Should I cover my hot tub in winter?

Many hot tub owners wonder if they should cover their hot tubs during the winter months. There are pros and cons to covering or leaving your hot tub uncovered through the winter. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding whether to cover your hot tub in winter.

Why Cover a Hot Tub in Winter?

There are several potential benefits to covering your hot tub in the winter:

Retains Heat

One of the main reasons to cover a hot tub in winter is to retain heat. When covered, the insulated cover traps heat inside the hot tub water. This reduces energy costs since the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature. Having an insulated cover can reduce heating costs by up to 30%.

Protects from Weather

A covered hot tub is protected from the elements – rain, snow, falling leaves, etc. This keeps the water cleaner and extends time between needing to drain and refill the tub. It also protects the shell from damage caused by snow accumulation and heavy icicles.

Prevents Evaporation

Hot tub covers prevent evaporation, which is accelerated in the dry, cold winter air. Uncovered hot tubs can lose several inches of water per month through evaporation in winter. Covering the tub reduces water loss dramatically.

Discourages Use

For some hot tub owners, discourage use in the winter is a goal. Covers make it less convenient to access the hot tub, so some owners use a cover to limit winter hot tub use. This strategy can also save on heating and maintenance costs.

Reasons to Leave a Hot Tub Uncovered

Despite the benefits, there are also arguments for leaving your hot tub uncovered for the winter:

Continued Use

Those who want to continue using their hot tub through winter may opt to leave it uncovered for easier access. Some owners use their hot tubs more in winter and don’t want to hassle with removing and replacing the cover.

Avoids Cover Damage

For hot tub owners in areas with heavy winter snowfall, uncovered tubs avoid cover damage. The weight of snow and ice accumulation can damage foam cores and vinyl cover materials over time. Leaving the tub uncovered prevents this issue.

Maintains Circulation

Keeping your hot tub uncovered maintains water circulation. Running the jets and allowing surface airflow can help preserve water quality over months of winter non-use. It also prevents water from becoming stagnant.

Minimizes Spring Cleaning

Tubs left uncovered all winter avoid the “uncovering” process in spring. Uncovering a tub after months covered often reveals a dirty, stained interior that requires extensive cleaning. Leaving the tub open eliminates this maintenance headache.

Key Factors in Deciding Whether to Cover

When deciding on winter hot tub covering, there are several key factors to consider:

Climate Conditions

The local winter climate drives many covering decisions. In mild climates with little freezing weather, covers are optional. In extreme northern climates, covers are imperative to avoid equipment damage from hard freezes.

Cover Quality

The quality and insulation rating of your existing cover impacts energy savings and durability. A low quality foam cover may not withstand winter weather or retain heat well. Upgrading to a thicker vinyl-covered high density foam cover could improve performance.

Use Patterns

Will you use your hot tub often in winter or leave it stagnant for months? Frequent winter use favors leaving it uncovered for access. Infrequent use supports covering to save energy and limit maintenance.

Budget

What is your winter utility budget? Leaving your hot tub uncovered will increase heating bills. Covering a tub can reduce winter energy costs significantly.

Maintenance Hassles

Some owners simply wish to avoid seasonal cover removal and cleaning hassles. For them, leaving the tub uncovered all year simplifies upkeep and maintenance.

Recommendations Based on Climate

Here are general covering recommendations based on local winter weather conditions:

Climate	Recommendation
Mild, Little-No Freezing	Covering Optional
Moderate, Periodic Freezes	Cover Recommended
Harsh, Extended Freezing	Cover Strongly Advised
Extreme Cold, Heavy Snow	Cover Essential

In mild climates like the southern U.S., hot tub covering is optional since freezing risks are low. In colder northern climates, covers are strongly recommended or essential to avoid freeze damage. Owners in extreme cold should use the best quality cover available.

Best Practices for Covering Your Hot Tub

If you do choose to cover your hot tub for winter, follow these best practices:

Clean Before Covering

Give your hot tub a thorough cleaning immediately before covering it up. Remove and rinse filters, skim debris, and use a hot tub surface cleaner to prevent issues under the sealed cover.

