When it comes to using your Softub in winter, there are so many benefits. From easing sore muscles and helping to soothe a range of medical symptoms, to boosting mental health, promoting better sleep and generally enhancing your mood, it is no wonder so many people become hooked on the hot tub experience.

But how do you maintain your Softub in winter? Do you carry on enjoying the warmth and relaxation that your Softub has brought you over the warmer months? Or is it time to put a lid on things and wait until the weather becomes a little kinder?

If it’s time to make a decision about what to do with your Softub in winter, read on for our expert tips. Whether you’re planning to carry on indulging through the winter, or you are more of a fair weather user looking to make sure your tub is well-protected as the temperatures plummet, we have all the advice you need.

To Softub, or not to Softub in winter

This is your key decision. If you like the idea of using your Sofub in winter then it’s important to bear something in mind. Because the outside temperature is that bit lower, your tub’s heating system will have to work that bit harder to keep the water at your perfect temperature, which could result in higher heating bills. Softub hot tubs are of course the most energy efficient hot tubs on the market and still only use 800 watts per hour to heat your tub AND run the jets, but if it is minus 5 degrees outside then your Softub needs to heat the tub for longer to get up to 40 degrees than if the temperature outside is 25 degrees.

If you are excited about the prospect of using your Softub in winter and want to do so in the most energy efficient way then the following advice is for you.

How to maintain your Softub in winter whilst in use

The first thing to think about is preparing your Softub for winter use.

1. Check your Softub thermal cover

Heat loss generally comes from the surface of the water, so it’s vital to make sure the Softubs thermal lid is in tip top condition. So, run a thorough check. Look for any signs of the cover bowing, or rising at the corners. Any lifting will release heat and push up those energy bills. Also make sure the cover is secured in place to avoid high winds blowing it open and allowing all that lovely heat to escape.

If your Softub cover has seen better days, it is probably time to invest in a new one. One tell tale sign is that the thermal cover may feel very heavy. This is due to condensation penetrating the lid inserts over time which makes the lid heavy and less effective. The good news is that the lid inserts can be replaced if necessary. Simply get in touch via the chat tool on our website and we can talk you through the options.

Think of practical measures too. In the warmer months, you may leave your cover off between dips. But during the winter, you’ll need to replace it after each use. So think, is the cover manageable? Is it light enough to handle, whilst still ticking all the durability and quality boxes? There are plenty of options from which to choose such as lid stands and lid lifters that make the job easier, so be sure to take your time and select what’s best for your needs. A floating thermal blanket is also worth considering. These are designed to sit on the surface of the water and prevent the heat from rising. They also protect the underside of the hot tub cover. Try not to be tempted into purchasing an economical version or even use that roll of bubble wrap you’ve had kicking around the garage for ages, as they are likely to disintegrating, which can lead to serious issues with the pipework and pump system of your Softub

2. Drain and clean your hot tub

It is good practice to change the water in your Softub before the colder months set in. A thorough clean ahead of those frosty days is wise, because cleaning a hot tub in winter is no pleasant task. You can of course find everything you need to clean and maintain your Softub in winter on our website. Should you wish to also book your Softub hydromate in for a service to make sure everything is properly maintained and runs as it should then please book a Softub servicing package.

3. Check the water level

And keep on checking it! This is especially important if you haven’t used your Softub for a while. Should the water level drop too low, then your hydromate may risk shutting down, which could lead to frozen water, hairline cracks and expensive or lasting damage.

Top tips for using your Softub in winter

Now you’re ready to use your Softub in winter, here are some top user tips to help enhance the whole experience.

Turn down the jets

Whilst full-on jets are wonderful for soothing weary muscles, they can cool the tub down. This is because jets draw in air from outside, which reduces the temperature of the water. So if you are keeping an eye on your energy bills this winter turn down your jets a little, and save the full power mode for the summer.

Be mindful of soak times

Tempting as it might be to go for that extra-long winter soak, it is advisable not to over-do it, because your body can overheat. With the outside temperature that bit lower, this could cause symptoms of hypothermia. So be sure to keep an eye on the time and take regular breaks whilst enjoying your Softub.

Be prepared to get indoors

It’s always a good idea to be ready to retreat from your Softub should the wind whip-up or the heavens open. Keep a stock of dry towels, bathrobes and flip-flops handy so you’re ready to head indoors on the quick should the need arise.

Invest in a hot tub gazebo

Lots of people adore using a hot tub in winter, especially if a gazebo adds shelter from the elements. During the summer the gazebo will keep the blazing sun off your shoulders, and come winter, it’s the rain and wind that will be kept away. A gazebo is also useful for protecting the tub itself from the elements and will reduce your hot tub running costs. We offer several gazebo options that are not only practical but also beautiful such as the stunning Italian Hexagono or our bespoke wooden gazebos so do get in touch if you see something that takes your fancy!

How to shut your Softub down for winter

If you’ve decided against using your Softub over the winter, then here’s what you need to do to winterise it:

Drain your tub

If you don’t circulate the water in your hot tub, it will freeze and damage the plumbing or other components. So if you don’t plan on using it, drain it. This includes all the components, jets and fittings. Once the water is drained tilt your hydromate to drain the last bit of water out of the pipes. If possible also tilt and tip your basin to drain all the water out of the tub and let the last few drops drip out of the pipes. It is also good practice to use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to blow air through all the jets individually to ensure there is no water left at all.

Check the filters Any hot tub that’s shut down for any period of time will benefit from having its filters removed and cleaned. Remember that your filter needs to be in warm water to make it easier to remove, so take it off before you switch off and drain your tub to avoid damaging the suction cover. Once you’ve taken off the filter, keep it off until you are ready to start using the tub again and store it in a clean, dry place. We advise that you replace your filter every six – 12 months so this might be a good opportunity to dispose of your old filter and start with a brand new filter next spring.

Clean the tub

Before you empty the tub it is also a good idea to flush out all the plumbing and pipes that a cleaning cloth cannot reach. Then give the inside and outside of the tub a thorough clean to ensure all the bacteria is blitzed so that nothing can fester over the shutdown period. Please use hot tub cleaning agents from our online store and don’t feel tempted to crack open that bottle of Cif as normal household cleaners are likely to damage the liner and cause problems further down the line.

If you still have any questions then we are of course happy to help! Simply give us a call on 01904 643212 or join our online chat!