If you live in a part of the country that experiences cold winters, your hot tub must be built for the climate. When it comes to performing in cold weather, not all hot tubs are built the same. So, what is the best hot tub for cold climates? Check out this post to learn about what features you should be looking for if you hope to get the best out of your hot tub in cold weather.
The Importance Of Insulation
Not all hot tub manufacturers pay enough attention to insulation. If you’re using your hot tub in a part of the country that rarely goes below freezing, it may not matter that much. However, if you live in the northern parts of the country and plan on using your hot tub throughout the year, the amount and type of insulation your hot tub features could have a large impact on its comfort and energy use.
While much of the heat will escape from your hot tub through the water’s surface, the components of the hot tub also play a significant role in heat dissipation. Plumbing that is not properly insulated will extract warmth from the water passing through it. Look for insulated piping if you plan on using your hot tub in cold weather.
The floor of the hot tub is another place that allows heat to easily escape if it’s not properly insulated. Most hot tubs are set on concrete pads which quickly wick away heat. Ensuring the floor is correctly insulated will reduce this effect.
The mechanical components of the hot tub generate quite a bit of heat that can be simply wasted if the cabinet doesn’t have a good seal and isn’t covered with insulative materials. You can make good use of the excess heat generated by the water pumps if your cabinet features good insulation.
The Importance Of A Hot Tub Cover
Hot tub covers are normally sold as accessories, but in cold weather climates, they’re most definitely necessities. Preventing your hot tub from freezing over when it isn’t being used would require excessive amounts of power if you weren’t using a cover.
The type of hot tub cover you get is also important if you’re running your hot tub in cold winters. A thicker, properly fitted cover will retain much more heat than one that’s thin and ill-fitting. Also, check the insulation levels around any folding parts as they’re often much thinner and liable to release greater amounts of heat.
Doubling up your hot tub cover with a floating thermal blanket will also greatly reduce the amount of heat that escapes from the water. It will also increase the lifespan of the cover by protecting it from excessive humidity.
The Importance Of Energy-Efficient Components
Operating your hot tub in the winter will absolutely use more energy and raise your power bills. However, by initially investing in energy-efficient mechanical components, you can reduce the power required to keep the water heated in all types of weather.
The amount of time it takes for the hot tub to completely filter all the water will have a large effect on the amount of energy used. Look for hot tubs that can reduce this time as much as possible.
Low amperage, high flow water pumps will also reduce the amount of energy required to operate your hot tub. Oftentimes spending more upfront on an energy-efficient system will reduce the long-term costs of running your hot tub in all types of weather.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for if you plan on using your hot tub in cold climates, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.