Imagine: It's February, minus five degrees outside, your breath forms small clouds in the cold air.
A thin layer of snow lies over your garden, glittering in the moonlight.
And right in the middle is your hot tub – steam rises from the warm water like from an Icelandic natural pool.
They glide into the 38-degree warm water, feeling the contrast between icy air on their face and pleasantly warm waves around their body.
The stars are shining brighter than ever before.
This isn't a dream from a luxury resort – this is your own garden. In winter.
It is precisely during this time of year that a hot tub shows what it is truly capable of.
While summer is pleasant, winter is simply magical. The temperature contrast, the peace and quiet, the clear air – many of our customers tell me: "Jens, I bought the hot tub for the summer, but I love it most in winter."
But then the question often arises, which is perfectly understandable:
"What do I do if I'm not outside for a few days? What happens in severe frost? Will the water freeze? Do I have to heat it constantly?"
The good news: With the right strategy, your hot tub is just as easy to maintain in winter as in summer – perhaps even easier. You don't need complicated technology, an engineering degree, or daily monitoring.
What you need is a clear decision: How do you want to use your hot tub in winter?
In this article, I'll show you four proven strategies that work in practice – for countless families in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and beyond. From "I use it almost daily" to "I take a winter break" – there's a suitable solution for every situation.
And the best part: you decide what suits your life, your rhythm and your needs.
Let's look together at how you can get through the winter relaxed – with warm water, without frost worries, and with the good feeling of doing everything right.
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1. The connoisseur's method: Use regularly – the water stays warm.
Bathing 2-3 times a week = no worries about frost
Let's start with the most beautiful solution – and also the simplest: simply use your hot tub regularly. Sounds too simple? It isn't. It's the most natural and elegant way to prevent frost from becoming a problem in the first place.
This is how it works in practice
If you heat your hot tub 2-3 times a week, something wonderful happens: the water never gets close to freezing temperatures. Why? Because physics is on your side.
Each time you use it, you heat the water with wood to about 70-80°C – significantly hotter than you'll actually bathe in. Once you're finished and the fire goes out, the water cools down slowly. But slowly means really slowly. With good insulation under the cover, a hot tub loses about 1-2 degrees per day, depending on the outside temperature and the insulation.
Let's do the math: You take a bath on Friday evening, and the water is still 60°C afterwards. By Monday morning, it might be 50°C. You take another bath on Tuesday evening – you start at a comfortable 45°C and only need to reheat it briefly. Even if you don't go in again until the following weekend: After 5-6 days, the water will still be 30-35°C. No sign of frost.
The best part: You don't actually do anything differently than in summer – you simply enjoy your hot tub. The frost protection comes as a free side effect.
A real-world example
The Weber family from Offenburg has had their hot tub for three years. Thomas, a heating engineer, told me last winter: "Jens, I was skeptical at first. We planned to use it every Friday and Sunday. And you know what? We stuck to it. Even at minus 12 degrees Celsius, we never had a problem. The water was always warm enough that we had bath-ready water in 45 minutes. And honestly, those two evenings have become sacred to us. The kids are already asking on Thursday: 'Dad, hot tub again tomorrow?'"
This is not an isolated case. If the hot tub becomes a regular ritual – and in winter there is hardly anything more tempting than warm water under the open sky – then the frost problem solves itself.
For whom is this method ideal?
This strategy is perfect if you:
- To truly love the hot tub and use it regularly (let's be honest: otherwise you wouldn't have bought it)
- Having a fixed routine – for example, Friday and Sunday evenings as family time.
- stay at home and not travel for several weeks at a time
- Appreciating the connection to nature – only wood, no electricity, no technology
Especially self-employed people and tradespeople who want to unwind after a busy week swear by this method. The hot tub becomes a regular part of the weekend – and the frost problem takes care of itself.
The specific advantages
No technical effort required: You don't need any additional equipment, no electric heater, no running pump. Just you, your hot tub, and a stack of good wood.
