Hot Tub Winter Care Guide: Keep Yours Running in Cold Weather in the UK

Yes, you can use your hot tub in winter — and with a few simple steps, you can keep it running safely and efficiently all season long. In fact, winter is one of the best times to enjoy your spa. The contrast of hot water and cold air is amazing, especially in the UK’s chilly months.

Here’s how we recommend looking after your hot tub in winter

Whether you’re soaking in December or shutting it down for a few weeks, these tips will help protect your spa from damage, high bills, and frozen pipes.

Keep it running and don’t switch it off

Unless you’re fully draining your tub, always keep the water circulating. Turning it off in cold weather risks freezing the water inside your pipes and pumps, which can cause cracks or major damage.

Good to know:

• Set the water temperature to around 37–38°C
• Use “economy mode” if you’re away but still want protection
• Run a circulation cycle daily to prevent freezing

Clean your filters and check your water balance

Clean filters work better in cold months, and proper water chemistry prevents limescale and bacteria.

We recommend checking your water at least once a week. If you need a quick refresh, read our guide on how to clean your hot tub filter.

Insulate your hot tub — and your cover

Most of our luxury hot tubs already include advanced insulation, but adding a floating thermal blanket or upgrading your cover can make a real difference in winter.

Bonus tip: Use windbreaks, like a fence or hedge, to cut down heat loss even more.

What if you’re not using your hot tub in winter?

If you plan to close it down, be sure to do it right. Just turning it off can be risky if any water remains inside the pipes.

• Fully drain all water from the shell and plumbing
• Use a wet vac to remove hidden water from jets
• Leave the drain valve open
• Cover securely and check it every few weeks

Need help? Our team is happy to guide you — or check out our article on how heavy hot tubs are to better plan your winter setup.

Why winter hot tubbing is worth it

There’s something special about relaxing in hot bubbles while steam rises into cold air. And with built-in LED lighting and hydrotherapy jets, our outdoor jacuzzis make winter soaking feel like a spa retreat.

Want a modern style to match your garden? Check out our modern hot tub collection — all weatherproof and built for year-round use.

Related guides

• Choosing the right size hot tub
• Hot tub pricing guide
• Winter energy costs explained
• Are hot tubs really worth it?

Need help choosing a winter-ready hot tub? Talk to our team — we’ll help you get set up before the cold kicks in.