Can You Use Your Hot Tub in the Rain? In the Snow?

By Jon Filson

Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas

Published May 15, 2024

If you’re new to the world of hot tubs, you may well be wondering just when you can use them. Can you use a tub in the rain? In the snow? In the winter? What about in very warm temperatures? What’s it like to use a tub then?

The quick answer is yes, you can use your tub in all of these situations. You can use your hot tub any time you like! What’s great about hot tubs is that they are year-round backyard retreats. They are capable of operating and being used in any type of weather.

We get asked this question at our retail outlets on a regular basis, mostly from first-time buyers who are unsure of what a tub can actually do. We understand: until you get one in your backyard, it’s tough to know for sure what they are capable of.

What follows is an article that outlines how to make the best use of your tub any time of year. It will include:

  • How to best use your hot tub in the rain
  • How to use your hot tub in the winter
  • How to use your hot tub when it’s hot outside
  • As a bonus: How a swim spa can be used year-round

We hope by the end you’ll have a strong sense of how you can use your hot tub year-round.

 

 

Can I Hot Tub in the Rain?

The answer is yes. Many people actually find using a tub in the rain to be one of the more fun times to step outside.

  • The primary concern with using a hot tub in the rain isn’t any issue with your hot tub – it’s usually managing how you get to the house and back while remaining relatively dry. Having an area that’s protected to hang your robes and towels is your best bet and then quick feet to the backdoor and the safety of your house!
  • It is possible that a significant amount of rainfall could throw your water out of balance or otherwise dilute the amount of chemicals you have in the hot tub. Rain water has less pH in it than your hot tub typically would. But it would have to be a pretty impressive torrent to accomplish that feat. In nearly all cases of rainfall, your tub is built to withstand rain and wet without injury.
  • The one time we would say don’t hot tub in the rain is if there is visible lightning. The chances are remote that lightning would actually do any damage, but the risk simply isn’t worth it. As you would normally, stay inside if lightning is visible.

Can You Hot Tub in the Winter?

Yes. Winter in a tub can create one of life’s most fun moments. The heat from the hot tub will make you warm enough to be able to run and jump in the snow, like the kids in this swim spa video:

The main challenge will be getting from the hot tub to the warmth of your house! And we recommend a hot chocolate – just don’t drip any in the tub itself!

Can I Use My Hot Tub When It’s Hot Out?

Yes. There are a few options here we can suggest.  

  • If you want to get the water colder than your normal, you can crank the heat down to 75F, essentially shutting off your heater, so that it’s more comfortable for you.
  • Want to try for colder still? You can add ice to the tub. So that the melting ice doesn’t throw off your balanced water, people have figured out methods to circumvent this, by filling up milk cartoons or jugs with ice, for example and placing them in the hot tub. So long as nothing leaks out, your water will remain balanced and safe to use.
  • Keep in mind that the insulation in your tub will help it stay at a set temperature, either cold or hot!

Can You Use a Swim Spa in the Rain?

If you’re considering a hot tub, you may not have heard about swim spas. A swim spa is a larger unit that combines the best of a hot tub and a pool into one and one of the best elements about is that it can be used year-round, just like a hot tub.

For more on whether a swim spa or a hot is right for you, check out the following video:

Can I Use My Hot Tub in the Rain?

Yes you can! We advise that you can use your hot tub in all sorts of weather, all year-round. Here are a few more tips:

  • Make the most out of any soak and create a luxurious experience by adding elements of aromatherapy and light. Invigorating or relaxing fragrances added can help stimulate your senses!
  • Adding some LED and coloured lights around your tub area make for a visually appealing and relaxing experience. Watching the raindrops bounce off the glowing light creates an atmosphere of ambiance, perfect for relaxing.

We hope this article answered all your questions on how you can use your tub in the rain, in the snow, and even when it’s extremely hot outside. We also hope it gave you a glimpse into the world of swim spas, which are also capable of being used year-round.

If we missed anything though, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by contacting the dealer closest to you by clicking here.

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