Winter Use of Lay-Z-Spa Heaters: Do’s and Don’ts

Using your Lay-Z-Spa during the winter months can be a truly magical experience. There’s nothing like soaking in a warm hot tub while snow falls around you, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. However, winter conditions can pose unique challenges for your Lay-Z-Spa heater. To ensure your hot tub runs efficiently and stays in good condition during the cold months, it’s important to follow some key do’s and don’ts.

Do’s for Winter Use of Lay-Z-Spa Heaters

1. Do Insulate Your Spa Properly One of the most important steps in winter is ensuring your lay z spa heater is well-insulated. Cold temperatures can cause heat to escape more quickly, forcing your heater to work harder and consume more energy.
   Tip: Use an insulated ground mat to help keep heat from escaping through the bottom of the tub. Additionally, always use the provided insulated cover when the spa is not in use to trap warmth and reduce energy consumption.

2. Do Keep Water Levels High In winter, it’s crucial to maintain the right water levels in your Lay-Z-Spa. Low water levels can affect the heater’s ability to operate properly and even cause the system to shut down due to poor circulation.
   Tip: Regularly check the water levels to ensure they are above the minimum mark on your spa’s side.

3. Do Preheat in Advance Preheating your Lay-Z-Spa before use is essential, especially during winter when the temperature drops significantly. The heater will take longer to warm the water in cold weather, so giving it extra time to heat up is essential for a comfortable soak.
   Tip: Turn on the heater several hours before you plan to use your spa. This will allow enough time for the water to reach the desired temperature.

4. Do Keep the Heater Unit Dry While Lay-Z-Spa models are designed for outdoor use, you still need to protect the heater unit from excessive moisture, which can affect its performance. In winter, snow and ice can accumulate on the unit, potentially causing electrical issues or damage.
   Tip: Use a cover to protect the heater from snow and rain, and ensure the area around the heater is free of water and ice buildup.

5. Do Regularly Clean and Maintain Your Spa Winter conditions can lead to faster accumulation of debris, which can clog the filter and affect the heater’s performance. Keeping your spa clean is especially important in colder months.
   Tip: Clean your filter regularly, at least once every 2–3 days, and change it every month. Also, make sure to check the heater for any blockages that could affect water flow.

Don’ts for Winter Use of Lay-Z-Spa Heaters

1. Don’t Leave Your Spa Unattended for Extended Periods One of the biggest risks in winter is leaving your Lay-Z-Spa unattended for long periods. If the water temperature drops too low, the heater may not be able to compensate for the cold, and the water may freeze, damaging the pump and heater.
   Tip: Always monitor the temperature regularly, especially during extremely cold spells. If you’re not using the spa for a few days, consider draining the water to prevent freezing.

2. Don’t Set the Temperature Too High While a hot soak is tempting during the winter, setting the temperature too high can lead to excess energy usage, and even cause discomfort during long soaks. Additionally, overworking the heater in very cold weather can strain the system.
   Tip: Set the temperature between 37°C and 38°C (98.6°F to 100.4°F) for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

3. Don’t Allow Ice to Form on the Cover If snow and ice build up on the cover, it can weigh down the spa and cause damage to the fabric or lid. Additionally, ice on the surface can lead to quicker heat loss, forcing the heater to work harder.
   Tip: Regularly clear snow and ice off the spa cover to prevent excess buildup. Be gentle to avoid damaging the cover or the spa itself.

4. Don’t Forget to Protect the Electrical Components Wet, snowy, and icy conditions can pose a risk to the electrical components of your Lay-Z-Spa. If moisture gets into the electrical system, it could lead to faults or failure.
   Tip: Ensure the electrical components are fully covered and protected from the elements. Use a weather-resistant extension cord if needed, and avoid exposing the power connections to wet conditions.

5. Don’t Run the Heater in Freezing Conditions Without a Cover Running the heater in freezing temperatures without an insulated cover is a recipe for inefficient heating and potential system issues. In fact, the pump and heater can freeze if the temperature gets too low.
   Tip: Always use a well-fitting, insulated cover when the spa is not in use, particularly during the winter months. This will help maintain temperature and prevent the system from freezing.

Using your Lay-Z-Spa in the winter can be a cozy and enjoyable experience, but it requires proper care and attention to keep everything functioning smoothly. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your spa operates efficiently, your heater stays in good working condition, and you enjoy a warm, relaxing soak even when the temperature drops outside. Be proactive with maintenance, use the right protective measures, and adjust your usage to accommodate the cold weather, and you’ll be able to enjoy your Lay-Z-Spa throughout the winter season.