Health bonus: Regular hot-cold cycles in winter are like advanced sauna sessions. Your immune system will thank you. And stress? It stays outside the hot tub.
Cost-efficient: You're heating anyway because you want to take a bath. There are no additional electricity or maintenance costs. Just the wood – and you burn it with pleasure, not out of obligation.
Make the most of the best time of year: Let's be honest – sitting outside in warm water in July is nice. But in January, when the starry sky above you is crystal clear and snowflakes are melting on your shoulders? That 's luxury. That's the moment you bought the hot tub for.
A word about reality
To be honest, this method only works if you really stick to it. If the hot tub sits idle for three weeks because it's busy, you'll have a problem when temperatures drop below freezing. Then you'll need one of the other strategies as a backup.
But if you're one of those people who love their hot tub – and most of our customers do – then regular use isn't an obligation, but a pleasure. And that pleasure, by the way, keeps the water warm.
My advice based on several winters of experience:
Give it a try. Use the first two weeks of winter as a test. Two evenings a week – perhaps Wednesday after work and Saturday with the family.
See if it feels right. If so, you've found the simplest solution of all. If not, then you know – and one of the next three methods will suit you better.
2. The safety method: Filter pump in continuous operation
Moving water does not freeze – the physical solution
Sometimes life is unpredictable. This week you might use the hot tub three times, next week only once, and the week after that you're away on a work assignment or visiting clients. You want to use the hot tub when it suits you – but not according to a rigid schedule. That's exactly what the safety method is for: The filter pump is running, the water is circulating, and frost has no chance.
The physics behind it – explained simply
Here's a fact you might remember from physics class: Moving water freezes much more slowly than still water. A river freezes later than a pond. A waterfall stays ice-free longer than a puddle. Why? Because movement disrupts the formation of ice crystals .
Your filter pump does exactly that: it keeps the water moving. Water is constantly circulated, sent through the pipes, filtered, and pumped back into the hot tub. As long as the pump is running, ice has no chance to form – even at minus 10 degrees Celsius and below.
And the best part: you don't have to do anything. The pump does the work, you live your life.
Here's how to implement it in practice
The simplest option: connect the pump, switch it on, and let it run. Done. The pump circulates the water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This works absolutely reliably – however, there is one small drawback: the power consumption.
A typical filter pump draws approximately 50-150 watts, depending on the model. In continuous operation, this equates to roughly 1.2 to 3.6 kilowatt-hours per day over 24 hours. With current electricity prices of around 35-40 cents per kWh, this translates to about 40 cents to €1.40 per day – roughly €12 to €42 per month.
But here's the handyman's trick: You don't need to run the pump continuously. It's often perfectly sufficient to run it several times a day for 30-60 minutes each time . This mixes the water, breaks up any cold spots, and prevents the water from cooling down so much between runs that frost could form.
The smart solution: timer switch
Get yourself a weatherproof timer switch (available at hardware stores for 15-25 euros) and program it as follows:
- 6:00-7:00 AM: First upheaval
- Midday 12:00-13:00: Second upheaval
- Evening 6:00-7:00 PM: Third Revolution
- Nighttime 11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Fourth Revolution
Four hours of pump operation spread throughout the day – this keeps the water circulating and costs you only about 5-15 euros per month, depending on the pump's capacity. That's the perfect balance between safety and cost-effectiveness.
Important: In extremely low temperatures below -15°C, I would double the run times or actually let the pump run continuously. But we rarely experience such temperatures in our region for more than one or two days at a time.
A practical example
Michael, a master carpenter from near Freiburg, has been using this method for two winters. He told me: "Jens, I travel a lot – sometimes three days on the construction site, then another week at home. I want to be able to use the hot tub whenever I want, but not have to jump in every other day."
The pump with a timer was the solution. It costs me less than ten euros a month, and I have absolutely no worries. Even after ten days, I come home and the water is still 15-20 degrees. Then I heat it up properly once, and that's it."
For whom is this method ideal?
