Protect Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs from Freezing until Service can be obtained
Touted by many "Winter is the best time of year for spa and hot tub use" at Spa Tec we feel the same way. However , trouble with the spa or hot tub in the winter months can be nerve racking if the unit is outside or in a non heated room.
Examples:
Your leaving town today and the spa or hot tub has been acting up recently, but is fine at the moment. Safe guard your luxury investment with the method below so you don't have to worry about it.
Or it's the weekend, in the evening and you just shoveled a path and cleared the snow off the spa cover to find the spa isn't functioning properly. After a moment,
you realize service departments are closed this could be bad .
Find the owner's manual thumb thru the trouble shooting and still have a problem?
Examples:
Your leaving town today and the spa or hot tub has been acting up recently, but is fine at the moment. Safe guard your luxury investment with the method below so you don't have to worry about it.
Or it's the weekend, in the evening and you just shoveled a path and cleared the snow off the spa cover to find the spa isn't functioning properly. After a moment,
you realize service departments are closed this could be bad .
Find the owner's manual thumb thru the trouble shooting and still have a problem?
Here are some things to consider:
Do not drain the spa, the pipe works and components will still have 5-15 gallons of water in them and will be damaged from freezing.
Click this page link for more information: Properly Closing or Winterizing Spas and Hot Tubs
Large volumes of water freeze slower . Keep it full. Technicians need them full to properly diagnose the situation.
Leave new snow fall on the spa cover for added insulation.
If the water pumps are running(moving water thru the jets), but there is no heat, it will not freeze as long as they stay running.
Spa and Hot Tub shells, pipe works to jets and other vessel connections are insulated but the equipment( pumps, heaters, etc.) are not because it has to breathe. Example: water pump motors are air cooled with internal fans. Many people make the mistake of checking the vessel water for ice build up, but never consider the equipment which is what freezes first.
Solution - Below you will find a simple method to protect your luxury investment from freezing, until a technician can arrive.
Do not drain the spa, the pipe works and components will still have 5-15 gallons of water in them and will be damaged from freezing.
Click this page link for more information: Properly Closing or Winterizing Spas and Hot Tubs
Large volumes of water freeze slower . Keep it full. Technicians need them full to properly diagnose the situation.
Leave new snow fall on the spa cover for added insulation.
If the water pumps are running(moving water thru the jets), but there is no heat, it will not freeze as long as they stay running.
Spa and Hot Tub shells, pipe works to jets and other vessel connections are insulated but the equipment( pumps, heaters, etc.) are not because it has to breathe. Example: water pump motors are air cooled with internal fans. Many people make the mistake of checking the vessel water for ice build up, but never consider the equipment which is what freezes first.
Solution - Below you will find a simple method to protect your luxury investment from freezing, until a technician can arrive.
General Instructions for P ortable Spas and Hot Tubs:
Install a small electric Ceramic Fan Heater in the motor compartment or behind the units skirting. The idea here is to heat up the entire area the water pumps, spa heater and equipment are located.
Locate the Ceramic Heater up off the floor, like on a block of wood so if there is a leak the Ceramic Heater will not get wet. Point Ceramic Heater to an open area, not directly at plastics in equipment area.
Place the plug connection from the Ceramic Heater to an extension cord in the spa equipment compartment, hang off the floor. Or conceal connection in a plastic bag with a twisty. Be sure the extension cord is of ample size to handle the current draw. If not sure buy one that is rated based on the amp draw of the Ceramic Heater which is located on the back or bottom of the Ceramic Heater. See images below.
It does make a difference on the length of extension cord versus amp load so ask someone in the electrical department of stores or see chart below. A good example of an extension cord being to small for the current load is the cord will get warm, prior to melting and possibly catching on fire.
Set heater on High Fan with a Medium temperature setting 70-80 degrees and check daily to ensure the unit is working. Oscillating is not needed nor recommended.
Plug into house electrical supply via a GFCI protected. The outlet should have a weatherized cover if it's located outside to prevent tripping GFCI due to rain or snow melt entering the recepticle. See Below.
Re-install skirting or door of cabinet to keep heat in.
Relax and schedule for service as soon as possible. Contact Spa Tec
Locate the Ceramic Heater up off the floor, like on a block of wood so if there is a leak the Ceramic Heater will not get wet. Point Ceramic Heater to an open area, not directly at plastics in equipment area.
Place the plug connection from the Ceramic Heater to an extension cord in the spa equipment compartment, hang off the floor. Or conceal connection in a plastic bag with a twisty. Be sure the extension cord is of ample size to handle the current draw. If not sure buy one that is rated based on the amp draw of the Ceramic Heater which is located on the back or bottom of the Ceramic Heater. See images below.
It does make a difference on the length of extension cord versus amp load so ask someone in the electrical department of stores or see chart below. A good example of an extension cord being to small for the current load is the cord will get warm, prior to melting and possibly catching on fire.
Set heater on High Fan with a Medium temperature setting 70-80 degrees and check daily to ensure the unit is working. Oscillating is not needed nor recommended.
Plug into house electrical supply via a GFCI protected. The outlet should have a weatherized cover if it's located outside to prevent tripping GFCI due to rain or snow melt entering the recepticle. See Below.
Re-install skirting or door of cabinet to keep heat in.
Relax and schedule for service as soon as possible. Contact Spa Tec
Small Ceramic Fan Heater. Find one just about anywhere for under $30.00.
Following these guidelines is a recommendation by our experience with protecting portable spas and hot tubs from freezing .
Please read this link: Spa Tec's Web Site Information and Directions Disclaimer before proceeding with alterations to these directions.
Please read this link: Spa Tec's Web Site Information and Directions Disclaimer before proceeding with alterations to these directions.
Amp draw is located on a sticker usually on the back or bottom of the heater. If not visible figure 15 amps.
Choose the right extension cord.
GFCI outlet. Rated for 15 amps.