Should You Winterise Your Hot Tub or Keep It Running Throughout Winter?
- TubmasterSW
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
As winter approaches, hot tub owners face an important choice: should you winterise your hot tub or keep it running through the chilly season? This decision can greatly affect your hot tub's longevity, maintenance expenses, and whether you get to enjoy it during winter. In this post, we will weigh the pros and cons of both options, helping you determine the best choice for your needs.
Understanding the Basics of Winterisation
Winterising your hot tub means draining the water, cleaning the interior, and safeguarding all components from freezing temperatures. This process is crucial for preventing damage to plumbing and equipment, which can be pricey to fix.
Alternatively, keeping your hot tub operational allows you to maintain the water temperature, making it available for use even in the coldest months. However, this option comes with its own challenges.
Pros of Winterising Your Hot Tub
1. Prevents Damage
One of the most compelling reasons to winterise your hot tub is to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Water left in the pipes can freeze, expand, and crack the plumbing, which may lead to repair costs of up to $1,500. Avoiding this risk can save you from significant financial strain.
2. Reduces Maintenance Costs
By winterising your hot tub, you cut down on maintenance during winter. You will save on chemicals, electricity, and other upkeep costs.
3. Extends Lifespan
Proper winterisation can extend your hot tub's lifespan. By protecting components from harsh winter conditions, you help ensure that your investment lasts longer. Many hot tub owners have reported an extended lifespan of up to 5 years when they commit to proper winter care.
Cons of Winterising Your Hot Tub
1. Missed Opportunities for Use
Choosing to winterise means you might miss out on soaking in a warm tub under falling snowflakes. Many people treasure the experience of enjoying their hot tub while surrounded by winter beauty.
2. Time-Consuming Process
Winterising can be a time-consuming task. You need to clean it thoroughly, drain the water, and ensure all components are well-protected. Depending on your experience, this process can take anywhere from two to four hours, which might feel overwhelming.
3. Potential for Algae Growth
If winterisation is not executed correctly, stagnant water in the plumbing may lead to algae growth. This can result in extra challenges when reopening your hot tub, including the need for extensive cleaning and potentially costly treatments.
Pros of Keeping Your Hot Tub Running
1. Year-Round Enjoyment
Keeping your hot tub running all winter allows for year-round enjoyment. There’s nothing quite like unwinding in warm water while snuggled in your winter clothes. Reports show that hot tub use can decrease your stress levels by 63%, making it an attractive option in the winter.
2. Easier Maintenance
An operational hot tub is easier to maintain. Regular circulation and filtration keep water quality high and help avoid issues like bacteria growth, making it simpler to keep your hot tub clean. Owners who run their hot tubs throughout winter report spending nearly half the time on maintenance compared to those who let it sit.
3. Increased Home Value
A well-maintained hot tub can add value to your home. Keeping it operational signals to potential buyers that the hot tub is in good condition. According to studies, a hot tub can increase a home’s resale value by about 4% to 5%.
Cons of Keeping Your Hot Tub Running
1. Higher Energy Costs
One downside to running your hot tub in winter is higher energy costs. Depending on insulation and heater efficiency, you could see energy bills rise by 25% to 50%.
2. Risk of Freeze Damage
Even with a running hot tub, you risk freeze damage during extreme cold. If the power goes out or your heater fails, you might face expensive repairs.
3. Ongoing Maintenance Required
Keeping your hot tub operational means you must regularly check water quality, balance chemicals, and clean it. This commitment can take time and effort and may feel burdensome for busy owners.
Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision
1. Climate
Your local climate matters. If you live in an area with mild winters, running your hot tub may be more practical. However, regions with extreme cold could make winterisation the safer choice.
2. Usage Frequency
Think about how often you will use your hot tub during winter. If you plan more frequent use, keeping it operational might justify the added costs. However, if you only plan occasional use, winterising could be a wiser choice.
3. Budget
Consider your budget for maintenance and energy costs. If saving money is a primary goal, winterising may be the way to go. Conversely, if you are keen on year-round enjoyment, keeping it running could be worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The choice to winterise your hot tub or keep it running ultimately hinges on your preferences, budget, and climate. Both approaches offer distinct pros and cons that you should consider. If you value year-round use and can manage the associated costs, keeping it active might be for you. However, if protecting your investment and saving on maintenance sounds appealing, winterising could be the best option.
Regardless of which path you take, make sure to follow necessary care steps so that your hot tub remains a source of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.
TubMaster