The filter pump method is perfect if you:
- Use it irregularly , but want the hot tub ready at all times.
- Traveling a lot for work – a few days here, a few days there
- Want additional security , even if you actually use it regularly (double protection in case of extreme frost)
- Are willing to bear moderate electricity costs for absolute planning security.
- Think technically pragmatically – set it up once, then forget it.
This is the most popular solution, especially for self-employed people who don't have the same routine week after week. It offers both freedom AND security.
What you absolutely must consider
Frost-proof installation: The pump itself must not freeze. It must be located either in a frost-free room (basement, garage) or in an insulated, heated pump house. Ideally, the hoses between the pump and the hot tub should be buried or insulated. If you are unsure, please call me, and we can discuss your situation together.
Ensure a reliable power supply: It sounds obvious, but check that the socket is suitable for outdoor use and protected by a residual current device (RCD). Safety comes first – especially with water and electricity in winter.
Choose the right pump capacity: Not all pumps are created equal. For a standard hot tub with a capacity of 1,500-2,000 liters, a pump with a flow rate of 3,000-5,000 liters per hour is perfectly adequate. More isn't necessarily better – it's just more expensive to run.
The combination makes it perfect.
Here's the beauty of it: You can combine this method with the "enjoyment method ." You use your hot tub whenever you feel like it – this keeps the water warm. And the pump runs silently in the background as a backup, just in case you happen to miss a week.
Many of our customers do exactly that: Under normal circumstances, they use the hot tub 2-3 times a week, with the pump running on a timer. If they happen to get the flu, go on vacation, or a large order takes up all their time – no problem. The pump does its job, and after the break, they simply get back in.
The cost factor realistically considered
Let's be honest: 10-15 euros a month isn't the end of the world. That's the price of two café visits, a pizza, or a cinema ticket. But in return, you get absolute security and the freedom to use your hot tub as it suits your life – not according to a rigid schedule.
And compared to what you invested in the hot tub, compared to the value it brings to you and your family – a few euros a month for electricity is really no barrier.
My tip: If you're undecided between "regular use" and "a filter pump," start with regular use. If after a winter or two you realize your usage pattern is more unpredictable than you thought, then you can install the pump later. No problem, no big deal. Most customers who come to us to buy a replacement pump say, "I wish I'd done that from the start." But better late than never.
3. The comfort method: Electric heating as frost protection
Set it once – always worry-free
Sometimes you just want peace and quiet. No need to think about when you last used the hot tub. No need to worry about whether the pump is running often enough. Just know: The hot tub is fine. Always. That's exactly what electric heating is for – the worry-free solution for anyone who values peace of mind above all else.
Here's how it works – it's child's play!
An electric heater for a hot tub works on the same principle as your home heating system: A thermostat measures the water temperature, and as soon as it falls below a set value, the heater switches on automatically. When the temperature rises above the set value again, it switches off.
You set it once – for example, "Keep the water at least at 18°C" – and from that moment on, you don't have to worry about a thing. The heating system works independently, reliably, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you're at home or away on a business trip for two weeks. Whether it's -5°C or -15°C outside. The water won't freeze. Period.
The smart setting: 15-20°C as frost protection temperature
The typical setting that has proven effective in practice is between 15 and 20°C. Why exactly this range?
At 15°C: The water is well above freezing, and the pipes and connections are also protected. At the same time, electricity consumption remains low because the heating system only needs to activate rarely.
At 18-20°C: The water is pleasantly pre-heated. If you want to take a bath spontaneously, start at 18°C instead of 8°C. This means you only need half the wood and half the heating time. You'll have bath-ready water in 30-40 minutes instead of 90.
The clever part: Depending on how often you use the hot tub, you can adjust the temperature. Do you use it often? Set it to 20°C – you'll save time heating it up. Do you use it less often? Set it to 15°C – you'll save energy.
What is a realistic cost?
Now comes the question you probably have in mind: "And how much will that cost me?"
The honest answer: It depends. On the winter (how cold is it, for how long?), on your temperature setting (15°C or 20°C?), on the insulation of your hot tub, and on your electricity tariff.
