Many Canadians know the joy of defying winter, heading outside in your swim trunks and slipping into a hot tub. Imagine the water’s heat relaxing your muscles; the air’s bracing cold as it carries snowflakes down to earth. For those who love the cold (or can’t afford another trip to Florida) a hot tub is an invigorating way to enjoy our long Canadian winter months.

We haven’t quite gotten to those frigid temperatures yet, but the cold and snow could come any day now. To really enjoy the snowy days, you’ll want to start prepping your hot tub - sooner rather than later if you haven’t done so already. Here’s why you should change your hot tub’s water before the temperature gets too cold.

Why Change the Water at All?

Water in improperly maintained hot tubs can damage equipment and pose a hazard to bathers. If you are not regularly checking and adjusting your hot tub’s chemical balance the water can become corrosive. Typically, water will become cloudy, so there is a visual indication, but it’s best to employ a total dissolved solids test.

Whenever you use your hot tub you leave things like sweat and detergent behind. Even adding chemicals to the hot tub contributes to the water’s total dissolved solids. The test measures how many parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids are present; once your water reaches fifteen hundred ppm it’s time to change the water.

So Why Change Before Winter?

How often you change the water depends on how frequently you use your hot tub. At the very least you should change the water every four months. You may even consider changing the water after throwing a party, when many different people use the spa within a short time frame.

Now, the reason to change the water before the temperature drops is simple. It makes things a whole lot easier. Colder weather, snow and ice make this chore unpleasant and even potentially hazardous to your equipment. If you choose to drain you hot tub during winter, be mindful of where you dispose of the water. The last thing you want to do is create an icy patch where someone could slip.

How to Change Your Hot Tub’s Water

• Before emptying your hot tub, make sure you clean the plumbing. Use a system flushing product to remove any organic matter and help prevent future water chemistry issues
• After turning off the hot tub remove and clean the filters; at this point, you can drain your hot tub
• Now is a good opportunity to clean your hot tub’s surfaces (this would be a big pain in the dead of Winter)
• Refill your hot tub
• Turn on the equipment
• Balance the water chemistry; a Spa Starter Kit is a great way to do this
• Re-attach your hot tub cover; if it's old, consider ordering a replacement cover

Unfortunately, there are some instances (like during a long-standing power outage) where you may consider emptying your hot tub during the winter months, but in most cases it’s not advisable. Instead, stay on top of your hot tub maintenance schedule. Preparing your hot tub before winter hits allows you to enjoy fresh, clean water all winter long. And in our opinion that’s something worth planning for.

This Blog was Posted on December 3rd, 2016
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