Changing your hot tub water in the dead of winter? Not in Winnipeg! Here is how to keep your spa water healthy and inviting until spring.
During the warmer months of the year, we recommend draining and refilling the hot tub every 3 months. This makes keeping your water clear and balanced easier! When it is too cold to drain and refill, using the right hot tub chemicals in Winnipeg is vital for safe, sparkling water.
Since our winters can be long and unforgiving, drain the hot tub as close to the end of fall as you can, weather permitting. We recommend a temperature of above 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for a safe drain and refill. As the days start to get colder, keep an eye on the forecast and choose a day that’s above freezing temperatures.
Always use a plumbing cleaner such as Mineraluxe Cleanse and Drain, Swirl Away, or Spa Marvel Plumbing Cleanse before draining the tub to clean out any gunk or buildup from the pipes. Follow package directions for desired results.
With the right spa water care routine, you can maintain healthy, clear water all winter.
Cold-Climate Water Care Checklist:
- Test Your Water Weekly: Use an at home testing method like test strips or drops/tabs to monitor your pH, alkalinity, calcium, and sanitizer levels, or bring in a water sample to the water lab for a more detailed analysis.
- Add Enzymes: Enzymes combat and break down organics, which buildup overtime as the water ages. Incorporating a product like SpaGuard Spa Complete, Natural Spa Enzyme, or Dazzle Botanical Cleanse to your weekly maintenance routine can help control odours and scum line buildup caused by oils, lotions, greases and other organic compounds.
- Protect Against Staining and Scaling: Using a stain and scale control product as part of your weekly maintenance can prevent damage to equipment and buildup on the surface of the tub. Add SpaGuard Stain and Scale or Mineraluxe Cubes to your weekly maintenance to protect against buildup.
*Tip: Mineraluxe Cubes also contain enzymes and have all the benefits of Dazzle Botanical Cleanse and a stain and scale preventer all in one!
- Shock/Oxidization: Even if you are not using the tub as frequently, it is crucial to continue shocking the tub weekly to oxidize wastes and keep the water clean and clear. Shocking also breaks down organic buildup so it can be easily digested by the enzymes in the water. Always leave the cover open and the jets running for 15-20 minutes after adding shock.
- Monitor Water Level: In the winter, it is especially important to check your hot tub daily and ensure it is on and running to prevent freezing and a costly repair bill! Open the cover and check that the water is at the correct level and that the temperature is up to heat.
- Insulate & Cover: Use a high-quality cover for heat retention. Clean heavy snow off the cover regularly to prevent damage to the cover from ice and extra weight.
Rinse Filters: Rinse your filters monthly (or more frequently depending on hot tub usage) to maintain good flow and water clarity. Filters should be chemically cleaned every 6-8 weeks with a product like Mineraluxe Filter Revive, PleatCo Filter Wash, or Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner.
*For more info on how to clean your filter, click here
Click the links below to find more products and accessories on our website:
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our water lab by phone (204) 233-8822 or email (watertesting@aqua-tech.ca) or bring in a water sample. For online support, you can chat with our technicians at www.findmyanswers.ca
