Can Intex spas be used in winter?

Intex spas are a popular and affordable way to add a hot tub to your backyard. However, many people wonder if they can continue using their Intex spa during the colder winter months or if they need to winterize and shut it down. Here is a detailed look at using Intex spas in winter.

Can You Use An Intex Spa In Winter?

The short answer is yes, Intex spas can be used year-round, even in cold winter weather. However, there are some extra precautions and maintenance required to safely operate an Intex hot tub during winter.

Intex states that their spas are designed for year-round use in any climate. However, they advise users to take some extra steps in winter to avoid damage from freezing water. This includes draining the water lines and hoses when not in use and running filtration cycles more frequently.

With proper winter care, there is no reason you cannot enjoy your Intex spa on cold winter days and nights. The hot, bubbling water provides a warm oasis when the temperature drops.

Benefits Of Using An Intex Spa In Winter

There are several benefits to using an Intex hot tub during winter:

• Relaxation – It’s extremely relaxing to take a hot soak outdoors while snow falls around you.
• Warmth – The hot water warms up your whole body quickly after being out in the cold.
• Entertainment – An outdoor spa provides a fun winter activity at home.
• Stress relief – The massaging jets provide stress and tension relief.
• Health – Heat therapy can benefit sore muscles and arthritis pain which can worsen in winter.
• Quality time – An outdoor spa is a great place to spend quality time with family or friends year-round.

Challenges Of Intex Spa Winter Use

While Intex spas can be used in winter, it does present some unique challenges:

• Freezing temperatures – There is a risk of freezing damage if the water is not properly handled in cold conditions.
• Heating costs – Maintaining hot tub heat in cold air temperatures causes higher energy bills.
• Winterizing – More frequent draining/refilling of the spa is required to prevent freezing.
• Cleaning – Cold weather can increase the need for cleaning to combat organic debris buildup.
• Use frequency – Some users may be uncomfortable with very frequent use in frigid temperatures.
• Weather exposure – Rain, snow, and wind can make uncovered use uncomfortable.

While inconvenient at times, these issues can be managed with proper operating procedures and maintenance. Many Intex owners find the benefits are worth the extra effort.

Preparing An Intex Spa For Winter Use

Using an Intex spa in winter requires some preparation and adjustments to ensure safe, effective operation. Here are some tips to get your spa ready for cold weather use:

Adjust Chemical Levels

Cold water requires slightly higher sanitizer and pH balancing chemical levels. Test and adjust the chemicals per Intex recommendations. Maintaining proper sanitization is crucial when using the spa regularly in winter.

Insulate The Bottom

Applying insulation boards beneath the spa hot tub helps retain heat in cold ground temperatures. Standard foam insulation boards can be cut to fit the spa’s bottom.

Use An Insulating Spa Cover

A thermal spa cover designed for winter use provides top insulation against heat loss. Make sure the cover fits snugly over the tub.

Drain Pipes and Hoses

Any plumbing lines or hoses that could freeze when not in use should be drained and stored indoors. This may include the heater return line, filter hoses, etc.

Clean The Filters

Make sure filters are clean before winter to maintain proper water circulation and heat retention. Clogged filters can hinder performance.

Maintain Proper Water Levels

Check that water levels meet the minimum operational volume required. Low water levels lead to freezing and pump damage risks.

How To Operate an Intex Spa In Winter

Once prepped for cold weather, operating an Intex spa in winter requires someadjusted procedures. Here are tips for safe winter operation:

Heat it Up First

Heat the spa water to the desired temperature before using the hot tub. This helps prevent large heat loss when you enter.

Keep The Cover On

Always place the insulating spa cover back on after exiting the hot tub to retain heat.

Limit Soaking Time

Long soaks in frigid air temperatures can rapidly steal heat from the water. Limit soak times to 10-20 minutes.

Add a Layer of Insulation

For very cold climates, adding a layer of rigid foam insulation over the cover further prevents heat loss while not in use.

