Hot tubs are at their most compelling in the winter time, but most of the new inflatable hot tubs are not designed to be used in winter! We have put together this guide to help make your inflatable spa use stretch to as much of the year as possible and will show you how to use an inflatable hot tub in winter cold. Additionally, this hack will let you heat your spa much more quickly, and more cheaply, than before!
Introduction
But, most inflatable spas (as well as plug and play hot tubs) made by companies like Lay Z Spa, Intex, SaluSpa, and Coleman are not designed to work in the winter cold. Virtually all of the common models have a caveat in their instructions stating that they are not to be used when the temperature is below 40′ F.
That’s not even freezing, and if you follow the instructions to the letter, many who live in colder climates will not be able to use their inflatable spa for the portion of the year when it is the most rewarding. Many ask the question: can you use your inflatable spa in winter? The answer is Yes!
We note that none of the manufacturers recommend this hack, so follow this guide at your own risk! Some rudimentary plumbing and electrical skills are required to assemble these items. If you’re unfamiliar with basic wiring and plumbing, contact a professional.
Once assembled, however, as you will see, there is little risk of damage that can be done to your spa if this guide is followed properly.
Inflatable Spas and Cold Issues
The main issue of concern is the motor mechanism, not the tub’s materials or insulation. These units are not designed to be run in the deep cold, and the motor could be damaged if it is run in cold temperatures. The water in the tub will stay warm (at or near 104′, generally) if the spa is left covered, but the spa makers suggest packing up the spa when the cold comes.
All In One Heater Blower Mechanisms
In the vast majority of units sold on the market today by companies like Intex, LayZSpa, etc., the motor unit runs all the functions, but cannot accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, the blower that inflates the tub is the same blower that supplies the bubbles, and also circulates the water and heats it up. In the majority of units, the heater cannot run at the same time the bubbles are being expelled. This design helps to keep costs down, and allows inflatable hot tubs to be inexpensive.
In times of cold, this creates a problem: when you take off the hot tub cover off the spa, it will start to cool down pretty rapidly. And you cannot run the heater and the bubble massage jets simultaneously: it’s one or the other. So you run the bubble jets to keep the tub going, but after a short while, it starts to feel more like bath water than a hot tub.
So what can a creative inflatable spa owner do to combat this issue? We have some suggestions that will enable you to keep your inflatable spa running, even when it’s cold. Additionally, this hack will also allow you to heat your tub faster, and for much less cost, than the usual system!
What You Will Need to Have a 4 Season Inflatable Hot Tub
There are a few items you’ll need for this project.
1. 1″ EPS Foam Board Insulation – How To Insulate a Hot Tub For Winter
The first item we’ll need is 1″ foam core board insulation. It typically looks something like what is shown here and comes in a variety of sizes. You can find it at your nearest home improvement store.
Most likely you will need at least two sheets, depending on the size of your tub.
Find the radius of your tub. If you recall from math class, that’s the distance from the edge of the tub to the center.
You can measure across the spa at its widest point and then divide by two, or just look up the specs of your spa and you’ll find the size.
Once you have the radius, you can see how many foam boards you need. They are usually 4’x8′ or 4’x4′. Make sure you have enough to form a complete base around the tub.
2. Portable Tankless Water Heater: A Hot Tub Propane Heater
We suggest the EcoTemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater/Outdoor Shower as a heating source. Since you cannot use the default heating mechanism and blower jet mechanism at the same time, supplementing with a second heating system will supply a good deal more heat!
This system will also likely also be a good deal cheaper than the regular heater on the pump, depending on the price of electricity in your area, and the price of propane.
The Ecotemp will also heat up your tub significantly faster as well.
There are plenty of other options around, but the EcoTemp L5 works well, is reasonably low-profile, and is not super expensive.
- Lightweight, easy to carry, and compact. This portable water heater provides...
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- Low pressure activation of 20 PSI and is easy to connect to any standard garden...
