Can You Use a Swim Spa in the Winter?

Have you ever wondered if you can use a swim spa in the winter? Here’s the quick answer: Yes, you can use a swim spa in the winter to get a massage, swim, have a workout or just hang out with your friends and family. Everything you can use a swim spa for in the summer is available to you each winter as well. 

A big advantage swim spas have over in-ground pools, for example, is that no matter where you are in North America, swim spas can be used year-round. Pools, on the other hand, must be stored.

Swim spas are new products for many people and at Hydropool we understand that they have questions about how they work and when they work best.

While most people may only think of using a swim spa or hot tub on a nice, clear day, they are actually very enjoyable to use in the winter as well. In fact, many people prefer using their swim spas in the winter months.

In this article, we’re going to point out four great ways for you to use your swim spa each winter.

• As a winter escape
• As a place to work out
• To get a great massage
• Where you and your family can connect

We will also cover the costs involved in maintaining a swim spa in the winter and provide some tips on how to take care of your swim spa when it gets cold out.

By the end, we hope you see these possibilities and more for you and your swim spa.

 

 

Can I Use My Hot Tub as a Winter Escape?

Weeks of cold weather can be dreary but a great way to have a mini-escape from the cold is to jump into the warm water of your swim spa. Using your swim spa will help you stay active and get more fresh air in the season than you otherwise might. Just like hitting the hot tub or the lake while on vacation, the heated water and hydrotherapy massage features can help you relax, with potentially reduced muscle tension and better sleep all part of your much-needed warm escape.

Relaxing in your swim spa in the winter will also help enhance the enjoyment of your home for your family. Watch the snowfall, enjoy some quiet time with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or even relax in your swim spa and stay warm as your kids play in the snow. There are so many great winter enjoyment possibilities!

Can I Work Out in My Swim Spa While in the Winter?

Too often, people don’t want to make the trek to their gym or go for a run when it is cold or snowing. When you own a swim spa, you have the ultimate gym in your backyard to use whenever it is convenient, without having to bundle up and leave your home.

Swim spas offer much more than just a typical swim workout. Crunches, lunges, squats, jumping jacks and more can be performed to change up your routine and get a full cardio workout.

What Temperature Should I Set My Swim Spa in the Winter?

A good temperature for your swim spa in the winter is going to a matter of personal preference. We do find that people often keep it around the 95-99 mark. Most people want it slightly cooler if they are working out and slightly warmer if they are hanging out.

Can I Use the Jets in My Swim Spa in the Winter?

Absolutely. Swim spas have wonderful therapeutic qualities and can quickly help reduce inflammation, heal sore muscles and reduce chronic pain. Winter conditions can be harsh on our body and activities, like shoveling snow or being stressed from driving in a snowstorm, can take a toll.

Owning a swim spa is not only the perfect way to help heal your body and de-stress, but it gives you that little break that you deserve.

Will the Whole Family Use the Swim Spa in the Winter?

When the cold weather strikes, it can be difficult to get outside and be active together as a family. Having a swim spa is a great option for everyone to spend some quality family time together in the fresh air while also staying warm.

You can teach your children how to swim, use your swim spa as a wave pool, float on pool noodles or just relax on the seats and enjoy catching up on each other’s days.

We have found that if there’s one place your kids will put down a phone and play, it’s a swim spa. It’s a great place for families to spend time together without it feeling forced.

How Energy-Efficient Are Swim Spas in the Winter?

Heating costs will typically be higher in the winter due to lower ambient temperatures. However, the exact cost difference will depend on the local climate, the efficiency of the spa's heating and insulation system, and how frequently the spa is used. It's important to balance comfort with energy savings to determine the most cost-effective temperature settings for your swim spa during winter months.

Including chemicals and electrical, it costs about $100 a month to maintain a swim spa. That is an average though, with it being slightly higher in the winter and less in the summer.

Are the Maintenance Requirements of a Swim Spa Any Different in the Winter?

You still keep the water clean by maintaining proper chemical levels. You still keep the filtration system running as recommended, and regularly checking and adjusting water chemistry to counteract any imbalances caused by colder weather will be needed.

When shopping, you’ll want to make sure that your swim spa has a high-quality heater capable of maintaining the desired water temperature during winter. And insulation is a major factor here as well. We know it’s self-serving since our swim spas are made in Canada, but swim spa companies that make their product in cold-weather countries can be trusted to have products that hold up over winters, or they’d be long out of business.  

There will be some weather-related maintenance as well. You will want to regularly move snow from the cover and all around the swim spa to prevent ice build-up and to ensure easy access. Use a broom or soft shovel to avoid damaging the cover. A swim spa cover is another element to ask about: Investing in a good quality cover will help to minimize heat loss and prevent snow and ice from accumulating directly on the water's surface.

You will also want to clear ice and snow from the area around the swim spa. Apply sand, salt, or ice melt that is safe for the spa's surface to provide traction in areas where users might walk. Also, providing a slip-resistant mat or path leading to the swim spa can help reduce the risk of falls.

How Can I Use a Swim Spa in the Winter?

You can use a swim spa in the winter, but how you use it is up to you! A swim spa can be a place to relax, play, work out in or yes, even swim in all year round. It’s one of its greatest attributes that it can be used in this way.

Swim spas have been around since the 1980s, but to many people they are a new discovery. With some minor upkeep, swim spas are easily accessed and utilized no matter how cold the temperatures drop.

We hope we answered all of your winter swim spa questions (or linked to an article that did). If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to a local retailer who can assist you. Find one here.