Here's a realistic calculation for an average winter in Baden-Württemberg:
A standard electric heater for hot tubs has a power output of approximately 3 kW. When set to 18°C and with average winter temperatures around freezing, it runs actively for about 2-4 hours per day (not continuously, but intermittently, when reheating is needed).
- Electricity consumption: approx. 6-12 kWh per day
- Cost per day: approx. 2-5 euros (at 40 cents/kWh)
- Cost per month: approximately 60-150 euros in the coldest months (December to February)
- Cost per winter (4 months): approx. 250-500 euros
Important: In mild winters, or if you also use the hot tub for other purposes (and thus regularly heat it to high temperatures), the costs are significantly lower. They can be higher during extremely cold periods.
That sounds like a lot of money?
Let me put this into perspective. 250-500 euros over four months – that's roughly 60-125 euros per month. For that, you get:
Absolute frost protection – no risk, no stress, no worries. Not even if you're away on a two-week business trip or spontaneously heading off on a ski vacation.
Preheated water – you save time and wood every time you use it because you start at 18°C instead of 8°C. This actually offsets some of the electricity costs.
Spontaneity – Friday evening, 6 p.m., you get home from work and think: "A hot tub would be perfect tonight." By 7:30 p.m. you're sitting in it. Without an electric heater, you wouldn't have had enough water to bathe in until 9 p.m.
Peace of mind – and that is priceless. You can live your life without having to think about your hot tub. It's simply there, always ready, always protected.
A practical example
Dr. Schneider, a dentist from Karlsruhe, retrofitted an electric heating system two years ago. He told me on the phone: "Jens, at first I felt guilty about the electricity costs."
But you know what? I use the hot tub three times as often now as before. Because I don't have to plan it anymore. Because I don't think, 'Oh, three hours of waiting until it's warm.' I come home, light it, and in half an hour I'm sitting in it.
And if I'm away for two weeks for further training or my family is on vacation – I know that everything is alright at home. That's worth the 80 euros a month to me."
That's exactly the point: It's not just about frost protection. It's about quality of life.
For whom is this method ideal?
The electric heater is perfect if you:
If you're busy – self-employed, freelance, or in a management position – you have enough on your mind. The hot tub should provide relaxation, not an additional task.
Frequent travel – for business, holidays, weekend trips. You don't want to have to think before every departure: "What do I do with the hot tub?"
Live spontaneously – you don't know on Monday whether you'll have the time or inclination for the hot tub on Friday. With electric heating, it's always ready.
They want absolute security – no experiments, no risks. They have invested in good equipment and want it to be optimally protected.
They are willing to pay for comfort – they know that time is money. And peace of mind even more so.
Installation: Easier than you think
Most electric heaters can be easily retrofitted. They are integrated into the water circuit, require a power connection (usually 230V, some larger models 400V) and are equipped with a thermostat.
Important: Installation should be carried out by a professional – ideally an electrician with experience in outdoor work. Water and electricity are not areas for DIY experiments. Installation costs range from €300 to €800, depending on the situation, while the heating system itself costs approximately €400 to €1,200, depending on its power and quality.
Sounds like an investment? It is. But consider this: you've already invested in a high-quality hot tub – probably several thousand euros. The electric heater is the safety net for that investment. And at the same time, it's the upgrade that transforms "nice to have when it fits" into "always ready."
The value stacking calculation
Let me add up what you're actually getting:
Antifreeze – protection against damage caused by frozen water (repair would cost several thousand euros)
+ Preheated water – save 50% time and wood when heating (value: difficult to quantify, but real)
+ Spontaneity – use the hot tub 2-3 times more often because the barrier is lower (more quality of life)
+ Peace of mind – no worries when traveling, sick, or with a full schedule (priceless)
+ Longer lifespan – consistent temperatures are better for the wood than extreme fluctuations
Versus: 250-500 euros in electricity costs per winter
If you look at it this way – and I invite you to do so – then electric heating is not a cost factor. It's an investment in carefree enjoyment of your hot tub.