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. A Water Pump
The Flojet Automatic Water System 2.9 GPM 12 v DC works pretty well to move your water around.
It will pull cold water out of your hot tub, and push hot water back in.
This water pump is fine, but other pumps of approximately the same strength will work as well.
Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. A 12v AC Adapter
The Kastar LCD AC Adapter 12V 6A with 3-Prong Power Cord Power Supply works to power your water pump through a regular AC outlet.
Other, similarly-designed converters are fine too.
This will allow you to power the pump with a regular plug.
- Kastar AC Adapter 100% Guarantee to work as original LCD adapter, manufactured...
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Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. 12v DC Timer/Switch
This JVR Timer Switch allows you to wire the pump connection to the AC Adapter, and also to automate the system somewhat, should you desire to.
This portion of the project does require some wiring knowledge, and we caution those that don’t know much about wiring here.
Below we link to a video explaining this step, though the context is different.
However, if you are uncomfortable with the wiring, we encourage you to contact a professional or abandon this project.
- 【Customizable and Versatile】- With the ability to set up to 16 independent...
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Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Two Hose Lengths
You’ll want about 20′ of 1/2″ internal diameter hose to connect to the pump. If you have a spare garden hose, you could use that, though you will need an adapter to tie the garden hose to the pump.
If you want to get your own hose, grab a length of 1/2″ ID hose, and cut it in two. You should then tie that hose in with the pump.
Getting clear hose is not required, and you may well have spare garden hose around, so you can use that if you like and skip these. If you use a hose that you have, be sure to grab the appropriate adapter.
- Id: 1/2", OD: 3/4'', wall thickness: 1/8''
- Max working pressure: 200 psi, bursting pressure: 600, minimum bend radius: 4...
- Temperature range: 25°f to 150°f (-4°c to 66°c)
- Firmness: 73a (firm), uv-resistant, Color: clear-transparent, single line PVC
- High pressure/braid reinforced
Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. A 20 Gal Propane Tank
A standard 20 Gal Propane Tank is needed for the hot tub propane heater design.
You can find these at any hardware store, many grocery stores, and most home improvement stores in the area. They are the same ones used for propane gas grills.
You may need an extra propane tank hose if you don’t have a spare from a grill or fire pit.
8. Propane Tank Hideaway Cover
We like the Garden Treasures Steel Propane Tank Table Hideaway Cover.
But really any cover is fine, it depends on your tastes
And technically you don’t even really need one if you don’t mind looking at the propane tank, but the cover certainly cleans up the look of the system.
The box just makes things look a little bit more fit and trim, and it adds an additional spa side table if you need one.
Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Use an Inflatable Hot Tub In Winter Cold
1. Add Insulation Beneath the Tub
Most of the inflatable hot tubs on the market already come with an insulating barrier that separates the tub from the ground. It’s usually a disk or mat that sits between the ground and the spa and creates a thermal barrier between the two. However, this barrier is not capable of dealing with cold temperatures, so the first step is to beef up that barrier.
Cut To Size
You want to make your foam board insulating base just the size of your spa, or just a little bigger. An easy way to cut a proper circle is to press a nail into the board and tie a string or some fishing line to the nail, approximately the radius of the spa. Make the string taut, and use a razor knife or Xacto-knife to cut the foam insulation in a nice circle. You may need two sheets of insulation, depending on the size of your tub. If so, you can tape the insulation together with duck tape.
Slip Foam Board Under Tub
This is much easier to do if your spa is empty, so you may want to get this done when you’re replacing your water, anyway. Put ground contact mat down, and then place the insulation on the mat. Place the spa on top of the insulating board, and now you’ve got a pretty solid thermal barrier that will help keep the spa warm as the cold comes.
2. Hook up Ecotank L5 Propane Tank
Place the propane tank inside the housing, and run the hose to the Ecotank L5 tankless water heater. For a clean look, you can attach the Ecotank L5 to the exterior of the propane tank housing.
