When it’s freezing in Canada, Canadian hot tub users get to dip into their hot tub, remaining warm on a frigid day. But this is only possible if the hot tub has been winterized to ensure its performance lasts. Here are our tips to winterize hot tubs for Canada’s harsh winter.

How Canadian winters affect hot tub covers

Winter in Canada can reach negative 40°C (sometimes colder), and create mounds of ice, slush, and snow. Like anything else left out in the winter, a hot tub should be winterized. 

Cars get winter tires and are driven often so they don’t freeze. Barbecues have covers to protect them and can be used to ensure they don’t die. Patio furniture is covered or put away so it doesn’t rust. Similarly, hot tubs should be properly taken care of so the harsh Canadian winter doesn’t deteriorate them.

When moisture seeps into the roads and freezes, it causes cracks and potholes. A similar problem can occur with hot tub covers if left unaddressed. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures also cause regular wear and tear that can be avoided using these tips.

Winterizing the interior of the hot tub

Since the interior of a hot tub is constantly filled with water (unless drained for the winter) specific steps need to be taken to ensure the water and interior last throughout the winter and don’t cause damage to the rest of the hot tub.

1. Before winter begins, drain and clean the hot tub. This includes wiping down the interior as well as the inside of the hot tub cover (but don’t use products containing bleach on the inside of the hot tub cover). This wipe-down step creates a fresh hot tub for the winter season so you won’t have to be out in the cold deep-cleaning it.
2. Once the hot tub is refilled, balance the water chemistry (and ensure it remains balanced throughout the winter). A balanced water chemistry will ensure the water is safe for users as well as reduce the chance of cloudy water. This prevents bacterial growth.
3. After adding the correct chemicals to balance the water, run the jets for thirty minutes with the hot tub cover off so any unwanted gasses are freed and not trapped within the hot tub once closed.
4. During the winter, check that the water temperature ranges between 98.6°F and 102°F so it’s always ready for use or at a temperature that can easily be raised without waiting too long.
5. If possible, invest in pipe and component insulation. If there are exposed components around the hot tub, insulate them to help prevent heat/energy loss throughout the winter.
6. Conduct routine inspections, checking for any signs of damage. A small hole or leak could lead to a much bigger problem, but if caught early, an easier solution could be possible. Even a small scrape can allow mold to build up in a crevice. Having a vinyl repair kit on hand during the winter is a great idea for simple patches.

Winterizing the exterior of the hot tub cover

The exterior, or hot tub cover, needs as much attention as the inside of the hot tub. It’s the one piece that protects the entire hot tub from the elements, and any failure in its performance can have detrimental effects on the hot tub. 

Save yourself from a huge hot tub repair in the freezing cold and follow these steps on how to winterize a hot tub.

1. Like a mattress, you can sometimes flip the foam core within the hot tub cover to keep it from sagging in one direction. Add this step to the deep cleaning before winter.
2. Hot tub covers can also have a cover. It’s the hot tub cover’s job to protect the hot tub and retain heat, but a cover on top of that can make sure the hot tub cover doesn’t become less efficient at its job. This can be a simple tarp to protect the vinyl.
3. To further protect the vinyl, consider applying UV protection to fight against sun damage. UV rays can crack the hot tub cover. While this is more likely during the summer, it’s still a useful hot tub maintenance tip year-round.
4. The winter is full of moisture so the hot tub cover is susceptible to growing mold. This can occur when cracks or crevices get a build-up of moisture. Repair the vinyl if needed to keep it watertight. The only water should be within the hot tub.

Hot tub covers to consider for winter

The idea is to enjoy your hot tub year-round. If you close it up for the winter, know that with the right hot tub maintenance, you can continue to enjoy it. There isn’t another feeling quite like experiencing the bracing cold right before a heated plunge.

At Hot Tub Covers Canada, we develop hot tub covers that are energy-saving and efficient due to their level of insulation and tapering. For Canadian winters, consider the Supreme Hot Tub Cover with exceptional insulation capabilities, or the Deluxe Hot Tub Cover, best for moisture run-off. Keep using your hot tub by installing the best hot tub covers.