Combination with other methods
This is where it gets interesting: Electric heating can be combined perfectly.
Electric heating + regular use: The heater keeps the water at 18°C. When you take a bath, you heat it to 38°C with wood. The electric heater only switches on again if you don't use the water for several days. Result: Minimal electricity consumption, maximum safety.
Electric heater + filter pump: The perfect premium solution. Moving water (pump) + temperature protection (heater) = absolute guarantee, even in extreme frost below -20°C.
Many of our customers who drive this combination say: "This is my peace of mind insurance. I use the hot tub whenever I want. And if I don't want to or can't – everything still works."
My honest recommendation
As someone who has been selling and servicing hot tubs since 2023, I can tell you: Electric heating is the difference between "I have a hot tub" and "I USE my hot tub regularly and in a relaxed way."
I know customers who, during their first winter without electric heating, constantly had the following thoughts in their heads: "Do I need to go in today? How cold is it outside? How long has it been standing?" In their second winter with electric heating: "Fancy a hot tub? Yes? Let's go."
This mental freedom – that is the real value.
Is electric heating the cheapest solution? No. Is it the most convenient? Absolutely. And for many self-employed people who value their time, convenient is often synonymous with right.
4. The winter break method: Drain the water if the system will not be used for an extended period.
Honest and practical – when the hot tub is taking a break
Now comes a truth that many don't like to say, but which I owe you as an experienced consultant: Not everyone uses their hot tub all year round. And that's perfectly fine.
Perhaps you've discovered that you love your hot tub from April to October – but in the depths of winter, when it gets dark at 5 pm and you prefer to stay indoors in the evenings, it just sits there. Or perhaps you're so busy with work that you're hardly ever home from December to February anyway. Or maybe you're going away for several weeks – a ski holiday, a winter escape to the south, or simply a break.
In all these cases, there is an honest, pragmatic and free solution: Drain the water and give your hot tub a winter break.
When does a winter break really make sense?
Let's be specific. A winter break is the right choice if:
You will not use it for at least 4 weeks at a time – whether due to vacation, business trip or simply because using it in winter does not fit your rhythm.
If you don't want any additional electricity costs – no pump, no heating, simply zero running costs.
You primarily use your hot tub seasonally – typically from spring to autumn. This is not a failure, but a conscious decision.
You don't have anyone to look after the hot tub right now – no neighbors, no family nearby, and you'll be away for an extended period.
The winter break is not a makeshift solution. It is a fully-fledged strategy – and one that is even beneficial to the wood, as we will see shortly.
Here's how to proceed step by step
Draining and winterizing is easier than many people think. Here are practical instructions:
Step 1: Drain the water completely (15-20 minutes)
Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot tub. Depending on the model, it will take 15-30 minutes for all the water to drain. Tip: Tilt the hot tub slightly towards the drain side (using wooden wedges or stones) to ensure all the water empties out. You can absorb the last few liters with a sponge or cloth.
DIY tip: Use the drained water for your garden – even in winter. The wood water is rich in minerals and completely harmless to plants.
Step 2: Drain lines and connections (10 minutes)
This is the most important point: all pipes must be completely empty. Even a small amount of residual water can freeze in frosty conditions and cause damage.
- Open all valves and taps
- Blow out the pipes with a compressor or air pump (optional, but recommended).
- Run the filter pump (if present) briefly to remove any remaining water, then empty it as well.
- Unscrew all removable parts and store them indoors.
Sounds complicated? It isn't. With a little practice, you can do it in 10 minutes.
Step 3: Allow the interior to dry (1-2 days)
Leave the hot tub open for one to two days (in dry weather ) so that the wood can air out and dry from the inside. This is actually good for the material – wood likes to dry out completely occasionally.
Step 4: Thorough cleaning (20-30 minutes)
Now is the perfect opportunity for a deep clean:
- Brush the interior walls
- Remove any deposits or algae residue.