3. Attach Pump and Hoses
Attach the pump to the Ecotank, and attach the two hose lengths (you may need hose clamps). Place both hose lengths in the spa. As the pump runs, the water will circulate through the Ecotank and will be heated up quickly and inexpensively by the Ecotank.
4. Wire Up the 12v Switch to Connect the Pump to the Adapter
This step is somewhat complicated. You can view the wiring instructions here. This video goes in detail explaining the steps required to properly wire the switch, though the use case in the wiring video is not for a hot tub system.
We caution those that are unfamiliar with the wiring on this step. If you’re concerned, contact a professional, or abandon this project.
5. Configure the AC Power Adapter
Connect the Kastar 12v to AC adapter to the pump so that the pump is powered by the plug-in adapter. Once you have the whole thing powered by a plug-in unit, you’re good to go!
Using this System in Below-Freezing Temperatures
In some ways, the above system is susceptible to the same temperature issues as the main heater for the inflatable hot tub. If it gets very cold while the system is off, any water left inside the hose and pump could freeze and could damage the heater system. Obviously, we don’t want that!
There are a couple of ways to combat this issue. The easiest one is to simply empty out all water from the system after using it, before storage. This way, any cold snaps will not harm the system, and once the freezing period is over, you can continue to use as normal.
You could also keep the pump running with the heater on the Ecotemp off, and turn on the heater on the spa. This will ensure that warm water is running through the system without running the full propane heater for hours on end.
Conclusion: Inflatable Hot Tub in Winter
Once you have this system up and running, you can use the Ecotank to heat your water even when the temperature is under 40′. Additionally, you can also use the blower bubble mechanism at the same time as the Ecotank, so you won’t lose heat as the bubbles bubble. This will allow you to use your inflatable hot tub even if it’s freezing cold out!
Remember to drain the system if the hot tub is not in use and freezing temperatures are imminent (or keep warm water flowing). If you want to keep a good eye on the temperature and weather conditions, you may want to check out a wireless weather station like the AcuRite Wireless Weather Station.
Additionally, this heating system is much more energy efficient and much faster than the electrical systems found in most inflatable spas! Water will heat up 2-3′ per minute (as opposed to per hour), and heating costs are much lower with propane, though how much depends on your local environment and the cost of electricity in your area.
Again, we caution those unfamiliar with basic wiring and plumbing in this project. Be sure to watch the videos linked above to see what will be required in terms of wiring.
If you haven’t yet purchased an inflatable hot tub, please check out our inflatable hot tub reviews here.
Good luck, and happy heating!
Hi Jake,
I have updated the post reflecting an item I forgot to add. Additionally, I included links to a couple of videos explaining the wiring steps required to get it all hooked up. Good luck!
Hello!
I dont see the link to the wiring? Do you have a YouTube of how to set this whole thing up? This is awesome!
I don’t see one either. Pls pls attach the link.
Hi Jake…this looks nothing short of awesome. I look froward to getting an inexpensive soft-side tub and implementing your hacks as winter draws close. The propane heater as a booster is a game-changer.
Thanks!
Im curious how much propane will this unit use, or perhaps how long can the unit run on say a 20 lbs. propane tank. Understandably there are various parameters, but just an average would suffice. Great article I will hope to have my unit up and running by mid Sept. at which time I will disconnect my solar system while we wait for light again here in the north.
Kind regards
After seeing all of that stuff to buy, it’s cheaper to build a small shelter for the hot tub and heat it with a pot-belly stove.
yeah but then you won’t be outside under the stars lol
Why do you recommend a 1″ hose if the pump has a 1/2″ connector?
Good catch, thank you. Fixed now.
Interesting article. Are there any pics of the full system in action or any success stories someone could share? We live in deepest darkest Wales and bought an Intex for my wife, who struggles with bad circulation in the cold months, and then discovered that we can’t run the system for half the year due to the outside temp
I’ve been looking to do something similar with my inflatable spa but one concern with the cheaper portable shower heaters is that they all advertise a 20-minute shutoff. How does this work for your setup? Is there a way to disable the automatic shutoff?
