Hot Tubs in Ontario Winters: Should You Keep Yours Running or Shut It Down?

Once the temperature drops and the snow shows up, a lot of hot tub owners in Ontario ask the same question:
“Is it better to leave my spa running all winter or turn it off until spring?”

Both options can work, but only if you handle them correctly. A hot tub that is left full and unheated in sub-zero weather can freeze, crack, and cost thousands to repair. On the other hand, keeping a spa running that nobody uses for months is a waste of money.

This guide walks through when it makes sense to run your hot tub all winter, when a full shutdown is the smarter choice, and how to keep energy costs under control either way.

Option 1: Keep Your Hot Tub Running All Winter

If you enjoy using your hot tub in the colder months, keeping it running is usually the best option.

Modern hot tubs are built with insulation and freeze protection features specifically for cold climates. When the water is kept warm and moving, the pipes, pumps, and heater are protected from freezing. The filtration system keeps working, the water stays balanced, and you get to enjoy winter soaks under the snow.

To run a spa safely and efficiently through winter in Ontario, you should:

• Keep a good, insulated cover on the tub and make sure it seals tightly around the edges.

• Check the water level regularly so the pumps do not run dry.

• Clean or change the filters on schedule so the system does not have to work harder than necessary.

• Glance at the control panel after storms or very cold nights to make sure there are no error codes.

For people who use their hot tub at least once or twice a week in winter, this approach usually makes the most sense. You avoid complicated shutdowns and restarts, you protect the equipment from freezing, and you actually get value from what you are paying to heat.

Option 2: Fully Winterize and Shut the Hot Tub Down

If you know you will not be using your hot tub for a long stretch, or you plan to be away, leaving it running just “in case” is not always practical. In that case, a full winterization shutdown is safer than simply turning the power off.

A proper winter shutdown in Ontario includes:

1. Draining the tub completely. The shell, plumbing, and equipment all need to be cleared of water.

2. Removing and cleaning the filters. Once cleaned and dried, they are best stored indoors.

3. Blowing out the lines. Any water trapped in pipes, pumps, or jets can freeze and expand, causing cracks or leaks.

4. Protecting the interior. Wipe down the shell and leave no standing water that could refreeze.

5. Securing a high-quality cover. A thick, well-fitted cover helps keep snow, ice, and debris out of the tub while it is idle.

This process takes more effort up front, but it dramatically lowers the risk of freeze damage. It is only worth doing, though, if you are confident you will not suddenly decide to use the tub in January. Draining a spa and then refilling and reheating it a few weeks later will likely cost more in time and energy than simply running it continuously.

The most common mistake is doing “half” of the job: draining the main body of water but leaving moisture in the lines and components. In a climate like Ontario’s, that is often worse than leaving the tub running.

Managing Energy Use in Winter

Whether you choose to run your hot tub year-round or shut it down, there are concrete ways to control costs.

If You Keep the Hot Tub Running

You can reduce energy use without giving up comfort:

• Invest in a good cover. A thick, properly fitted, insulated cover is the single biggest factor in heat retention. If warm air is escaping, your heater is working harder than it needs to.

• Drop the set temperature slightly. Lowering the temperature by 2–3 degrees usually has a noticeable impact on power use without making the water feel cold.

• Take advantage of cheaper electricity periods. When possible, program heating and filtration cycles to run more during off-peak hours. Many Ontario households are on time-of-use rates.

• Check cabinet panels and insulation. Loose panels, missing foam, or gaps around equipment doors let heat escape and cold air blow in.

If You Shut the Hot Tub Down

Even an empty, powered-off spa benefits from a bit of attention:

• Seal the cover tightly. A good seal keeps snow, ice, and meltwater out of the shell and cabinet.

• Keep snow and ice from piling up. Gently remove heavy buildup from the cover to reduce weight and prevent damage.

• Store components properly. Filters and small accessories last longer if they are cleaned, dried, and kept inside.

• Do occasional checks. Look for signs of animals nesting around the tub, water intrusion, or damage from storms.

In both scenarios, insulation, a quality cover, and regular checks are what protect your investment and keep costs under control.

How To Decide What Is Right for You

There is no single answer that fits every hot tub owner. The better option for your spa depends on three main things:

• How often you use it in winter. If you enjoy frequent soaks in cold weather, running it all season usually makes more sense.

• Whether you will be home. Long trips or an empty property lean toward a proper shutdown.

• How comfortable you are with maintenance. Running a tub all winter requires light but regular attention. Shutting it down requires doing winterization correctly.

If you want the full “snowy backyard, steaming water” experience, a running spa with a good cover and a simple maintenance routine is ideal. If you know the tub will sit untouched for months, a careful winterization protects it until spring.

Need Help With Winter Hot Tub Care?

Ontario winters are tough on poorly maintained hot tubs, but with the right plan, your spa will either run smoothly through the cold or sit safely in hibernation until you are ready to use it again.

If you are unsure which approach is best for your situation, or you would rather have a professional handle the work, PTL Direct can help. Our team provides expert advice and products so you can spend more time enjoying your spa and less time worrying.

Get in touch or visit us in-store to talk through the best winter plan for your hot tub.