One of the benefits of owning a hot tub is year-round enjoyment. Whether lounging under the summer sun or getting cozy on a chilly day, hot tubs are a great way to make the most of any season. Though all-weather spas may help you escape the weather, that doesn’t make them immune to potential damage from the elements. Here, Valley Spas & Pools discusses how weather affects all-weather hot tubs and provides strategies for protecting your investment.
Potentially Overheating in the Summer
Most hot tubs are designed to maintain and operate at a consistent temperature between 100° and 107° F. However, a hot New Jersey summer can make your spa exceed this limit to dangerous degrees. Common causes of overheating include:
- Direct sunlight or insufficient shade
- Inadequate water circulation
- High ambient temperatures
- Insufficient hot tub insulation
- Overworked pumps
Too-hot water may be unsafe for bathing. In addition, overheating may cause significant damage to your hot tub’s internal components – especially the electronics, such as circuit boards and wiring. Repair or replacement can be expensive, so it always serves to plan ahead when expecting a heat wave.
Winter Considerations for Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are also vulnerable to extreme cold. Though it’s easy to assume that spa water stays too warm to freeze, sudden cold snaps can drop temperatures faster than a hot tub heater can keep up with. Smaller units especially hold only small volumes of water, and their pumps usually are not extremely powerful.
Freezing water creates several problems. For one, the blocked pipes prevent water from circulating as normal. The spa’s pump may overclock and burn itself out while attempting to cycle water that won’t move. In addition, water expands as it freezes. This expansion can create cracks in your tub and cause the internal piping to burst. Unfortunately, freeze damage can’t always be fixed, and if your spa falls victim to a severe winter, you may lose your unit.
Protecting Your All-Weather Hot Tub
To prevent damage due to hot or freezing temperatures, the best strategy is to prepare for the worst. Here are some tips to protect your hot tub for outdoor living throughout the year:
- Insulate your spa to prevent extreme temperature swings.
- Place your hot tub in a protected area to reduce weather exposure.
- Invest in a weather-resistant cover and use it whenever the hot tub is unoccupied.
- Shade your hot tub with an umbrella during the summer.
- Keep your hot tub filled to capacity and refill as needed when water levels drop.
- Clean filters and perform regular maintenance to ensure proper circulation.
- Winterize the tub to protect against freezing.
You can also prevent problems by partnering with a reliable spa company. Valley Spas & Pools offers a variety of hot tub services to keep your spa in top condition. Scheduled maintenance performs filter changes, water top-ups, and other essential tasks to ensure lasting performance. If you notice something wrong, rapid repair is available to keep the issue from escalating. We also offer winterization to get your tub ready for the cold season.
Learn More About Hot Tub Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to the long-lasting life of your hot tub. Valley Spas & Pools offers professional hot tub services to customers in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the surrounding area. We’re also a Hot Spring spa dealer and able to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your all-weather hot tub. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services.
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