- Check all seals and screw connections.
- Check the wood for cracks or damage.
This is your maintenance window. Use it. You'll thank yourself in the spring.
Step 5: Secure and protect the cover (10 minutes)
Replace the cover and secure it against wind and snow. Important: The cover should remain breathable to allow moisture to escape. If you have an additional tarpaulin, you can place it over the cover – but make sure it has ventilation holes.
Pay attention to snow load: In regions with heavy snowfall, you should regularly remove snow from the cover. Too much weight can damage it.
Step 6: Wood care (optional, but recommended)
Use the winter break to treat the exterior wood with suitable wood oil. This protects against moisture and frost. Once a year is perfectly sufficient – and winter is the perfect time.
Total time required: 45-60 minutes the first time. The second time: 30-40 minutes.
A practical example
The Müller family from the Black Forest uses their hot tub intensively from May to October – almost every Saturday. But in winter? "Too cold, too dark, too uncomfortable," Mr. Müller says honestly. At the beginning of November, they drain the water, clean everything thoroughly, and cover the hot tub. At the end of March, when the days get longer again, they refill it with fresh water – and start the new season.
"At first I felt guilty," Mr. Müller told me last year. "Like I was abandoning the hot tub. But you know what, Jens? The wood looks better every spring than it did the previous autumn. It dries out, can breathe, and we always start with fresh water. That feels good. And honestly, why should I pay for electricity or worry about it in the winter if I'm not going to use it anyway?"
That's exactly the point: honesty with oneself. And respect for the material.
The underestimated benefits of a winter break
Let me clearly state the advantages, because the winter break is often seen as a "compromise solution." However, in many cases it is the smartest solution:
Zero ongoing costs – no electricity, no gas, no wood (unless you actually use it). Absolute cost-free for months.
Wood regenerates – wood is a living material. It likes moisture, but it also likes dryness. A complete drying period once a year keeps the wood healthy and significantly extends its lifespan. Boat builders and coopers have known this for centuries.
Start your spring season with fresh water – you don't begin with four-month-old water, but with completely fresh water. It's hygienic, it feels good, it IS good.
Thorough maintenance is possible – you have the time and space to inspect, clean, and maintain everything. Check seals, re-oil the wood, and carry out minor repairs. This isn't something you do while the business is running – during the winter break, you have complete peace and quiet.
No worries while you're away – you're going on a three-week skiing holiday? Perfect. No need to think about the hot tub. It's safely stored away, dry and protected.
Mental clarity – you don't have to be a "hot tub owner" all year round. You can be one when the season is right. And take a break when it isn't. That's self-determination.
For whom is this method ideal?
The winter break is perfect if you:
Seasonal users are those who enjoy hot tubs – spring to autumn is their hot tub season, not winter. And that's perfectly legitimate.
Longer absences – professional projects abroad, several weeks of vacation, winter escape to the south.
Want to avoid costs completely – no compromises, no ongoing expenses. Zero is zero.
Give your hot tub the care it deserves – see the winter break as a time for regeneration, not as a task.
Be honest about your usage – you know you wouldn't use it in winter anyway. So why pretend?
Especially for people who see their hot tub as a summer pleasure, this method is not only sensible – it is the best choice.
What you absolutely must consider
Make sure you completely drain all the pipes – I'm repeating myself deliberately. This is the critical point. A single liter of water left in a pipe can burst in freezing temperatures and cause hundreds of euros in damage. Take the time to do it properly.
Don't cover wood completely airtight – wood needs to breathe. A completely sealed tarp can promote mold and rot. Covering is fine, but allow for air circulation.
Thoroughly inspect before recommissioning – before refilling with water in the spring: Check all seals, inspect all screws, and look for cracks in the wood. A five-minute check is better than an unpleasant surprise later.
Choose the right time – don't drain the water if there are still nights of frost followed by above-freezing temperatures. The wood will then absorb moisture and freeze again – this stresses the material. Better: Do it when stable frost or dry cold is expected.
