How to Extend the Life of Your Hot Tub During Michigan Winters
Do you love having a hot tub at your Michigan home, but worry about what harsh winter conditions can do to its longevity and overall ability to function? The temperature extremes and heavy snows common to the local region can make your hot tub quite vulnerable without proper maintenance. Fortunately, there are some key winter maintenance rules of thumb that you can keep in mind to ensure your Michigan hot tub makes it through the colder months.
At Recreation Warehouse Michigan, we’re experts at supporting local homeowners with keeping their hot tubs in great shape all winter long. Whether you’re someone who loves using yours year-round or mainly takes a dip in the warmer months, you’ll need to undertake some preparatory steps before winter temperatures set in. Below, we’re providing some spa longevity tips that can help you do just that.
1. Ensure your hot tub is properly insulated and covered.
One of the biggest mistakes that we see Michigan hot tub owners make is failing to invest in a high-quality cover. The purpose of your hot tub cover is not only to keep debris at bay. It’s also a must for trapping heat and limiting the potential for energy loss. In other words, a well-constructed cover will do double-duty by keeping water warmer with less energy exerted by the heater. When it comes to choosing the right cover, consider the following:
- It should be sturdy and well-fitting for the specific dimensions of your hot tub.
- It should be rated for use in cold weather.
- It can be combined with a winter thermal layer for extra insulation.
In addition to choosing the right cover, you’ll need to inspect it on a regular basis for evidence of wear, damage, or improper fit. You can also take this time to brush heavy snow and ice off the cover, reducing any strain on its surface.
2. Maintain the right water chemistry.
The chemistry of the water in your hot tub can fluctuate more dramatically during the winter season than you may have come to expect. Testing it regularly is necessary to avoid corroding internal components. If you plan to be away during the winter, you could also have an automatic chemical feeder installed to maintain peace of mind about its balance in your absence.
3. Avoid shutting down your hot tub completely.
You might believe that it’s best to shut your hot tub down once freezing temperatures hit, but this isn’t the case. Hot tubs are engineered to run continuously, and regular circulation is essential for winter protection.
Your hot tub’s circulation pump promotes the flow of water through filters and pipes. Without this ongoing movement, water could easily freeze and do significant damage to plumbing. Even if you don’t plan on using your hot tub frequently during the wintertime, leave it on its normal schedule or run the circulation for a few hours daily in order to prevent frozen lines.
4. Schedule a professional tune-up in advance of winter weather.
For full support with winter maintenance for your Michigan hot tub, consider reaching out to the experts at Recreation Warehouse Michigan. We have a team of trained technicians ready to conduct a full inspection of your hot tub and help ensure your system is well-prepared for the months ahead. Investing in this level of maintenance is a proactive way to avoid having minor issues turn into major problems that go unnoticed until you’re ready to use your hot tub again.
Discover More Spa Longevity Tips for Your Michigan Hot Tub
Ready to learn more about the services we offer and have your Michigan hot tub inspected and cared for by a local professional? Reach out to our team at Recreation Warehouse Michigan today!