What should you do with your hot tub during winter?
As temperatures fall, hot tub owners often ask the same question: should I keep it running or switch it off until spring?
There isn't one answer that suits every hot tub.
It depends on how often you use it, how well it is insulated, the condition of its equipment and whether it can be safely shut down.
The most important thing to understand is that turning off a hot tub during freezing weather without properly winterising it can cause serious damage.
Water trapped in pumps, heaters, pipework and fittings can freeze and expand, potentially splitting components and creating leaks.
Option 1: Keep using your hot tub
For many owners, winter is one of the most enjoyable times to use a hot tub.
The contrast between cool outdoor air and warm water can make an evening soak particularly appealing.
If you plan to continue using it, focus on:
- Keeping the cover secure and in good condition.
- Maintaining correct water chemistry and sanitiser levels.
- Cleaning filters and ensuring proper circulation.
- Checking the water level regularly.
- Following the manufacturer's operating and freeze-protection guidance.
- Monitoring for faults, particularly during very cold weather.
A hot tub that is running normally may have automatic frost-protection features, but these should not be relied on if the power supply fails or equipment develops a fault.
Option 2: Use the hot tub less frequently
Some owners use their hot tubs occasionally during winter rather than several times a week.
Depending on the model, there may be energy-saving settings that reduce heating demand between uses.
However, settings labelled economy, sleep or rest do not all work in the same way.
Before changing operating modes, check the manufacturer's instructions and confirm that the required circulation, water treatment and frost protection will remain active.
Reducing the temperature or heating schedule does not remove the need for safe water care.
Option 3: Shut the hot tub down for winter
If you won't be using your hot tub for several months, professional winterisation may be worth considering.
Winterisation is not simply draining the visible water from the shell.
Water can remain trapped in the plumbing, pumps, heater and other components even after the main vessel appears empty.
A proper winterisation procedure is specific to the hot tub's design and may involve draining and clearing residual water from vulnerable parts of the system, following the manufacturer's instructions.
This work requires care: incorrect use of air pressure, chemicals or draining methods can cause damage.
Why leaving a drained hot tub outside can be risky
An empty-looking hot tub may still contain enough trapped water to cause frost damage.
Freezing can damage pump housings, unions, heater assemblies and pipework.
These faults may not become obvious until the hot tub is refilled in spring.
That's why we strongly recommend following the manufacturer's winterisation procedure or arranging professional assistance if you're unsure.
Don't overlook your hot tub cover
Your cover is one of the most important parts of your hot tub's insulation.
A cover that is waterlogged, cracked, poorly fitting or damaged can allow additional heat to escape.
Before winter, inspect its condition and make sure it closes properly.
Clear heavy snow carefully and follow the cover manufacturer's guidance on safe loading and maintenance.
What about heat pumps?
An air-source heat pump may help reduce heating electricity consumption under suitable conditions.
However, its efficiency and output depend on outdoor temperatures, and the installation must be designed to work safely in winter.
A heat pump is not a substitute for a proper winterisation procedure or suitable frost protection.
When should you call a professional?
Consider professional help if your hot tub is at an unoccupied property, has an existing fault, has previously suffered frost damage or will be switched off for an extended period.
Holiday-let and commercial installations may have additional maintenance, safety and recordkeeping obligations that require a separate operating plan.
Let Spa Simple help
Whether you're planning to keep enjoying your hot tub or shut it down until warmer weather, it's worth making an informed decision.
Spa Simple offers professional hot tub winterisation through our Hot Tub Open / Close Service. At £160, the close service includes draining the hot tub and protecting the plumbing and equipment against frost damage, subject to suitability and the agreed scope of work.
Winterisation reduces the risk of frost damage, but no procedure can prevent it completely and the service does not cover pre-existing faults. We'll confirm what's involved for your hot tub before any work is carried out.
Planning a winter shutdown? Contact us or review the seasonal service option before disconnecting the power or draining your spa.