Winter is when Utah hot tubs earn their keep. Sitting in hot water while snow falls on the Wasatch is the reason a lot of our customers bought a spa in the first place. A hot tub is built to run outdoors all year, but a few habits make the difference between a spa that sails through January and one that runs up the power bill or freezes a pipe.
Keep it full, covered and running#
The most important winter rule is simple: don't leave a hot tub empty in freezing weather. A filled spa that stays powered keeps its water moving and warm, which protects the plumbing. An empty spa can still hold water in its lines and equipment, and that water can freeze and crack parts.
- Leave the spa on all winter, even during weeks you don't use it much.
- If you're traveling, keep it running at your normal temperature or slightly lower rather than shutting it off.
- If you must take it out of service for the season, have it professionally winterized (drained, blown out, and protected) instead of just draining it.
Your cover is your heater's best friend#
In winter the cover does more for your energy bill than anything else.
- Check the fit. Gaps at the hinge or corners let heat escape. Lock the straps so wind can't lift it.
- Watch for waterlogging. A cover that feels much heavier than it used to has absorbed water and lost much of its insulating value. That's usually the time to replace it. See our covers and lifters.
- Brush off heavy snow. A thick layer of wet snow adds weight and can strain the cover over time. Use a soft broom, not a shovel.
- Consider an automated cover. Covana automated covers raise and lower with a key, which makes closing the spa properly on a cold night effortless.
Insulation matters more here than in milder climates#
Hot tubs differ a lot in how well they hold heat. When you compare models for Utah, ask about insulation:
- Island Spas list full-foam insulation on every trim level.
- Artesian Elite spas use full foam with a PermaBase ABS pan.
- Nordic offers its Nordic Wrap upgrade, which the manufacturer says adds R-9.5 on top of its foam insulation. It's standard on the ALL-IN-110V Series and optional on others.
- Garden Spas come with ArcticPac insulation and an ABS bottom, with full foam available as an option.
A sealed bottom pan also keeps snowmelt and critters out of the cabinet.
Heating: why your electrical setup shows up in winter#
The colder it is, the more often the heater runs, and the more it matters how big that heater is. Plug-and-play 120V spas typically use about a 1 kW heater, while 240V spas commonly use 4–5.5 kW heaters that recover far faster. A 120V spa works fine in winter if you keep the cover on between soaks, but don't expect it to bounce back quickly after a long soak with the lid open. Our 110V vs 240V guide walks through the numbers.
Energy tips for cold months:
- Keep the cover on whenever no one is soaking.
- Set the temperature where you'll actually use it. Many owners like 100–102°F in winter.
- Don't crank the heat up and down day to day. Steady temperatures are usually more efficient than big recoveries.
- Clean or replace filters on schedule so the pump and heater aren't straining.
Expect your electric bill for the spa to sit at the higher end of the typical $20–$50 a month range in winter.
Safe winter soaking#
- Temperature: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends never exceeding 104°F. Shorter soaks are smarter on very hot settings.
- Footing: Ice forms fast on wet steps and paths. Use sturdy, non-slip spa steps, keep a mat at the door, and put down ice melt along the path (not near the spa cabinet).
- Hats and hydration: A beanie keeps your head warm, and drinking water helps on long soaks. Avoid alcohol in the tub.
- Getting out: Have a robe and sandals within reach. The walk back to the house is the cold part.
Inversion season#
Northern Utah's winter inversions can trap haze in the valley for days at a time. Many owners simply soak in the evenings or wait for a storm to clear the air. On bad-air days, check the state's air-quality forecast and use your judgment, especially if anyone in your household has respiratory issues.
Water care in winter#
Cold weather doesn't pause water chemistry.
- Test the water at least weekly, even if the spa sees less use.
- Plan drains and refills for milder days. You'll want a garden hose that isn't frozen, and the spa shouldn't sit empty overnight in freezing weather.
- Bring a water sample to our Midvale showroom and we'll test it for free.
Planning a winter installation#
You can absolutely install a hot tub in winter. Keep in mind:
- Base: Fresh concrete needs the right conditions to cure, so if you need a new pad, talk to your concrete contractor early. Existing patios, compacted gravel and spa pads are quicker options.
- Access: Snow and ice on the delivery path need to be cleared before the spa arrives.
- Fill and heat: Expect the initial heat-up to take longer on a cold day, especially with a 120V spa.
Higher elevations#
If you live on the benches or up the canyons, in places like Cottonwood Heights or Park City, plan for colder nights and more snow than the valley floor. A strong cover, good insulation, and a 240V heater are worth more the higher you go.
Quick winter checklist#
- Spa full, powered, and at a steady temperature
- Cover sealed, straps locked, snow brushed off
- Filters clean and water tested weekly
- Non-slip steps and a clear, salted path
- Our number saved for anything unusual: 801-838-SPAS (7727)
Need a winter service visit or a new cover before the snow flies? Contact us. We service every brand, not just the ones we sell.