In my experience the 20 minute shut off hasn’t been too big of a deal once its up to temperature. The shutoff cannot be disabled (it’s a safety feature). But if you’re running into problems with it, you can use a 24 hour mechanical outlet timer on your pump, set to 30 minute intervals so that your pump cycles on and off. That will reset the shower heater’s 20 minute shutoff every cycle.
Why not build a box out of insulation to house pump and heater original to the hot tub?!? The Layer of insulation beneath the hot tub is a great idea.
I am shopping for an inflatable hot tub, and this system seems great!
My only question is, can the attached pumps on the hot tubs be properly drained/ winterized even when the pool is full of water, or the jets are being used? I am assuming the answer is yes, as you have an outdoor set up, but I was told they can’t be.
Thanks!
Hi! I’m having trouble with connecting the ac adapter to the pump. Can it be done without the timer? If so, how. And, the first video on how all connected is no longer available. I have all the parts but have reached a bit of an impasse here. Hope you can provide me with some help. Thank you!
am shopping for an inflatable hot tub, and this system seems great!
My only question is, can the attached pumps on the hot tubs be properly drained/ winterized even when the pool is full of water, or the jets are being used? I am assuming the answer is yes, as you have an outdoor set up, but I was told they can’t be.
Thanks!
Can anyone provide me with the links for the videos mentioned on this site, as i can’t find them at all and want to think about getting prepped for the winter!!! Thank you
Hi – I live in Minnesota and am looking for an inflatable hot tub that can stand up to our winter temps (sub zero). I’m considering the Intex 120 bubbe and jets octagon tub, which has jets in addition to bubbles and allows for the heater to run simultaneously with one or the other.
Is your heat alternative meant to replace the factory installed, or is it intended to accompany? Would it make sense to use the factory heater to maintain a lower temp while not in use, and jump to the shower heater while in use, to maintain higher temps?
Or – would I be fine with this model’s heater, along with the insulation board?
Thank you so much for this! I’ve just finished putting everything together an am ready to go install it outside. It really wasn’t too complicated. I built a surround at the same time I implemented these updates and the surround was quite a bit more expensive. While the surround was initially for looks, it is also serving as an enclosure for the propane tank and control unit, and as a mount for the heater and pump. I couldn’t have done the modifications without this guide.
You rock!
Kara
Could you share any photos or instructions on the surround you built?
Thanks
Any way you can give us an update along with sharing photos of your setup? Thanks in advance.
Hey there,
Can you share any videos or updates on how the system works? Thanks!
I live in Minnesota and am looking to use an inflatable hot tub in the winter. The Intex Purespa Jet and Bubble Deluxe allows two blowers to run simultaneously.
“Compared to other standard inflatable tubs, you can have up to two features running at the same time. The heater and bubble jets can run together, or you may choose to have both bubble and massage jets turned on.”
With that said, and as it relates to the backup heat source; Would it still be a good idea to use the tankless water heater while in use, to save on the tub’s heater? We were hoping to be able keep the tub heater running at a low temp, and blast it with the tankless system prior to and during use. Temps here can dip way below zero, so we’re trying to find the best way to heat it without going broke paying our electric bill.
In addition to the back up heat source, we’re planning to put down a couple layers of insulation board, and use pipe insulators on the hoses. Would we need to wrap the tub filter/heater in something to protect it, as well?
Any advice is appreciated – thanks!
You would almost certainly want to protect the filter/heater in some sort of insulated enclosure, as if water freezes inside that system, it will damage the heater.
The tankless system would certainly take pressure off of the heater, and will allow you to warm up the tub more quickly. Again, just be sure there’s no water in the system when you shut it off.
Good luck!
