December has set in, and with it extreme winter weather across much of the US and Canada. Many find the winter months the most enjoyable time of the year to use their hot tubs. When winter storms approach, you’ll want the confidence that your spa and cover are safe and sound outside. We’ve outlined simple steps to prepare your spa for winter storms below, giving you one less thing to worry during snow and ice.

Lock down your cover latches

Your hot tub from Dream Maker Spas comes with a free Super Seal Cover and locking cover strap latches. Install these latches onto your spa now with the straps creating a tight fit, so that they are ready in the event of a storm. Your spa’s cover is designed to snugly fit your spa, and these latches provide an extra level of protection from strong winds lifting the cover.

Clear debris

Clearing any yard debris, like fallen branches, before the storm will prevent them from flying around your yard in high wind. Trimming weak branches will also reduce the risk of limbs laden with snow and ice from falling on your spa. Dream Maker Spas’ shells are designed to be durable, but falling debris can damage your spa’s cover. Regularly checking the trees in your yard for any weak branches keeps your yard prepared for if a storm does come.

Move all outdoor furniture, flowerpots, and outdoor accessories inside

You can also prevent wind and ice damage to outdoor items around your spa by bringing patio furniture, the grill and yard decorations into the garage or inside. Like yard debris, lawn decorations and furniture can be knocked over by the wind, so keeping them out of a storm is the ideal way to prevent damage.

Keep your spa turned on

It’s important to keep your spa on if you’re leaving it filled during the winter. If water is allowed to freeze, it can severely damage plumbing parts. Your spa is designed to be kept on and runs in energy-efficient cycles to maintain your desired temperature.

You do not have to turn the power off on your spa unless it becomes damaged or loses its cover. If you must turn the power off, then you can drain your spa until it is repaired and/or your cover is replaced.

When safe, remove debris from the spa cover

After a snow storm, you can visually examine your spa and remove anything that has landed on your spa’s cover, like snow or branches. Weight on your spa’s cover can cause it to sag over time, so keep the cover clear.

If you keep your spa’s cover latches locked when your spa is not in use and follow the other advice given above, your spa will be one less thing to worry about during a winter storm.