To Drain or Not to Drain: Should You Empty Your Hot Tub for Winter?

With Winter just around the corner, many hot tub owners find themselves wondering: Should I drain my hot tub or keep it running through the colder months?

At Take Wellness, we firmly believe that winter ‘tis the season for enjoying your hot tub!

There’s something magical about slipping into warm, bubbling water while the air around you is crisp and cool.

Whether it’s the thrill of feeling the steam rise against the cold, the perfect excuse to stargaze on clear winter nights, or the sheer joy of indulging in some well-deserved relaxation after a long day, winter hot tubbing is simply unbeatable.

Plus, it’s a fun and cosy way to bring friends and family together—whether it’s for a quiet evening or an impromptu winter hot tub party!

While winters here in the UK aren’t typically harsh, with freezing temperatures often limited to short spells, it’s still worth considering the best option for your lifestyle and hot tub usage. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both choices to help you make the right decision for the season.

Why You Should Keep Your Hot Tub Running This Winter

A Winter Luxury
There is something uniquely cosy about enjoying a soak in your hot tub on a crisp winter evening, with steam rising as you relax in the warmth. The contrast between the cool air and the heated water can turn your garden into a year-round retreat—perfect for those cold, dark evenings.

Health and Wellbeing Benefits
Winter can lead to achy joints and stiff muscles, particularly if you suffer from conditions like arthritis. Keeping your hot tub running through the winter allows you to benefit from regular hydrotherapy sessions, which can ease discomfort and improve circulation, leaving you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Minimal Risk of Freezing
Unlike regions with extreme winters, the UK’s mild climate means that the risk of frozen pipes is relatively low. Modern hot tubs are designed to cope with colder temperatures, so as long as you keep the water heated and the tub covered when not in use, you are unlikely to encounter problems with freezing or damage.

Avoid Winterisation Hassles
Shutting down and winterising your hot tub involves draining all the water, drying out the plumbing, and ensuring no moisture is left in the pipes. This can be quite a hassle and, if not done properly, could lead to issues later on. Keeping the tub running eliminates this concern and ensures it’s always ready for a relaxing soak.

Why You Might Consider Draining Your Hot Tub

Energy Costs
While the UK’s winters aren’t extreme, energy costs can still be a consideration, especially if you are not using your hot tub regularly. Heating the water and keeping it at the perfect temperature requires energy, so if you don’t plan on using it often, draining the tub could help reduce your bills during the colder months.

Taking a Break from Maintenance
Maintaining your hot tub during winter still requires effort. You’ll need to monitor chemical levels, keep the water clean, and check the cover regularly. If you feel like taking a break from this upkeep over winter, draining your tub might be the better option.

Occasional Freezing Temperatures
Although the UK doesn’t often experience prolonged freezing, short cold snaps are possible. If your hot tub is left unattended or your heating system fails during one of these periods, you could still risk frozen pipes. Draining your tub completely rvemoves this small, but possible, risk.

When Draining Might Be Necessary

If you are planning to be away for an extended period over the winter months or don’t foresee using the hot tub much during this time, draining might be the best choice. Leaving a hot tub unattended for long periods in cold weather can result in unforeseen issues, especially if a problem like a power cut occurs and you’re not around to address it.

Best Practices for Draining Your Hot Tub for Winter

If you decide that draining is the best option for your situation, it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure your hot tub is properly winterised. Here’s what to do:

Fully Drain the Water: Make sure you remove all the water from your hot tub, including the pipes and pumps. A wet vacuum can help clear out any water that’s harder to reach.

Dry It Out: Once drained, make sure the tub is fully dry to avoid any leftover water freezing inside pipes or equipment.

Secure the Cover: A well-fitted, insulated cover will keep the tub protected from the elements and prevent any dirt or debris from getting inside while it’s not in use.

The Verdict: To Drain or Not to Drain?

For most UK hot tub owners, keeping your hot tub running through winter is perfectly manageable and, for many, an enjoyable winter luxury. With mild winters and modern, well-insulated hot tubs, the risks of frozen pipes are low, and the reward of a warm soak on a cold evening is worth the energy costs and light maintenance required.

However, if you’re not planning to use your hot tub much over winter, or if you’ll be away for an extended time, draining might be the easier option, saving you from having to monitor it during the colder months.

In the end, the decision comes down to your personal preferences. Whether you choose to keep it running or to drain it, proper preparation is key to ensuring your hot tub is ready for use once the warmer months roll around again.

We’re Here to Help!

If you need any assistance with your hot tub this winter, whether it’s advice on maintenance, winterisation, or any concerns you may have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Take Wellness.

Our team is always on hand to help you make the most of your hot tub experience—whether you are keeping it running or preparing to shut it down for the season. Whatever your needs, we are just a phone call or email away!

Wellness First,

Simon, Kate, Laura and all of the team at Take Wellness.

Check out our Hot Tub Services to ensure your Hot Tub is Winter ready!