For those who live in the northern parts of the country, the dream of owning a swimming pool may be limited by the colder months of the year. Why close a pool in the winter? Because it’s basically impossible to keep the water in a full-sized swimming pool heated enough to be comfortable when the temperatures drop below freezing. But there is a solution for those who experience colder climates yet want to continue to swim all year round. And that solution is known as a swim spa.
The Solution To Winter Time Swimming
Swim spas don’t need to be closed for the winter. Their smaller volume of water allows them to be run all year round without the risk of the water freezing. There are also swim spas specifically designed for winter use that feature extra insulating materials to prevent heat from escaping through the plumbing and water tank walls. By following some simple steps during the winter months, you too can emulate your southern neighbors and swim all year round.
The Importance of a Swim Spa Cover
Your main line of defence against freezing water and outrageous energy bills is a properly fitted and highly insulated swim spa cover. This will prevent heat from escaping the water when the swim spa isn’t in use. It will make bringing the water up to a comfortable temperature a quick procedure and it will prevent precipitation and dirt from getting into the water, bringing down the temperature and messing with the water chemistry. If you plan on using your swim spa in the winter, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of an appropriate swim spa cover.
Running Your Water Heater
Keeping your water heater running throughout the winter will ensure the swim spa water doesn’t freeze. Frozen water in a swim spa can spell disaster. Ice will expand and damage the plumbing system and cause cracks to form on the interior surface. Your heating bills will also benefit as it’s cheaper to keep your water at a consistent temperature rather than having to heat it up every time you want to go for a swim.
Draining, Deep Cleaning and Refilling
It’s recommended that you drain your swim spa and give it a deep clean every three months or so. If at all possible, you want to avoid doing this job in the depths of a cold snap. This can lead to the formation of ice which can damage the plumbing and tub interior. To prevent this from happening you should schedule your deep cleaning before the temperatures seriously begin to drop and again once they start to rise.
Winter Safety and Comfort
The area around any body of water can pose serious danger to swimmers. This danger becomes amplified with the addition of frost and cold. Make sure to keep the pathway to and from the swim spa clear of snow and free of ice. You might also want to consider outdoor heaters for the area around the swim spa for added comfort when entering and leaving the water.
To find out more about the benefits of using a swim spa year round, download a free buyer’s guide here.