Get matched with top pool and spa technicians in Micanopy, FL

No. In fact, some owners prefer to “summerize” their hot tubs and use them primarily over winter to enjoy the contrast of cold and hot water. It’s possible to keep the tub filled and running year-round, and some pros may even recommend this method compared to the work and risks of a full winterization every year.

However, keeping the hot tub running will require additional resources. You’ll use more power and more chemicals to keep it in good shape. Weigh the pros and cons of your situation before making a decision.

Hot tub repairs cost between $200 and $500 on average. You can minimize those costs by maintaining your hot tub and keeping necessary supplies on hand. An elevated shelf in the garage is a great place to store your water care chemicals so that kids and pets will stay safe and you’ll always have them around. 

Your hot tub should be drained of existing water, cleaned, and refilled every three to four months at a minimum. Follow your tub manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, and rinse thoroughly when finished to eliminate any residue from the cleaning products. This is also a good time to inspect your tub’s cover in good lighting for any leaks, tears, or other damage that might cause problems. 

Using your hot tub manufacturer’s suggested cleaners and methods, keep your hot tub filters clean to avoid a loss of water heat. This will help extend the filter’s useful life and efficiency. If the filter is more than two to three years old, replace it with a new one and buy a second filter to keep around as a spare.

If water is left inside the hot tub pump over a cold winter, it could freeze and severely damage the pump, water lines, and jets. That can cause leaks, which require very expensive repairs. Freezing or leftover water can stain and damage the hot tub shell, which leads to replacement. Even in mild climates, leaving sitting water in the tub or pipes for a long period of unuse is a bad idea, since disinfecting chemicals fade and the water can develop bacteria, algae, and other big headaches when it’s time to use the tub again.

Most hot tubs will experience leaks due to wear and tear in the plumbing or the shell itself. The second most common issue is a heater malfunction due to the ongoing heat stress on moving parts. Finally, clogs happen in hot tub jets, especially when it’s time to change the filter.