Closing Your Hot Tub for Winter? Here’s Why You Should Think Twice
As temperatures start to drop, many hot tub owners begin thinking about closing their spas for the season. Maybe you don’t plan on using it as much, or perhaps you assume shutting it down will save you money during the colder months. It seems like a reasonable thing to do, right?
Not so fast!
Every year, we hear from hot tub owners who call with questions about shutting down their spas for the winter. It’s a common question, and one we think deserves a little more attention. With our experience selling, servicing, and helping customers care for hot tubs throughout the Inland Northwest, we want to share what we’ve learned and help you understand why closing your spa may not be the best option.
While closing a hot tub for winter might seem like the practical choice, it can actually create some unexpected problems. From frozen plumbing and damaged equipment to costly repairs, improperly shutting down a hot tub can turn a little seasonal preparation into a much bigger headache.
The truth is, most quality hot tubs are designed to operate year-round, even in cold climates. And in many cases, keeping your spa running through winter is easier, safer, and more enjoyable than shutting it down.
Before you decide to close your hot tub for the season, here’s what you should know.
Even Experienced Hot Tub Owners Can Make Winterization Mistakes
This is probably the biggest reason to think twice before closing your hot tub for winter.
Unlike a swimming pool, a hot tub has a complicated network of plumbing lines, jets, pumps, heaters, valves, and fittings. Simply draining the water from the shell doesn’t mean the entire system is empty. Water can remain trapped in areas that aren’t easily accessible, and if that water freezes, it expands. This can crack plumbing lines, damage pump housings, split fittings, and even cause problems with the heater.
Properly winterizing a hot tub is more involved than opening a drain valve and turning off the power. Different makes and models have different plumbing configurations and winterization requirements, and even experienced owners can overlook areas where water collects.
The other challenge is that damage isn’t always immediately visible. You may not discover a problem until you refill your hot tub in the spring. And because much of the plumbing is tucked away behind the spa’s insulation, locating and repairing a leak can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
Here in the Inland Northwest, where freezing temperatures are a regular part of winter, it’s especially important to get it right. In some cases, freeze damage may not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for the repair costs.
What Happens to Your Water When Your Hot Tub Sits Unused?
When you stop using your hot tub for the season, it’s easy to forget about what’s happening inside it. But water quality is still something to consider, especially if your spa isn’t properly prepared for an extended shutdown.
If water is left sitting in the plumbing or spa without proper treatment, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other unwanted contaminants. You may also end up with unpleasant odors, residue, and buildup that can make getting your hot tub ready for use again more difficult.
Even after a hot tub has been properly winterized, you’ll want to make sure it’s cleaned and prepared according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before using it again. This may include cleaning the shell, flushing the plumbing, inspecting the filters, and starting with fresh water.
The bottom line? Shutting down your hot tub doesn’t mean you can simply forget about it until spring. Keeping your spa running with proper water care allows you to maintain water quality throughout the winter and enjoy it whenever you like.
You May Not Actually Save Money by Closing Your Hot Tub
One of the most common reasons people consider closing their hot tub for winter is to save on electricity.
And while it’s understandable to want to keep energy costs down, shutting down your spa isn’t necessarily the money saving solution you might expect.
Modern, energy efficient hot tubs are designed to maintain water temperature while minimizing energy use. Quality insulation, well fitting covers, and efficient heating systems all help reduce heat loss.
For example, Hot Spring Spas, which we proudly sell at Pool World, are designed with energy saving features to help make year round operation more efficient.
According to Hot Spring, the electricity required to maintain an energy efficient spa’s temperature can be relatively modest compared with the time, effort, and potential costs involved in winterizing it.
Of course, actual operating costs depend on the model, temperature, usage, insulation, cover condition, and outdoor temperatures. Your electric bill will vary, but it’s worth comparing the cost of keeping your spa running with the cost and risks of shutting it down.
You Miss Out on One of the Best Times to Use Your Hot Tub
Let’s be honest. One of the best things about owning a hot tub is being able to enjoy it whenever you want.
And winter might just be one of the best times!
There’s something pretty special about stepping into warm, relaxing water when the air is cold and crisp. Whether it’s a quiet evening after work, a snowy weekend, or a chance to unwind after spending time outside, your hot tub can be a welcome escape from the winter weather.
Why pack it away for several months when you could be enjoying it?
With quality insulation, a properly maintained cover, and regular water care, many modern hot tubs are built to provide comfortable year-round enjoyment.
Hot Spring Spas offer several collections designed with energy efficiency and year-round performance in mind. Whether you’re looking for the premium features of the Highlife Collection, the contemporary style of the Limelight Collection, or the value and comfort of the Hot Spot Collection, there are options for different needs and budgets.
Your backyard vacation doesn’t have to end when summer does!
A Power Outage or Equipment Problem Can Still Put Your Spa at Risk
Keeping your hot tub running through winter is generally a good option, but that doesn’t mean you can simply set it and forget it.
Even a well insulated hot tub can be vulnerable to freezing if the power goes out or the equipment stops working during extremely cold weather.
Without heat and proper water circulation, water inside the plumbing can begin to freeze. Depending on the outdoor temperature and how long the system is without power, this can lead to serious damage.
A few things you can do to help protect your spa include:
- Keep an eye on your hot tub throughout the winter, even when you aren’t using it regularly.
- Make sure your cover fits properly and isn’t damaged or waterlogged.
- Maintain proper water levels and keep up with regular water care.
- Pay attention to error messages, unusual noises, or changes in water temperature.
- Have a plan for what to do if you experience an extended power outage.
If your hot tub stops working during freezing weather, don’t ignore it. Contact your dealer or service professional for guidance as soon as possible.
So, Should You Close Your Hot Tub for Winter?
For most hot tub owners, keeping your spa running through the winter is a great option. Modern hot tubs are designed for year-round use, and with proper maintenance, there’s no reason you have to give up your favorite backyard retreat just because the temperatures drop.
However, there are situations where shutting down your hot tub makes sense. If you’re leaving for an extended period, won’t have someone available to maintain the water, or have another reason you won’t be using your spa for several months, winterization may be necessary.
The important thing is to understand that simply draining your hot tub isn’t enough. If you decide to close it, have it properly winterized according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A professional can help make sure water isn’t left behind in areas where it could freeze and cause damage.
Keep Your Backyard Vacation Going All Winter
At Pool World, we believe a hot tub is an investment you should be able to enjoy all year long. That’s why we carry quality brands like Hot Spring Spas, Caldera Spas, Free Flow Hot Tubs, and Endless Pools. These are well insulated and designed to make hot tub ownership enjoyable in every season.
Whether you already own a spa and have questions about winter operation or you’re considering adding a hot tub to your backyard, our team is happy to help.
Stop by one of our Spokane or Coeur d’Alene showrooms and talk with our knowledgeable staff. We can help you understand your options, answer your questions, and make sure you’re ready for whatever winter brings.
After all, there’s no reason your backyard vacation should end when summer does!