Yes, and winter is when most owners love their hot tub most. A well-insulated tub holds its heat in the cold, and sitting in warm, bubbling water while the air is freezing is the whole appeal. Here is how winter use actually works, what it costs, and how to stay safe, from someone who installs and services these tubs every week.
A good tub holds its heat
A properly insulated hot tub keeps its temperature in the cold, because the cabinet and cover trap the heat and the heater simply tops it up. Most owners run it between 37 and 40 degrees through winter. Full-foam insulation is the spec that matters most here, which is why it is worth paying for when you choose your hot tub. A well-insulated model like the SB344S is built for year-round use, and you can compare the full range on insulation and spec.
What it costs to run in winter
It costs more than summer, because the heater works harder and cycles more often to hold the temperature against cold air. The things that keep the bill sensible are good insulation, an efficient or inverter heater, a tight, well-fitting thermal cover, and a floating thermal blanket on the water surface. Keep the cover on between soaks and you keep most of your heat.
Never switch it off in a freeze
This is the one that costs real money. Do not turn a permanent tub off completely in freezing weather. If the power or circulation stops and water sits in the pipes, it can freeze, expand and crack the plumbing or heater. If you are going to use the tub at all over winter, leave it running.
Keep the water right in the cold
Cold weather does not pause the chemistry. Keep testing and balancing as normal with your usual spa chemicals, checking the water with test strips before each soak. Balanced water protects the tub and keeps it comfortable.
Staying safe in the cold
- Limit soaks to about 15 to 20 minutes. The jump from freezing air to hot water raises your core temperature quickly.
- Watch your step. Ice and splash around decking and paths get slippery, so keep a non-slip mat or a towel to hand.
- Stay hydrated. Have a glass of water before and after.
- Go easy on the air jets on freezing days. They pull cold air into the water and make the heater work harder.
Portable or hard-shell?
A permanent acrylic tub with full-foam insulation handles UK winters without fuss. A budget inflatable can be used in winter, but it costs far more to heat and can struggle to hold temperature in a hard frost.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn my hot tub off in winter?
No. Water left sitting cold in the pipes risks freezing and damage. For a long spell away, have it properly shut down instead of just switching it off.
What temperature should I run it at?
Most people run 37 to 40 degrees. Dropping it a touch between uses saves a little energy without a long reheat.
What if I am going away?
For a week or two, leave it running with the cover on. For longer, A6 can hibernate it safely so nothing freezes.
Running it through winter?
Are you planning to run your tub through the winter, or deciding whether to drain and winterise it? Either way, talk to the team and we will point you the right way. If winter has made you want one, browse the hot tub range.
Written by Andy Jones, Director and Lead Engineer at A6 Hot Tubs.