The reframing: Not a defeat, but respect
In conversations, I sometimes notice a certain shame among customers who don't want to use their hot tub in winter. As if they've failed. As if the hot tub "always has to be ready" to justify its value.
Let me make this clear: That's nonsense.
A hot tub isn't a pet you need to feed 365 days a year. It's a tool for quality of life – and tools are used when needed. A carpenter doesn't leave his circular saw running all day just because it's there.
Taking a conscious winter break is not a failure. It's about treating materials and resources with respect . You give the wood time to regenerate. You start again in spring with fresh water and renewed energy. You're being honest with yourself.
This is not the "worst" of the four methods. It is a perfectly valid, smart strategy for people who want to use their hot tub on their own terms – not on the terms of some supposed "rule".
Combination: Winter break with transition period
Here's a tip that many customers follow: Use the hot tub in late autumn while the temperatures are still mild. Only drain the water when real winter arrives – say, from December onwards. And refill it in late winter, from the end of February or March, before spring really gets going.
This way you only have a real break of 2-3 months, but you make the most of the pleasant transitional months. This gives you more flexibility while still enjoying the benefits of a winter break.
My honest assessment
As someone who sells hot tubs, I could tell you: "Use it all year round! With the right technique, it's no problem!" And that's true – for some people.
But for others – and this could include you – the honest answer is: "I don't use it in winter, so I drain the water." And that's not just okay, that's smart . That's the decision of a pragmatic person who respects their time and money.
I have customers who have drained their hot tubs every winter for the past ten years – and they still look brand new. And I have customers who run their hot tubs year-round with electric heating, yet still only use them three times in winter. Who made the smarter decision? I think you know the answer.
The best method is the one that fits your life – not the one that sounds the most impressive.
Which method suits you best? – The decision-making aid
You've now learned about four proven strategies. Each one works. Each one has its place. But which one is your strategy?
Let me help you find that out in a few minutes.
The 5-question check
Answer these five questions honestly for yourself – and the right method will almost reveal itself:
Question 1: How often will you realistically use the hot tub in winter?
2-3 times per week or more often?
→ The connoisseur method is your natural choice. The water stays warm on its own.
Once a week, but irregularly?
→ A filter pump on a timer gives you the flexibility you need.
Maybe 2-3 times during the entire winter?
→ Electric heating or winter break – depending on whether you want spontaneity or to save costs.
Honestly: not at all?
→ Winter break. No shame, no compromises. Just be honest.
Question 2: How much time do you spend at home?
Almost always, normal working day?
→ Regular use or a filter pump – both work well.
Often away on business trips, 3-5 days at a time?
→ Filter pump or electric heater for absolute safety.
Are you frequently away for extended periods in winter (vacations, projects)?
→ Electric heating or winter break, depending on budget.
Not there for several weeks in a row?
→ A winter break is the least stressful solution.
Question 3: What is more important to you – cost efficiency or convenience?
Keeping costs down is important to me.
→ Regular use (only costs wood) or winter break (costs nothing).
Convenience and safety take precedence.
→ Electric heating. Set it once, never think about it again.
A balance of both
→ Filter pump on a timer – moderate costs, good protection.
Question 4: How spontaneous do you want to be?
I like to plan – fixed rituals are important to me.
→ Regular use is a perfect fit for structured people.
I like to decide spontaneously – I might feel like it today, but not tomorrow.
→ Electric heating makes spontaneous use easy. Pre-heated water = faster start.
I honestly don't know when I'll feel like it.
→ Use a filter pump as a safety net, then see how the winter develops.
I'm just not the hot tub type in winter.
→ Winter break, and you'll start fresh in the spring.
Question 5: How do you generally deal with technology and responsibility?
I like natural, simple solutions without a lot of technology.
→ Regular use – just you, wood and water.
I appreciate technical safeguards, provided they are reliable.
→ Filter pump or electric heater – depending on the budget.
I don't want to have to waste a single thought on it.
