insulated, so we recommend setting the temperature to a minimum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you’re going to leave the cover on, it’s just as easy to maintain a water temperature of 104 degrees as any lower temperature.
Ultimately, the temperature is your decision. Rather than going back and forth to alter the temperature, set it to your preference and it will always be ready to go. Remember, chasing the perfect temperature is time consuming and increases your energy costs. And as long as you keep your cover on tight, even if the power goes out, you shouldn’t need to worry about your water freezing for at least 7 days without circulation thanks to how well your Royal Spa is insulated. Heated, circulating water will not freeze.
Check Water Levels
Royal Spa hot tubs are designed to maintain water temperature when you properly use an insulated cover. Your water levels shouldn’t alter dramatically during the winter.
If you’re actively using your hot tub in the winter, you’ll likely notice the water’s level decrease over time. If a dip in the hot tub doesn’t occur often, checking the water levels once a week should suffice. Partially open the cover and take a glimpse inside. You can quickly hit the buttons, run the jets, and make sure everything is working correctly.
Stay Safe
You may be tempted to soak in your hot tub in the winter for an extended period of time. Due to the extreme difference in the water’s temperature and the air’s temperature, be sure to pay attention to how you feel while using the spa. If at any point you feel overly tired or in any way feel discomfort…it is time to exit the spa. When it’s freezing above the water, and extremely hot below the water, your body’s internal calibration may get confused.
One quick tip for traveling to and from your hot tub: Keep a pair of flip-flops handy so your feet never touch the cold deck! Everyone has always been concerned about hot tub safety, but more people fall on the ice on their patio than slip in the hot tub. Be safe…
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