Essential Tips for Cold Winter Months: Maximizing Your Hot Tub's Performance

Winter can be a magical time for hot tub enthusiasts, but Alberta’s harsh winter conditions demand a few extra steps to ensure your hot tub runs efficiently. By following these essential tips, you can enjoy your hot tub in peak condition, without worrying about energy waste or performance issues. Whether you’re a new hot tub owner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you make the most of your spa during the coldest months of the year.

1. Avoid Using Air Intakes During Winter Soaks

When you’re enjoying your hot tub during the winter months, it’s best to keep the air intakes closed, even while soaking. Air intakes pull in cold outside air to increase jet pressure, which can cause the water temperature to drop much faster than normal, especially in freezing conditions. This leads to your heater working overtime to maintain the desired temperature.

Pro Tip: Make it a habit to check that your air intakes are closed after each use. Even when you're not using the hot tub, leaving the intakes open allows cold air to enter, causing unnecessary heat loss. A quick check before covering your spa can save energy and keep your water warmer for your next soak.

2. Tighten the Power Clamps to Maximize the Seal

Ensuring a tight seal on your hot tub cover is critical in preventing heat from escaping. The Eco Spa’s Power Clamps are designed to create a strong, airtight seal, which helps lock in heat and keep cold air out. Tighten the clamps as much as possible to compress the seal and minimize any gaps where heat could escape.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect the power clamps and seals to make sure they haven’t loosened over time. A well-compressed seal ensures that the hot tub cover performs at its best, even in extreme cold.

3. Monitor Your Water Level Regularly

Maintaining the right water level is key to keeping your hot tub running efficiently, especially in winter. If the water level gets too low, the pump may struggle to circulate water properly, forcing the heater to work harder and use more energy. Keep the water level just above the jets to maintain proper circulation and avoid freezing risks.

Pro Tip: In winter, evaporation rates are lower, but it’s still important to check your water level frequently, especially after periods of heavy use.

4. Use a High-Quality Hot Tub Cover for Maximum Efficiency

A high-quality cover is one of the best investments you can make for winter hot tub performance. Traditional foam covers tend to sag and lose their insulating properties over time, but hard covers, like the Eco Hard Cover, are built to withstand harsh winters. These covers come with superior insulation and durability, making them ideal for freezing climates like Alberta’s.

Key Benefits of Hard Covers:

• Heat Retention: Hard covers retain heat more effectively than foam covers, reducing the energy needed to maintain your water temperature.

• Airtight Seals: Combined with power clamps, hard covers form an airtight seal to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering.

Pro Tip: If you have a floppy foam cover, check its condition of before winter begins. If it shows signs of wear or sagging, it might be time to upgrade to an Eco Spa with a lifetime warranty cover.

5. Consider Upgrading to 220v for Longer Soaks

If you’re planning to use your hot tub for extended periods (15-20 minutes or longer) during a cold winter day, it might be worth upgrading your Eco Spa to a 220v system. While the 110v system works efficiently for shorter soaks, the increased power of a 220v setup allows your spa to maintain its temperature more effectively during prolonged use, ensuring that the water stays warm without putting extra strain on the heating system.

Pro Tip: For those who love long, relaxing winter soaks, switching to 220v will allow for a more consistent water temperature, even on the coldest days.

6. Keep Your Filter Clean for Optimal Performance

A clean filter is crucial to ensuring your hot tub operates efficiently, especially in cold weather. When filters become clogged with debris, the circulation system has to work harder, consuming more energy and putting strain on the pump and heater. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter can improve water circulation and extend the life of your hot tub’s components.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder to clean your filter at least once a month during winter, or more frequently if your hot tub sees heavy use.

7. Avoid Draining Your Hot Tub in Freezing Conditions

Draining your hot tub in sub-zero temperatures can be risky. Water left in the plumbing and pipes can freeze, causing damage to the system. If you need to drain your tub for maintenance, try to do it during a warmer spell or use a pump to ensure all water is removed from the system.

Pro Tip: Instead of draining the hot tub completely during winter, opt for regular water balancing and cleaning to extend the life of the water and avoid mid-winter draining.

8. Optimize Your Water Temperature for Efficiency

While it might be tempting to keep your hot tub at the maximum temperature during winter, doing so can significantly increase your energy costs. Instead, aim for a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

Recommended Temperature Settings:

• 100°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C) is ideal for most users during winter months.

• Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees when not in use can lead to significant energy savings without compromising comfort.

Pro Tip: If you plan to use your hot tub frequently in the winter, consider investing in a 240v system, which heats more efficiently than a 110v model and can maintain a consistent temperature with less energy.

9. Set Your Hot Tub to Economy/Eco Mode

Many hot tubs like Eco-Spas come with energy-saving modes that adjust heating cycles to conserve power when the spa is not in use. By setting your hot tub to Economy/Eco Mode, you can reduce the amount of time the heater runs while still maintaining a comfortable water temperature.

Pro Tip: Use a smart timer to schedule heating cycles around your usage patterns. This way, the tub is ready for use when you need it, without wasting energy maintaining a high temperature at all times.

10. Check Your Jets and Valves for Efficiency

Jets and valves are essential for maintaining proper water circulation, but they can also contribute to heat loss if not managed carefully. Close the air valves when you’re not using your hot tub to prevent cool air from being drawn in, which can lower the water temperature.

Pro Tip: Turn off the jets when you’re not using the hot tub. The jets agitate the water, allowing more heat to escape into the cold air. This will also reduce wear on your pump.

11. Inspect Your Hot Tub for Leaks or Damage

Finally, take the time to inspect your hot tub for any signs of leaks, damage, or wear. Small leaks can cause significant heat loss, especially in cold conditions, leading to higher energy consumption and potential damage to the tub’s internal components.

Pro Tip: Schedule a professional inspection in the fall to catch any issues before winter sets in. This preventative maintenance can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Winter doesn’t have to be a challenge when it comes to keeping your hot tub performing at its best. With proper insulation, regular maintenance, and smart usage practices, you can ensure that your hot tub remains energy-efficient and reliable throughout Alberta’s harsh winter months. By following these tips—like keeping air intakes closed, tightening power clamps, and using Economy Mode—you can enjoy your hot tub without worrying about energy waste or performance dips.

So, tighten those clamps, close your air intakes, and get ready to enjoy your hot tub in the crisp Alberta winter air!