→ Electric heating. That's your "I-don't-care-about-anything" solution.
I like to take conscious care of my things.
→ Winter break. They actively maintain the hot tub and have everything under control.
Quick overview: Your profile, your method
| Your profile | Best method | Why these in particular? |
|---|---|---|
| I use it 2-3 times a week, I'm structured | Regular use | Natural, inexpensive, becomes a ritual |
| I use it irregularly, I'm often spontaneous | electric heating | Always ready, no advance planning required |
| Use occasionally, want security | Filter pump | Balance between safety and cost |
| I travel a lot, I want zero stress. | electric heating | Total planning security, no matter where you are |
| Winter is not my season | Winter break | Honest, free, good for the material |
| Extreme frost in my region | Electric heater + pump | Double protection at -20°C and below |
Still unsure? The hybrid strategy
Here's something that will surprise many customers: You don't have to commit forever.
Start with the simplest method in the first winter – regular use. See what your actual usage pattern is. If you notice after a few weeks that you're using it less regularly than you thought, then install a filter pump. It costs between €100 and €200 and can be installed in an hour.
Or you might find yourself thinking, "To be honest, I hardly use it in winter." Then next year, drain the water in December and take it off for the winter. No drama, no failure – just a smart adjustment.
Your first winter is your learning winter. And that's perfectly okay.
My personal advice to you
After several years in this industry, I've had hundreds of conversations. And one thing I've observed time and again:
The people who enjoy their hot tub the most are not the ones with the most expensive equipment – they are the ones who are honest with themselves.
If you know you'll love it – invest in comfort (electric heating). If you know you're pragmatic – get the pump. If you know winter isn't your time – take a break.
But don't fool yourself. Don't buy an electric heater because it feels "professional" when you'd actually be using it every other day. And don't convince yourself you'll use it "every Friday" when you know your life is unpredictable.
The right method is the one that fits your real life – not the life you would like to have or that you think you should have.
Three final practical tips that always apply
No matter which method you choose, you should always do these three things:
1. Use a high-quality cover
A good roof covering reduces heat loss by 60-70%. This saves energy, time, or wood with any method. Don't skimp on this – a premium roof covering costs €200-400 and lasts for years.
2. Regular inspection, even during the winter break
Check briefly once a week: Is everything okay? Is there too much snow on the cover? Is everything sealed? Two minutes of attention can prevent bigger problems.
3. Make a fresh start in the spring
No matter how you fared over the winter, spring is the perfect time for fresh water, a thorough cleaning, and an honest check of all components. Start the new season clean.
Conclusion: You are not alone
Perhaps you still have questions after reading this article. Perhaps your situation doesn't perfectly fit into any of the four methods. Perhaps you're thinking, "My situation is more complicated."
That's perfectly normal. Every garden is different. Every life is different. Every hot tub is a little different.
And that's exactly why I exist.
For several years now, I've been guiding families through all seasons with their hot tubs. I've experienced the most extreme winters, seen the most creative solutions, and also learned about the mistakes that are best avoided.
If you're unsure which method is right for your specific situation, just give me a call. We'll talk for 10-15 minutes, I'll ask you a few questions, and together we'll find the solution that suits you best. No sales pitch, no hidden costs – just honest advice.
Because in the end, it all comes down to one thing: that you enjoy your hot tub. In summer, in winter, or whenever it suits you.
Winter can be magical – steaming water, clear starry skies, absolute peace and quiet. Or it can be the time when your hot tub is restoring itself and you're looking forward to spring. Both are true.
The only question is: What is right for you?
➡️ Book a free hot tub consultation
PS: The most common mistake
Do you know what the most common mistake I see is? People don't choose any method at all. They think, "I'll just see what the winter brings."
And then comes the first night of frost; they are uncertain, worried, drain some water (but not properly), or leave it in (but don't use it) – and in the end it's stress instead of relaxation.
Make a decision today. Even if you adjust it later, a clear strategy will give you peace of mind. And peace of mind is exactly what you bought your hot tub for.
