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Best Hot Tubs for Cold Climates

Hot tubs are a great way to escape the cold, but if you live in a freezing cold climate, can you except your spa to endure harsh wind, rain, and snow?

 

Luckily for you, there are a few cold weather hot tubs built to endure tough winters. The best hot tubs for cold climates are extremely energy efficient, have strong, tight-fitting covers, and are built with weather-proof frames and parts.

 

Efficiency

 

Why would an energy efficient spa be important if you live in a cold climate? Well, in colder weather, your hot tub will have to work a little harder to keep the water temperature high. This requires energy, and in turn, your money.

 

But how can you tell if a hot tub is energy efficient? Make sure to check the hot tub’s insulation type as well as it’s plumbing design.

 

Here’s some important information to know about insulation and plumbing.

 

Insulation

In general, hot tubs have one of two types of insulation systems: perimeter or full foam. Many companies will try to tell you that perimiter systems do just as well as full foam systems. They want you to believe this because it would cost them twice as much money to manufacter the higher quality full foam system.

 

To see if those claims were true, Hot Tub University did a study comparing the two systems to see which one was the best insulated hot tub.

 

Based on their study, they concluded that “full foam spas should perform more than twice as well as the best perimeter systems out there. And three to four times better than the worst ones!”

 

This study shows that if you want the best outdoor hot tub for a cold climate, you need one with a full foam insulation system.

 

Plumbing

 

Conventional spas are built with hundreds of feet of tubing to get the water to each jet. This is an outdated design that wastes energy and your money.

 

Because Bullfrog Spas are built differently, they use up to 90% less plumbing. Fewer pipes and tubes equals less energy needed to transfer water to the jets.

 

In addition, most of the water delivery system in a Bullfrog Spa is inside of the proprietary H2Air Manifold on the JetPak and is submerged in the hot water. Any heat from water in the JetPak manifold transfers directly to the spa water rather than being lost to the cold outside environment.

 

Look for an efficient hot tub brand with full foam insulation and an advanced water delivery system that keeps your energy bill low, even in cold weather.

 

Cover

 

Make sure your hot tub comes with a stong, durable cover. It should be able to handle the weight of snow after a heavy snowstorm as well as stay closed on an extra windy day.

 

In general, the best hot tub covers for cold weather are the ones made by the hot tub’s manufacturer. This is because they will be precision made to tightly fit the hot tub model and keep the cold air out.

 

Construction

Unfortunately, many conventional hot tub manufacturers still use wood or metal to build their spas. These materials aren’t durable, especially if you live in a cold climate with lots of rain or snow. The wood rots and the metal corrodes.

 

The best hot tub for cold weather should be built using more advanced materials. For example, Bullfrog Spas are built on a sturdy molded ABS frame that will never rot or rust.

 

Look for high-quality materials that you can rely on for years to come.

 

Winter hot tub tips

 

Did you know that the best hot tubs don’t need to be winterized? Unless you plan on leaving your hot tub unused for more than 6 weeks in a row, there shouldn’t be a need to winterize. The quality materials and energy-efficient design will keep your pipes from freezing.

 

Something else to consider is where you plan on installing your hot tub. Bullfrog Spas recommends placing your spa close to your home and near a door or other entrance. This will keep the time your body needs to be in the cold weather to a minimum.

 

You can also improve your spa environment by either partially or fully enclosing it to block it from the wind. This will not only add to your enjoyment but also keep your spa protected from the weather and even more energy efficient.

 

 

Bullfrog Spas Reviews During Winter

“I love my tub. it is easy to care for, it has all the JetPaks that I want, and in Michigan in the winter there is nothing better than jumping in when it’s cold to warm yourself up!” – Becky T.

“Living in Montana it gets pretty cold in the winter. As the fall comes to a close so far the coldest has been 14 degrees. Chilly getting in but then pure heaven! Last night we enjoyed drinks in the spa while watching a beautiful moon rise up from the mountains to our east. This is one of the best purchases we’ve made and are enjoying it every day!” – Bill R.

 

“We’re greatly enjoying our Bullfrog Spa through our Canadian winter. Very impressed with the entire system and each member of our family has a preferred JetPak.” – Michael P.

 

“Absolutely love the hot tub! Quality construction leads to efficient operation. The tub is well insulated. We lost power for two days due to winter storm and sub-freezing temps and water temp only dropped to 92 degrees, set at 100 normally. Highly recommend Bullfrog Spas!!” – Matt R.

 

“The hot tub has made it through two Wisconsin winters that included well below zero temps and feet of snow. It has been a real pleasure to enjoy” – Debra W.