My Hot Tub Is Frozen: What Should I Do?
Many homeowners look forward to using their hot tubs to escape the cold temperatures of fall and winter. However, that isn’t always easy, as even hot tubs are susceptible to freezing in the cold temperatures of winter. So, why did your hot tub freeze and what should you do?
Hot tubs freeze when temperatures hit 28-32 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there for 1-3 days. You can prevent this if you enable “freeze protection” mode, but it may be too late. In that case, you must create a hole in the ice and repeatedly pour boiling water into it to melt the ice within your hot tub.
Keep your hot tub covered throughout winter and patch cracks as needed to prevent it from freezing. Follow along as we explore why hot tubs freeze, how to thaw them, and how to prevent freezing
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Why Did My Hot Tub Freeze?
Water In The Plumbing
The plumbing in your hot tub can freeze even if you drain the tub itself. It’s similar to how leaving a hose attached to an exterior bib can cause pipes to freeze. Draining the pipes is one of the last steps in winterizing your hot tub, but many people forget to do it.
To drain the plumbing, you must attach a hose or pump to your hot tub’s drain valve. Run the hose or pump to a drain or outdoor area that you don’t mind getting wet. Be patient, as it may take a while for all of the water to drain from your hot tub pipes.
This is also a great time to flush the pipes with a cleaning solution to remove bacteria. That way, you won’t have to worry as much about algae and bacteria when you reopen your hot tub.
Your Hot Tub Isn’t Insulated
Not every homeowner needs to insulate their hot tub, but it’s a great idea if you live in a cold climate. This is a great way to conserve energy and prevent your hot tub from freezing. Full foam insulation is the most popular material for insulating hot tubs.
That said, the last thing you want to do is go overboard when you insulate your hot tub. Insulation makes hot tubs retain heat much more effectively. However, excessive insulation can cause your hot tub to overheat, which can damage the circuit board.
That’s especially true if you insulate your hot tub with perimeter foam. Ideally, you should vent your insulation if you use perimeter foam, or else you risk overheating the circuit board. Replacing a hot tub circuit board costs between $350 and $1,000, so it isn’t worth the risk.
It Lost Power
Losing power during winter can cause your hot tub to freeze. However, that’s only likely if your power outage lasts 1-3 days. Even still, most people worry about their refrigerators and even their fish tanks during outages instead of their hot tubs.
That’s understandable, but it’s relatively easy to prevent your hot tub from freezing during a power outage. One way to protect your hot tub during an outage is to put a thermal blanket in the water. The thermal blanket will float and help the water retain heat until the power comes back on.
You can also use a submersible pump to circulate the water, making it less likely to freeze. However, the easiest method is to cover your hot tub and leave it alone. Otherwise, your hot tub will quickly lose heat and freeze.
No Freeze Protection
Today, many hot tubs have freeze protection features that work wonders to protect them during the winter. This feature activates jets when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The constant circulation makes it much harder for a hot tub to freeze.
Freeze protection or “no freeze” modes are typically automated, so you don’t need to trigger them. That comes in handy when you’re at work, out of town, or simply busy. Unfortunately, you may not have this feature if your hot tub is outdated.
Your Hot Tub Has A Leak
Leaks are not only inconvenient and wasteful, but they can also make your hot tub freeze during the winter. They are sometimes hard to locate, especially when leaks are minor. Leaks leave your hot tub and plumbing more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Luckily, patching leaks is easier than it seems, and all it takes is some marine-grade epoxy. First, you must drain your tub right below where the leak is. Next, you must dry the leaking area by hand to ensure the sealant will adhere to it.
Apply a marine-grade sealant and let it sit for as long as the directions recommend. It typically takes up to 4 hours for marine-grade epoxy to cure. Once it’s cured, you can add more water to the tub.
How To Thaw A Frozen Hot Tub
There is no iron-clad solution to thaw a frozen hot tub, but you can try a few effective methods. For example, some people repeatedly boil water and pour it over the ice in their hot tubs. However, this is tedious, as you must continually remove the excess water, so your tub doesn’t overflow.
Some people create a hole in the ice using a pick and pour hot water into it. This is a better option, as it's easier to melt the ice in the center of the tub. Once you melt the ice, you must run the jets to increase circulation.
Keep in mind that it may take hours for the plumbing to thaw out. Cover your hot tub once you melt most of the ice and turn on the “freeze protection” mode. Be patient and let the plumbing thaw naturally to avoid damage.
How Quickly Can A Hot Tub Freeze?
A hot tub can freeze in 36 hours or less depending on the circumstances. For example, an uncovered hot tub can freeze in as little as an hour without heat. That’s especially true if the outdoor temperature is 28-32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
However, in many cases, your hot tub won’t freeze for at least 24 hours in 28-degree weather if it’s covered and circulating. Many homeowners prepare their hot tubs before winter to prevent them from freezing and suffering damage. The plumbing within your hot tub can expand and crack or burst if it freezes.
You also risk damaging the pump if you fail to winterize and cover your hot tub in winter. Some hot tubs have a “no freeze mode” that continually runs the pump to improve circulation and prevent freezing.
Summing It Up
Turn on “freeze protection” mode if your hot tub is frozen or about to freeze. Boil water and pour it over the ice to melt it and remove the excess water so it doesn’t overflow. It also helps to create a hole in the ice using a pick or screwdriver to make it easier to spread hot water within the tub.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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