Winter Freeze Tips
Winter Freeze Tips
Prevent Freezing with a Space Heater
If you own a hot tub, we recommend having a small 1500 W electric space heater on hand. Look for one with temperature control and an adjustable heating range. These heaters cost about $25 and are available from hardware stores like Lowe's or Walmart. If your tub stops heating, this could save you a lot by preventing freezing. When water freezes, it expands, causing the plastic plumbing in a hot tub to crack, resulting in costly leaks. You'll also need a 12-gauge extension cord.
Monitor Your Hot Tub in Freezing Temperatures
When temperatures fall below freezing, keep a close eye on your hot tub. Most tubs can withstand a couple of days of freezing weather in the upper 20s, but colder temperatures can cause freezing if the heat goes out. If you open your tub and it is not up to the set-point temperature, address the situation right away.
Possible Reasons for Temperature Drops
Several issues can cause the temperature to drop:
Tripped Breaker: No power to the tub means no heating.
Circulation Pump Issues: The pump might not be pushing water through the heater.
Heater Failure: The heater itself might have failed.
Each of these situations can be remedied, but you need to act quickly. Call our office to schedule a service appointment, and we can diagnose and repair the problem.
Using a Space Heater to Prevent Freezing
While waiting for service, you can use a small space heater inside the access panel to provide some heat to your tub, the water, and the plumbing. Follow these steps:
Preheat and Set Temperature: Set the heater to a medium setting that just comes on at room temperature. Mark the set point on the dial for easy adjustment later.
Open the Access Panel: Remove 4-20 screws and pull the panel away from the tub. Clean the floor of the cabinet to remove any fire hazards.
Position the Heater: Place the heater so it's not against any plastic parts. Use a brick or block to keep it off the wet or bumpy floor. Ensure the heater is stable and set to the correct temperature.
Safety Checks: Most heaters have a safety switch to turn off if tipped over. If the compartment floor isn't flat, tape the switch to keep it on.
Close the Panel: Replace a couple of screws and put the panel back in place. Allow the extension cord to come out the bottom without securing that corner. The heater will efficiently warm the small space, preventing plastic damage and heating the water by convection.
Recheck and Monitor After a couple of hours, recheck the heater to ensure it is still warming the space and not melting any plastic components.
For Foam-Filled Tubs
If your tub is foam-filled and lacks space for the heater to warm, consider a water heater. Farm Innovators 1,000W Submersible Bucket Heater (SKU:124617099) for under $50 is a good option. Place this heater in your hot tub to add some heat to the water.
Winterization Warning:
DO NOT drain your hot tub unless you complete all the winterization steps to ensure no water is left in the plumbing. Adding antifreeze to the plumbing can help prevent freezing and pipe damage.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call our office at 740-321-1066 or click on the service link to request service.
Winter Hot Tub Use
Winter Hot Tub Use
As the temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better time to enjoy your hot tub than in the winter months. At Ohio Spa Repair, we highly recommend keeping your hot tub on throughout the winter to take full advantage of the relaxing warmth during the cold season.
To ensure your hot tub runs smoothly all winter long, we have a few tips to help you get it ready:
For Continued Winter Use:
Deep Clean: Before winter sets in, it's a great idea to give your hot tub a thorough cleaning. Drain the water, scrub the shell, and clean or replace your filters to make sure your spa is fresh and operating efficiently.
Check for Leaks: Inspect your hot tub for any signs of leaks or damage, as even small issues can become larger problems in colder weather. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Increase the Temperature: To prepare for those freezing nights, we recommend raising the water temperature slightly. This ensures that your tub stays comfortably warm, even when the outside temperatures drop significantly.
Check Your Cover: Make sure your hot tub cover is in good condition and fits securely. This helps to retain heat and keeps your energy costs down.
Chemical Balance: Maintaining the right chemical levels is important year-round, but especially in the winter. Check your water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels regularly.
Not Using Your Hot Tub This Winter? Here’s How to Winterize It:
If you’re planning to skip using your hot tub this winter, it’s crucial to winterize it properly to avoid damage from freezing temperatures. Here’s what you need to do:
Deep Clean: We recommend performing a Deep Clean before draining the tub for winterization to thoroughly remove any biofilm buildup in the lines.
Drain the Water Completely: Make sure to drain all the water from your hot tub, including the pipes and jets, to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing cracks or damage.
Blow Out the Plumbing Lines: Use a shop vac to blow air through the jets and plumbing lines to remove any trapped water.
Add Antifreeze: We recommend adding up to six gallons of RV antifreeze to the plumbing to ensure that any remaining water doesn't freeze, which could lead to leaks or other issues.
Clean and Dry: After draining, clean the spa shell and filters thoroughly. Make sure all surfaces are completely dry to prevent mildew or mold buildup.
Remove and Store Filters: Take out the filters, clean them, and store them in a dry place until you’re ready to use the hot tub again.
Cover the Hot Tub: Once everything is dry and clean, put the cover on and make sure it fits snugly to keep out debris and protect it from the elements.
If you’d like assistance with winterizing your hot tub or need help with any of the steps mentioned, feel free to contact us. We offer professional winterization services to ensure your spa is safely shut down for the season. For added convenience, we offer a discount when you purchase a Deep Clean and winterization together. Give us a call at (740) 321-1066 or go to our website to put in a Service Request: OhioSpaRepair.com.
Stay warm and enjoy your hot tub this winter—or rest easy knowing it’s properly winterized!