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.