Cold Weather Hot Tub Delivery
It’s the middle of winter. You just got your new hot tub, and you are ready to turn it on for the first time, and it’s winter. Here are some of my recommendations for a trouble-free startup.
Path to the delivery area. Most hot tub companies in snowy climates deliver hot tubs all year round and are prepared for snowfall. The best way to be ready for your new hot tub is to keep the area cleared from snow in the days leading up to the delivery.
A tarp would be handy to help keep the surface clean. You want your hot to set firmly to the surface it is going on. Ideally, most hot tub companies would love to back into your backyard, slide the hot tub off, and drive away. However, that is rarely the case.
We use a Spa sled during winter to move hot tubs across the snow. This makes winter deliveries easy as long as we don’t have to climb snowbanks.
Garden Hose. If you are like most people, your garden hose has been stored away for the winter. Now is the time to find it, put it in a warm area, and thaw it out.
Filling. Do not fill your new until your electrician arrives if your electrician is delayed or can not finish the job for some reason. A hot tub filled with cold water in freezing conditions could damage your new hot tub. When you are ready to fill your tub, put your hose in the filter compartment. If possible, remove the filter and put the hose inside the tub.
From the Factory. Most hot tubs are water tested at the factory and may have some residual water left in the lines. This is generally not enough to damage any plumbing but could freeze a line preventing the pump from working.
32 degrees and Below. You have several options. One is to have your electrician ready and wait for the hot tub to arrive. This is dependent on your electrician if they have time. Sometimes deliveries do run late. Another option is to wait until the weather warms up before filling and flipping the switch.
Please use caution and common sense when using any of these suggestions. Do not attempt if you are not sure what you are doing.
If you want to start soaking right away. Get a small ceramic space heater or 100-watt incandescent trouble light to warm up the service compartment where the pump is located. This should prevent or melt any potential ice build-up in the lines.
Do not use hot water. The sudden shock of hot water on a cold hot tub shell could crack and damage your hot tub. If you can, connect your hose to a mixed water source. Start with cold water and mix it to warm to complete the fill.
Once your tub is filled, you are ready to turn in and treat the water. If you encounter any problems, call the store or service department where you purchased your hot for additional help.