The forecast is in, and a winter storm is on its way, promising inches upon inches of snow. While your neighbors scramble to stock up on essentials, your mind is on a different kind of preparation – your swim spa.
Designed for year-round use, an H2X Fitness Swim Spa by Master Spas is your outdoor oasis — even in the winter months. You can stick to your New Year’s resolutions, fitting in a quick swim or water aerobics sessions. Or, you can take advantage of the jets for some much needed relaxation as the winter blues try to set in.
However, with a snowy forecast, you might feel stress creeping in as you wonder about the best ways to ensure your swim spa weathers the winter storm gracefully.
These simple tips will not only help you care for your swim spa in the winter but help you make the most of that winter weather.
Year-round swim spa design features
Swim spas are designed for year-round use by incorporating features and engineering elements that allow them to withstand various weather conditions, including the challenges presented by winter.
Insulation
H2X swim spas have full foam insulation in the spa’s cabinet and around the plumbing to help retain heat. This insulation not only keeps the water warm but also protects most of the spa’s components from extreme temperatures.
Weather-resistant materials
Your H2X swim spa is constructed using durable and weather-resistant materials. The exterior cabinet is made with weather-resistant materials that can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures.
Easy maintenance features
Your H2X swim spa was designed with ease of maintenance in mind. Features such user-friendly control systems and mineral filtration systems simplify routine maintenance tasks, making it convenient for owners to keep their swim spas in optimal condition year-round.
Prepare your swim spa for a snowstorm
Snowstorms can be beautiful, but they can also cause inconveniences and potential damage to a property if not prepared for. If you are a proud owner of a swim spa, it requires some special attention during harsh winter weather conditions.
Checking in before the snow
Before the first snowflake falls, take some time to give your swim spa a thorough “checkup.” Make sure that your water level meets the minimum fill line. If it doesn’t, try to top off the water before the snow arrives.
You also want to make sure that your chemicals are in range. While maintaining proper water chemistry is important year-round, you want to make sure that your water is balanced in the event of a storm. You might find that you don’t want to trek out in the snow to check on the water for a few days or don’t want to lift the cover as snow continues to fall.
Circulation is key
Your circulation pump will help maintain a consistent water temperature and keep the water moving throughout the plumbing system, filtering out contaminants. In the winter, these filter cycles also help prevent freezing. Your swim spa has two filter cycles per day, and you are able to adjust the duration of each cycle.
While adjusting the filter cycles may seem tempting, sticking to the standar filter cycles is generally sufficient to keep the water moving effectively during a winter storm.
Keep in mind that your swim spa’s control system will also run purge points with all therapy pumps each day to help make sure fresh, warm water is circulated through all plumbing systems. It’s always a good idea to leave the valves of your water feature slightly open so that your water features and waterfalls.
Adjust the temperature
The temperature of your swim spa water is a personal preference. But many swim spa owners prefer to keep the temperature on the warmer side during the winter, especially so you can enjoy the snow fall while the jets are going. Single-temperature swim spas can be set to 99 degrees. If you have a dual-zone swim spa, such as the H2X Challenger 19D, you can set the hot tub side to 104 and adjust the swim area up to 99 degrees.
One consideration is how you plan to use your swim spa in the winter. If you want to keep up your exercise or swimming routine, you don’t want to turn up the water temperature too much. For example, if your summer swims are at 85 degrees, maybe you set the water temperature to 88 or 89 degrees. If you are doing a water aerobics routine, 92 might be more comfortable.
But when it comes to preparing for a snowstorm, you don’t need to adjust the water temperature.
Cover care
Master Spas swim spa covers can handle some snow accumulation. The snow can even act as an insulating layer as frigid temperatures roll through your area!
However, you do need to monitor and remove snow accumulation from the top of the cover as the snow falls. If you let too much snow accumulate, there is a chance that the weight of snow and ice can damage the foam inserts of the cover.
Many owners find it best to periodically remove the snow before it has a chance to accumulate much — especially if you want to hop in the swim spa. Use a broom or soft brush to gently remove the snow, avoiding any sharp objects that may pierce the cover. Do not use a shovel, as it could damage the cover.
If high winds and blizzard-like conditions are accompanying the snow, you want to make sure that the cover is secure. Make sure to do a double check before storms, reconfirming you have all cover locks secured.
But do you need to put a cover over the cover if you are expecting a particularly harsh storm?
While some owners choose to cover their spas with a tarp or other product, it’s not really necessary.
Back-up power considerations
Master Spas swim spas are made with full foam insulation, which helps protect most of the plumbing and prevent any freezing. When powered and operating normally, the spa is so well insulated that freezing is not a concern.
But should you worry about the storm causing a power outage?
A backup generator can be used in the event of a long-term outage but can requires substantial size generator to power the unit normally. However, your swim spa is so well insulated that it can hold the heat well — even for several days. The water temperature will drop but it’s unlikely that it will plummet enough for the water to freeze. The most important thing to do is to keep the cover shut and not check on the swim spa.
It will be important, however, to consider how you can provide warmth to the inner cabinet and equipment area if the power outage will be more than a day. You can use a small office-type space heater inside the cabinet to circulate warmth. Be careful not to put the heater directly against the components in the cabinet. Rather, put it in an open area where it can effectively circulate warm area. Compared to a generator, a small space heater is a simple solution to keep the internal cabinet temperatures above freezing.
How to buy an all-season pool alternative
Do you want to be able to swim, exercise, and relax at home? Having an H2X Fitness Swim Spa by Master Spas allows you to swim on your schedule while adding a fun factor to your backyard. You can click here to find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and relaxing in a swim spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.