Winter Care Mistakes Michigan Hot Tub Owners Should Avoid
A hot tub can be an excellent addition to your Michigan home, one that enables you to truly relax in the great outdoors. Whether you use your hot tub to unwind and soothe tired muscles or for entertaining purposes, it’s important to prepare it for the harsh conditions of Michigan winter so that it stays in great shape throughout the year.
At Recreation Warehouse Michigan, we have decades of experience when it comes to helping homeowners in Michigan avoid hot tub maintenance mistakes. Below, we’re highlighting some key mistakes and providing essential hot tub maintenance tips that can enable you to protect your investment and enjoy it for as long as possible.
Mistake #1: Ignoring or Postponing Winter Preparation
One of the most frequent mistakes we see local homeowners make is putting off preparing their hot tubs for the cooler months. We recommend getting started in the fall so that you don’t overlook any key steps. The main tasks include cleaning your hot tub, checking filters, and inspecting the cover, all of which lay a solid foundation for a winter free from significant problems.
Mistake #2: Completely Shutting Off Power
You might assume that keeping your hot tub off all winter long will save energy. However, shutting off the power in freezing weather can lead to water becoming trapped in components such as jets, pipes, and pumps. When the trapped water turns to ice, its expansion can crack and damage these components. In most cases, it’s best to keep water circulating, or, if you don’t plan to use your tub, ensure it is fully winterized.
Mistake #3: Improper Winterization
Winterization is what needs to be done if you won’t use your hot tub in the winter season. You can think of winterization as preparing your tub for hibernation. It involves fully draining water, including blowing out plumbing lines and pumps. Furthermore, the interior of the tub must be protected from moisture to avoid damage during freezing conditions.
Mistake #4: Overlooking the Importance of Water Chemistry
Cold weather can change the chemistry of your water, and an improper balance leads to problems such as build-up and corrosion. It’s thus just as necessary to test your water in the cooler months as it is in the summer.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Monitor Water Levels
Maintaining the right water levels is a must in any season. Any cause of water loss, whether that’s evaporation or freezing, can result in pumps running dry, thus overheating and eventually shutting down, which furthers the risk of freeze damage to certain components. Keep an eye on your water levels, checking on a weekly basis, and topping up whenever needed.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Ice and Snow Accumulation
Ice and snow that builds up on your hot tub cover isn’t only a problem when it comes to aesthetics. This accumulation can also do damage. Ice and snow are heavy, meaning they weigh down hot tub covers and can eventually expose the tub itself to cold air. Keeping your cover clear by using a soft broom can make a significant difference in how your tub holds up throughout the winter.
Mistake #7: Failing to Turn to a Professional
Turning to a professional hot tub maintenance service can give you peace of mind that all the right steps have been taken to prevent issues with your tub, whether you want to use it during the winter or plan for winterization. At Recreation Warehouse Michigan, we service all hot tub brands and offer maintenance plans with different tiers to provide the exact level of support you need throughout the year.
Contact Recreation Warehouse Michigan Today
Avoid the above winter care mistakes by turning to our team at Recreation Warehouse Michigan for support with preventative hot tub maintenance. From installation to repairs, our expertise is extensive and can help you enjoy a tub that works flawlessly. Contact us today for more information.