Can You Use a Hot Tub in Winter? A Michigan Owner’s Guide
Yes, and for most Michigan owners, winter is the best season of the year to own one. A well-insulated hot tub is built to stay hot and running through freezing temperatures, so there is usually no reason to shut it down when the snow arrives. The key is keeping it running properly: a sealed cover, the right water level, steady water care, and a safe path from the back door.
Here is what to do this season, what to skip, and how to keep your spa ready for a soak on the coldest night of January.
Should you winterize your hot tub or keep it running?
For most owners, keep it running. A hot tub that stays on keeps water moving through the plumbing and equipment, and moving, heated water is what protects those components from freezing. Draining a spa for the winter is where problems tend to start, because any water left behind in the lines or pumps can freeze and crack them.
Winterizing only makes sense if the spa will sit unused for an extended stretch, such as a long trip with no one checking on the house, or if it will lose power for the season. If that is your plan, have it done by a professional rather than draining it yourself. Our team can help through a service request, and the steps for your specific model are in your Hot Spring owner’s manual.
How a well-built hot tub handles a Michigan winter
Heat loss is the main challenge in cold weather, which is why insulation matters so much more here than in warmer states. Hot Spring Spas are designed with winter use in mind:
- Highlife Collection models are fully insulated with multiple layers of high density foam.
- Limelight Collection models use FiberCor insulation that fills the cabinet completely.
- Covers are made for a custom fit and tight seal, with a dense foam core to hold heat in.
- The SilentFlo 5000 circulation pump keeps water moving continuously while using very little energy.
You can see how these features add up on our Hot Spring energy efficiency page.
Your winter hot tub checklist
Keep the cover on and locked
Your cover is your first line of defense against heat loss and evaporation. Keep it closed and locked whenever the spa is not in use. Brush heavy snow off gently with a soft broom so the weight does not strain the cover, and never chip at ice with anything sharp. If your cover is waterlogged, cracked, or no longer seals, it is costing you heat every day. Our post on when to replace your spa cover walks through the signs, and we carry Covana and Smartop covers if you are ready for an upgrade.
Watch the water level
Cold, dry winter air speeds up evaporation. If the water drops below the skimmer, the spa cannot circulate properly. Check the level every week or two and top it off as needed.
Stay on top of water care
Winter is not a break from water care. Keep testing and balancing on your regular schedule, and keep filters clean according to your owner’s manual. If you would rather not make extra trips out in the snow for supplies, our Auto Ship Program can deliver water care products to your door. You can browse options on our Hot Spring water care page.
Make the walk to the tub safe
The biggest winter risk is usually not the water. It is the icy path to get there. Keep a clear, shoveled route from the door, use salt or sand on slick spots, and keep a pair of non-slip sandals and a warm robe by the door.
Know what to do in a power outage
If the power goes out during a cold snap, keep the cover closed and locked to hold in as much heat as possible, and avoid opening it to check on the water. If the spa does not come back on, or you see an error code once power returns, contact our service team rather than draining it yourself.
What temperature should a hot tub be in winter?
Many owners are comfortable between 100 and 102 degrees in winter. Avoid going above 104 degrees, the generally recommended maximum for hot tubs. Because your head and shoulders are out in cold air while your body is in hot water, it can be easy to stay in longer than you realize, so keep sessions moderate, around 15 to 20 minutes, and drink water. If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or other health concerns, check with your doctor before using a hot tub.
Does it cost more to run a hot tub in winter?
Some, yes. The heater works harder when the air is cold, especially with wind. How much more depends mainly on insulation, cover condition, how often you soak, and your temperature setting. The best ways to keep winter costs down are a tight, dry cover, a spa with full insulation, and keeping the temperature steady instead of turning it way down and back up. Our energy calculator can help you estimate costs for your setup.
Winter hot tub FAQs
Can a hot tub freeze in winter?
A hot tub that is running, covered, and filled to the proper level is designed to keep its water from freezing. The real freeze risk comes from a spa that loses power for an extended period or one that has been drained without fully clearing the lines. If your spa stops heating during a cold snap, keep the cover closed and call for service.
Is it safe to use a hot tub when it’s snowing?
Yes. Soaking while the snow falls is one of the best parts of owning a hot tub in Michigan. Just keep the path clear and non-slip, and avoid using the spa during lightning.
Should I drain my hot tub for the winter?
Usually no. Most owners should keep their spa running all winter. Draining makes sense only if it will sit unused and unpowered for months, and in that case it should be winterized by a professional.
How often should I check my hot tub in winter?
Check the water level and chemistry at least weekly, and take a quick look after heavy snow or a hard freeze to make sure the cover is sealed and the spa is heating normally.
Thinking about a hot tub before winter?
If you have been waiting for the right time, fall is a great time to buy, because you will be soaking through your first Michigan winter. Come try one with a test soak at one of our showrooms in Ann Arbor, Fenton, DeWitt, Novi, Rochester Hills, or Saginaw. If you are planning ahead, our guide on how to prepare for hot tub delivery covers the pad, access, and electrical steps. When you are ready, request pricing and we will help you find the right spa for your backyard.