Run Filtration Cycles Frequently

Frequent filtration maintains clean, sanitized water. Run cycles 1-2 times per day rather than just once.

Remove Snow Buildup

Promptly clear any accumulated snow or ice from the cover to avoid collapsing and water entering openings.

Check Chemical Levels Often

Test and adjust sanitizer, pH and other chemical levels before each use to maintain proper levels.

Watch For Water Clarity Issues

Cold water may require more frequent shocking if cloudiness or organic debris develops.

Clean The Filters Regularly

Increased cleaning (every 2-4 weeks depending on use) removes more debris the cold causes.

How To Winterize An Intex Spa

If you decide to stop using your Intex spa for the winter, you will need to fully winterize it. This involves draining all water and preventing any freezing damage. Here are the steps for winterizing an Intex hot tub:

Drain All The Water

Siphon out all water from the spa tub, jets, hoses and heater using the drain plugs. Remove filter cartridges.

Clear The Pipes

Use a shop vac to vacuum standing water out of the pipes by attaching it to the filter or jet openings.

Remove Hoses/Heat Return Line

Detach any hoses, fittings or piping that could hold water and store indoors.

Use Antifreeze

Pour some RV antifreeze into all openings. Turn on jets and the pump for 15 seconds to circulate it.

Disinfect The Tub

Spray down the inside of the spa tub with bleach solution to prevent mold growth.

Deflate/Store The Tub

Fully deflate the spa and disassemble components for dry storage if possible.

Remember to reverse these steps in spring before using the Intex spa again after winter.

FAQs About Using Intex Spas In Winter

Is it bad to leave water in an Intex spa during winter?

Yes, leaving water in the spa during freezing winter temperatures risks major damage from freezing and cracking. Always fully drain the spa if it will be unused for a period of time in cold weather.

What temperature can you use an Intex spa in?

Intex states their spas can be safely used in air temperatures as low as 40°F. However, user comfort may require higher ambient temperatures.

Do you have to change Intex spa water more in winter?

Yes, more frequent water changes are advised in cold weather due to increased chemical usage and organic debris accumulation.

Can an Intex hot tub freeze with water in it?

Absolutely. If the water left inside the spa tub or plumbing freezes, it can split pipes, crack the shell, warp the interior and cause pump damage.

Do hot tubs use more electricity in winter?

Yes, much more heat escapes from the hot tub water during cold temperatures. This requires the heater to work harder and use more electricity to maintain the set temperature.

Should you drain an Intex spa before a freeze?

Yes, you need to fully drain all water and properly winterize an Intex spa if hard freezing weather is forecasted to avoid catastrophic freeze damage.

Can you put antifreeze in an Intex spa?

Non-toxic RV antifreeze can be added to the plumbing lines and pump for winterizing after fully draining the water from the spa tub.

Tips For Heating An Intex Spa In Winter

Heating your Intex inflatable hot tub during winter can use a lot of electricity with increased heat loss. Here are tips to help conserve energy:

• Use an insulating spa cover and locked lid whenever the spa is not in use.
• Add rigid foam insulation beneath and around the spa for very cold climates.
• Only heat the spa to 2-3°F above desired use temperature before entering to conserve heat.
• Limit soak times in cold air temperatures to 10-15 minutes.
• Turn off jets/bubbles when not needed to retain warmth.
• Lower temperature setting to around 80°F for unoccupied periods.
• Run filter cycles at night when electricity rates may be cheaper.
• Use a spa heater timer to heat it only when planned for use.

Conclusion

Although using an Intex spa in frigid winter weather presents some challenges, it can be done safely and enjoyably. With proper preparation, operation adjustments and good maintenance, an inflatable hot tub can provide soothing warm relaxation all winter long.

Pay close attention to water care, invest in a good cover, and be ready to adapt as needed. By following Intex’s recommendations along with the tips above, you can ensure your inflatable spa remains usable no matter how cold it gets.