So, “water” your winter vacation plans?

Picture this: a getaway that allows you to relax, recharge, and be reinvigorated without any restrictions. All the food you can eat and complete privacy for you and your family whenever you need it.

You can get it all in your very own backyard with a hot tub!

Hot tubs create the perfect backyard oasis any time of the year, but they’re especially fun when you need respite during the cold winter months. However, you do need to take steps to make sure your tub is winter-ready before the temperatures drop.

Winter-Ready Hot Tub Checklist

To help you prepare your hot tub for winter easily, we’ve compiled this Winter-Ready Hot Tub Checklist. It covers everything you need so you can have a worry-free “winter staycation” this season and avoid unnecessary hot tub repairs:

Hot Tub Ionizers:

Have you ever lifted your hot tub cover and had water that isn’t as clean and clear as you would like it? If opening the lid becomes stressful because you’re not sure what the condition of your water is, chances are you’re going to stop using your hot tub and take more baths instead.

Before you move the sandwich tray and portable bar into the bathroom, consider installing a ClearBlue ionizer to keep your hot tub water sparkling clean and fresh!

An ionizer offers the most reliable and wallet friendly system available today that helps reduce your chemical use and lowers your hot tub maintenance. Ionizers can be installed on any brand, size or configuration of hot tub. They help people with sensitive skin, allergies, or other skin conditions, so people can have a hot tub experience without irritation.

These units clean your water by releasing positively charged ions (zinc, copper and silver) that are attracted to all the negatively charged bacteria and neutralize them. This effective way of controlling bacteria allows you to reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine you normally add to your tub by up to 80%.

The result? Your hot tub water will have the same amount of chemicals as your home tap water. It will be as gentle as the water you soak in when taking a bath.

In short, ionizers help you reduce your chemical usage, maintenance bills, and worries over sensitive skin. It’s a win-win-win that leaves your hot tub water clear and sparkling all winter long. You may never want to get out!

Hot Tub Covers:

Have you noticed that your hot tub cover seems to be heavier now than when you bought it? Chances are your cover really has gained weight!

Most of the extra weight is water from rain, and melted snow. It has soaked through the cover and absorbed into the underlying foam. This happens over time as the seasons change, so you likely won’t notice it all at once.

However, when the cover gets too heavy your cover lifter can get damaged from the excess load. Then you’ll have two items to replace instead of just one. Replacing your cover when it starts to feel a little bulky will help you avoid this unexpected expense.

Hot Tub Cover Lifters:

If you’re buying a new cover, it’s a good idea to also purchase or upgrade to a new hot tub cover lifter at the same time. You’ll have the best set up for easy hot tub use.

It’s important to select a cover lifter that works with your hot tub setup. Is the spa built into a deck or recessed? Are there any space limitations adjacent to the tub, such as a fence or wall? There’s a cover lifter for virtually every situation, but ask your hot tub professional for their advice on what would work best for you.

Hot Tub Filters:

Everyone knows to change the filter in their home furnace, but what about their hot tub filter?

Your hot tub water will only be as clean as your filter. A dirty filter will make for unsightly water, tempting you to forget about hot tubbing, and flip on the TV.

Wouldn’t it be better to clean or replace your filter and roll the TV out to the hot tub, like any good Canadian?

Hot tub filters typically last 1 year if properly maintained. Just rinse them down every few weeks and chemically soak them every few months.

Without proper maintenance, you could get foamy or cloudy spa water. This will increase your chemical use and costs.

Before the snow flies, or if your filter is approaching the 1-year mark, check it over. Does it look discoloured? Is the band broken or pleats unevenly spaced? Does it emit an unpleasant odour? These are all signs that your filter needs to be replaced.

It’s recommended to keep two filters on hand in case you need to switch one out a few hours before that hot tub party or family film festival.

Hot Tub Jets:

Did you know that in the winter, our muscles are tighter than during any other season? This is when your hot tub jets really shine, as they provide the massage action and relaxation you so desperately need.

The fall is the perfect time to replace your hot tub jets . This is much easier when the tub is empty, as you can access the jets from a better angle. While most of the jets can be replaced with water in the hot tub, changing the ones that are lower or in the very middle might prove difficult.

It’s best to purchase the jets you need to maximize your massage and install them when you do the last drain and fill of the year. This should be done just before you turn off the garden hose for the winter. This way, you don’t have to drain your tub during frigid January or February temperatures.

Now, you’ve gone through the checklist, and you’re all set for an amazing winter staycation, with the best hot tub experience!

Get ready for your winter staycation with our “Get Your Hot Tub Winter-Ready” deals!

Get everything you need to ensure your hot tub operates smoothly all winter long. Ask us for details about which products will work best for you – and have a worry-free winter staycation!

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