Essential Tips for Cold-Climate Spa Owners

Winter is one of the best times to enjoy your hot tub—nothing beats soaking in warm, relaxing water while snow falls around you. But freezing temperatures also come with responsibility: if your hot tub isn’t properly maintained, components can freeze, crack, and lead to expensive repairs.

Below is a simple, homeowner-friendly guide on how to prevent your hot tub from freezing in winter, whether you use it regularly or plan to leave it sitting idle.

1. Keep Your Spa Running—The #1 Rule

The easiest and most important way to prevent freeze damage is to keep your hot tub powered on and heating throughout the winter.
Modern spas are heavily insulated and designed to hold heat efficiently, so as long as:

• The water is circulating

• The heater is operating

• The power stays connected

…your spa will not freeze, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Pro Tip: If you’re leaving town, do NOT shut the spa off. Keep it running, and ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative to check on it during extreme cold snaps to make sure the power is still on.

2. Maintain Proper Water Levels

A low water level can stop the pump from circulating, which can quickly lead to freezing.

Be sure to check:

• Water level stays above the filter opening

• The skimmer is not sucking in air

• There are no leaks reducing the level

If the pump runs dry for even a short period in winter, freeze damage can occur.

3. Keep the Cover Sealed and Locked

Your hot tub cover is the insulation barrier that traps heat inside.

Make sure:

• It is fully latched

• Snow and ice are cleared off regularly

• The foam core hasn’t become waterlogged

A heavy, saturated cover loses insulation value and causes the heater to run constantly.

Consider upgrading to a thicker winter-rated cover if your current one is aging.

4. Use Freeze Protection Mode (If Equipped)

Many modern spas come with built-in freeze protection.
This feature automatically turns on the pumps when temperatures drop too low, keeping water moving through the plumbing.

Check your owner’s manual to confirm your model has this feature and ensure it’s activated.

5. Keep the Filters Clean

Dirty filters restrict water flow, which can cause the heater to shut off—a major risk factor for freezing.

During winter, clean your filters more often:

• Rinse weekly

• Chemical soak monthly

• Replace yearly (or sooner if worn)

Good flow = good heat.

6. If You Lose Power, Act Quickly

A hot tub can stay warm for several hours without power, but not indefinitely.

If the power goes out:

1. Do NOT drain the water

2. Keep the cover closed

3. Add hot water from inside the house if needed

4. Place blankets over the cover for extra insulation

If the outage lasts more than 12 hours in extreme cold, contact a spa technician—lines may require emergency protection.

7. If You Don’t Plan to Use the Spa, Fully Winterize It

If you’re not planning to use your hot tub at all during winter, the only safe option is a complete winterization, which includes:

• Draining all water

• Blowing out plumbing lines

• Removing water from the pumps and jets

• Adding non-toxic RV antifreeze into the plumbing

• Keeping the cover secured

This process must be done thoroughly—any trapped water can freeze and crack plumbing.

Many customers prefer to have a professional winterize the hot tub to ensure it’s done correctly. We also have a blog post on how to winterize a hot tub. 

8. Regular Check-Ins Are Key

Even if everything is running smoothly, it’s good practice to step outside and check your spa weekly.

Look for:

• Correct water temperature

• Proper circulation

• No error codes on the display

• No ice buildup around the cabinet or equipment area

Small issues can turn into big ones quickly in freezing weather.

Final Thoughts

Your hot tub is built to handle Minnesota winters, but only with the right care. Keeping it running, ensuring proper water circulation, and performing regular check-ins will protect your spa from freezing and keep it ready for relaxation all season long.

If you ever need help, All American Recreation, Minnesota’s trusted hot tub store, is here for you. Our knowledgeable staff and spa experts can answer any questions about winterization, cold-weather maintenance, or troubleshooting. And if you prefer professional help, we have an experienced spa technician who can fully winterize your hot tub to ensure it’s protected through the harshest temperatures.

Visit us in-store or call us today for personalized spa care advice from your local Minnesota hot tub experts!