Heating the hot tub in winter offers a relaxing experience during the cold months, but it requires special care and preparation. In this article, we provide instructions for the safe and efficient use of a hot tub in winter conditions.
Preparing for hot tub use
Before heating the hot tub, make sure that all the tub’s and stove’s valves and drain outlets are closed to prevent water from leaking out during filling. Our hot tub models have one drain valve at the bottom of the tub and another on the side of the stove. Also check that all parts of the tub and stove are intact and that the tub is clean. Despite a cover, birch catkins and other small debris can sometimes find their way into the tub along with rainwater.
Filling and heating the hot tub
Fill the hot tub with water: Before lighting a fire in the stove, fill the tub with water at least 5 cm above the upper connection pipes of the stove. This prevents damage to the stove.
Use dry firewood: For heating, it’s best to use dry wood chopped into small pieces. Add wood every 10–15 minutes to maintain steady and efficient burning.
Keep the cover in place: During heating, keep the tarp or cover on the hot tub to prevent heat from escaping and to speed up the heating process.
Monitor the water temperature: The recommended water temperature is 38–39 °C. In winter, the temperature can be slightly higher, but do not exceed 40 °C to ensure safety. Note that heating time can be longer in winter than in summer, so allow plenty of time for the water to reach the desired temperature.
Winter use and maintenance of a hot tub
Regular heating or draining
During freezing temperatures, the hot tub should be heated immediately after filling to prevent the water from freezing. If you do not plan to use the tub, empty it immediately after use, once the fire in the stove has gone out and the embers have cooled.
Be aware of slippery conditions
In winter, the area around the hot tub and the steps can become slippery. Be cautious when moving around the tub to avoid accidents.
Prevent the stove from freezing
Never allow the stove to freeze. If the stove has frozen, carefully thaw it with a heat blower before the next use. Never light a fire in the stove if the tub is empty. The stove is not built to withstand even one heating session without water—doing so will cause the metal to burn through.
Cleaning the hot tub with pine soap after every use
The hot tub should be cleaned after every use. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and dirt on the surfaces. With the right methods and tools, cleaning is easy even in freezing temperatures.
In winter, it’s best to clean the tub right after use, before water freezes on the inner surfaces. If you clean the tub outdoors in very cold weather, do it quickly to prevent water from freezing on the surface. Use warm water for rinsing. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the washing water to more effectively remove odors and bacteria.
Follow these steps for winter cleaning:
- Empty the tub completely. Make sure no water is left at the bottom, as it could freeze and make cleaning more difficult.
- Moisten the inner surface with warm water. If the tub has cooled, lukewarm water helps loosen dirt more easily.
- Apply pine soap to a sponge or brush. Pine soap is an eco-friendly and effective cleaner that removes grease, dirt, and bacteria without harsh chemicals.
- Scrub the tub thoroughly. Pay extra attention to the waterline and creases where dirt tends to accumulate.
- Rinse with plenty of water. Ensure no soap residue remains, as it can affect water quality during the next use.
- Dry the tub carefully. If you’re not refilling the tub right away, dry it with a towel and make sure no moisture remains at the bottom or in drainpipes to prevent freezing.
Hot tubbing at Suomen Kotteria’s rental cottages in Pyhtää
Suomen Kotteria’s rental cottages in Pyhtää, located in the Kymenlaakso region, offer year-round opportunities to enjoy hot tubbing. For example, at Villa Kivikoski and Kaunisvirta, there are wood-fired hot tubs built into the terrace, suitable for 6–8 people. At Struka Villa, the hot tub is situated right next to the river.
The rental price for the hot tub is €80 per day, and it includes water and firewood. You can also order the hot tub pre-filled and pre-heated for an additional fee of €120.
Read more about hot tub rentals on our website here.
Suomen Kotteria Oy FI07466153, Rental villas in Southern Finland, +358400868889, asiakaspalvelu@kotteria.com