With another page turning on the calendar, you’re probably wondering “Can you use a swim spa in winter?” After all, it would be a massive help if you could keep using your heated hydrotherapy and exercise spa rolled into one as the cookies and egg nog circulate the neighborhood.
The answer is a triumphant yes! However, there are a few crucial habits you want to adopt if this is, indeed, your intention.
Can You Use a Swim Spa in Winter? The Truth.
You can, in fact, use your swim spa even when it’s in the middle of a Winter Wonderland. But that doesn’t mean you should approach your swim spa with reckless enthusiasm. While you can enjoy the luxurious bathing experience and low-impact exercise all year long, wintertime swim spa use requires diligence and caution.
At Colorado Custom Spas, we’ve seen numerous clients over the years who have made the most of Denver winters with help from their swim spas. Our clients’ success is the product of three key ingredients: top-tier products, exceptional customer service, and the execution of a few best practices which we have listed below.
Keep It Running. Keep It Clean.
First and foremost, you need to keep your swim spa powered on and at the appropriate water levels if you plan to use it in the winter. Doing this ensures that you can maintain a warm enough temperature in the water to keep the pipes from freezing.
Also, stay vigilant with the equipment. If something isn’t functioning properly, have it repaired as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to have your full swim spa break down on the coldest day of the year!
Thorough water maintenance is non-negotiable no matter what time of year you use your swim spa. And when the bitter cold sets in, it’s even more important. Clean, circulating water is the key to keeping your bathers healthy and the pipes from freezing. Therefore, always keep spa chemicals and testing supplies on hand, so you can properly treat and balance the water.
Treat Your Spa Cover Well
Simply put, if you want to protect your swim spa, you need to protect your swim spa cover. Not only does it prevent debris and unwanted materials out of your spa, but it also helps retain the heat inside your spa water. This, in turn, protects the tub from the cold weather and helps reduce your energy consumption as well.
And, of course, there’s the famous Colorado snow load. Clear as much snow and ice as possible off of your cover before attempting to lift it. Yes, the cover is meant to hold up under heavy accumulations, but you’ll put undue stress on it and yourself if you try to remove it without clearing it first.
Watch the Water Temperature and the Time
The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises a maximum temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit for spa water. Your spa controls can’t go past this temp, so there’s no need to worry. You can set your temperature to wherever you feel most comfortable and enjoy your swim spa however you would like.
However, don’t forget that the longer your spa is uncovered, the more heat you will lose. It’s up to you on how long you would like to use your spa but know that there might be some extra heating expenses involved if it is uncovered for too long.
Use Your Swim Spa in Winter: Bring Your Outdoor Winter Gear
To keep yourself warm, dry, and safe in your swim spa environment, keep the following items handy:
- snow shovel
- sidewalk salt
- a thick robe and/or coat
- winter hat
- gloves
- slip-on shoes with good traction
- bath towels
Dress appropriately. Shovel and salt a pathway, and the trip to and from your swim spa will be safer.
Who Can Help Me Prep My Swim Spa for Winter?
Colorado Custom Spas is Denver’s leading resource for swim spas and spa care when the famous Rocky Mountain chill sets in. Contact us today, and we’ll introduce you to products and services that are more than a match for a Colorado winter.