Use a Quality Cover

Invest in a tapered 4-5″ thick insulation cover rated for your climate. The cover should have a vinyl outer layer and dense foam core. Avoid cheap bubble wrap covers with thin foam.

Secure the Cover

Secure your cover tightly with cover locks and straps to prevent wind lift. In windy regions, place heavy objects around the cover edges to weigh it down.

Continue Maintenance

Check chemistry 1-2 times per month, even with the cover on. Shock treat as needed and maintain proper sanitizer levels to prevent algae and bacteria growth.

Inspect Seals

Inspect the cover for leaks around seams and seals periodically. Reseal any gaps with weatherstripping to maintain insulation value.

Preparing an Uncovered Hot Tub for Winter

If leaving your hot tub uncovered this winter, take these steps to prepare it:

Drain and Clean

Drain your hot tub fully and clean the shell and jets thoroughly at the start of winter. This prevents stagnant water issues when not in use.

Maintain Water Level

Refill the tub to proper level. Check levels periodically and top up as needed from splash out or precipitation.

Remove and Store Filter

Remove and dry out your filter media. Store indoors over winter to prevent freezing and damage.

Blow Out Plumbing

Have a hot tub technician blow out the internal plumbing lines with compressed air to remove all residual water and prevent freezing.

Protect Equipment

Elevate pumps and heaters off the ground to avoid contact with snow or standing water from melting snow.

Shock Weekly

Without a cover, shock treat your hot tub weekly to control algae and bacteria growth. Maintain proper sanitizer levels.

Risks of Leaving a Hot Tub Uncovered

While leaving a hot tub uncovered all winter does avoid some spring cleaning headaches, it carries certain maintenance and safety risks:

Water Loss

Expect 30-50% water loss over winter from splash out, precipitation, and evaporation. Monitor and replenish water levels.

Damage from Debris

Leaving the tub exposed allows blowing leaves, sticks, and other debris to enter the water. This must be skimmed and removed regularly.

Excessive Evaporation

Rapid evaporation in dry winter air concentrates minerals and chemicals in the remaining water. This can damage plumbing and equipment.

Breeding Insects

Standing water is an attractant for insects looking to lay eggs. An uncovered tub can breed mosquitos, creating a nuisance.

Risk of Contaminants

Leaves, dirt, animal waste, and other contaminants can more easily enter an uncovered hot tub. This requires constant water monitoring and chemical balancing.

Equipment Exposure

Exposed equipment not rated for freezing temperatures can crack from hard freezes. Prolonged cold exceeds design limits.

Safety Issues

An uncovered hot tub is a safety hazard for children and pets. Easy access increases drowning and injury risks.

Temporary Winter Uncovering

If you need occasional short term access to your covered hot tub during winter, you can temporarily uncover it by following this safe procedure:

Remove Snow

Remove any snow accumulation from the cover with a brush or broom before attempting to open it.

Open Small Section

Fold back and secure only 1/4 to 1/3 of the cover at a time. Avoid exposing the entire tub surface.

Monitor Conditions

Check the water temperature. If below 40°F, do not use the tub or turn on pumps. Cold water can damage plumbing.

Test Water Quality

Test and adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels before use after long periods covered.

Limit Time Uncovered

Minimize the duration that the hot tub is uncovered. Cover again immediately after exiting the tub.

Dry Cover

Wipe down exterior cover surfaces with a towel to prevent moisture damage and re-close cover tightly.

Conclusion

Deciding whether or not to cover your hot tub for the winter involves weighing several factors. On balance, most owners are best served by covering their hot tub through cold winter months. A good quality insulated cover saves energy, protects equipment, and prevents weather damage. Prepare properly based on use patterns, climate, and tub configuration. With the right precautions, your hot tub can survive winter in great shape and be ready for enjoyment when spring returns. Maintain proper care through the winter dormancy period and your hot tub will provide comfort and relaxation for many more seasons!