How long do you anticipate the 20LB tank to last? What has been your experience? I know it depends on outside temperature but just trying to get a feel for additional cost
Thanks
I have a Intex spa just got it a put it together. Plugged it in set the temp. And it keep running past the temp we had set Is it a default unit. Or am I doing something wrong. Thanks.
Hello Jake,
Good information, have decided on the Intex inflatable hot tub.
Living in Sacramento, Ca.
So not extreme cold weather but in the winter there will be days when it can drop below 40 and occasional days when it would go to freezing . Putting the insulated board under the spa is good idea and I can surely do that, but hooking up a propane heater and plumbing is more than I want to do . If I read your article correctly the danger is the water in the pump and the pipes freezing.
Is there any reason why I can’t just leave the heater on 21/7 to avoid that issue, or disconnect the pump when the weather gets to freezing or below and just have inside in a warm environment and reconnect when the weather warms up ?
David
I think you would be fine to simply run the pump during the times it briefly freezes to ensure that none of the water freezes up inside the heater or pump. Just stay on top of the weather, and if you do see that you’re going to have a prolonged cold spell, you may want to disconnect everything and empty it out. I agree, in your situation going with the propane system is unnecessary, unless you just like DIY projects!
Hi
Im living in North Norway. This morning minus 15 Celsius. I having a Bestway Monaco with 1400 liters of water and 2000W el heater. Controll board showed 40 degrees, the max temperature on this system. When bathing in this cold, the temperature drops fast due to the fact that 2000W is not enough.
Hiya,
I have the same Hot tub in England, how did you get on using it over winter? What insulation did you do to the hot tub?
Is it possible to run this system in-line with the heater/filter on the tub?
So pump from the tub through the portable heater then through the filter back into the tub? Using the existing holes on the tub.
Hi! Thank you for this informative article! I found an Eccotemp L10 on local Craigslist, so scooped that up and got the supplies mentioned. It has worked VERY well for about 3 months!
Now, all the sudden, the pump seems to get hot and shut off after 40 min of so of operation. I got a second pump and it does the same thing. I am horrifically uneducated when it comes to these types of water pump issues, however, it seems like the pump is hitting a flow pressure motor stop-state?
Do you have any recommended pump alternates to the Flojet? Why did it work so well for 3 months and now it always gives out? Even a new pump is the same?
If the pump does NOT go through the heater, the water flows fine, (quite a bit stronger stream…) no issues.
It does seem to give out when going through the water heater, regardless if the heater is ON or OFF, after about 40min.
The pump sits next to the tub in a little box.
There is about 6ft of tubing from tub to pump, 6ft from pump to heater, and 4ft tubing from heater back to tub.
Is the tube length the issue?
Any ideas?
Edit Add #1: I should add, the pump does just start up again after some time….around an hour of sitting it then just starts going again.
Thank you for this! But I am interested in taking this one step further. Would I be able to hook this up through the pump and use the spa pump to move the water? Essentially eliminate the extra part of the 12 volt system and just run a few extra adapters to the hoses to make this happen?
From 40 degrees how long did it take to get the temperature to 104?
Has anyone used T’s to Pope this directly to the existing pump hook ups so it’s a clean look without the hoses draped over the top ?
I wonder about this, as well. I see all these write-ups using the propane heater and another pump. Is there a reason not to use the pump that came with the spa?
Hmm I want to do something like this.. put the tub in a gazebo with some ok winterizing on it. I think i’ll need to supplement the heat for sure, I’m in ottawa, Ontario so it really dips below zero here (-12C mean temp in jan). I was wondering if I connect the additional heater in line with the electric heater, and leave the pump as is (stock pump) would this not be enough? I also would build a insulation base around the unit and the heater unit.
My solution to help keeping the water warm during winter use is to blow heated air into the base of the control unit of the Intex bubble spa. There is a vacuum port at the base of the unit which accepts 1.25″ male pvc fitting. This is ducted via drier hose to a small space heater fan which blows approximately 140′ air. The circulation blower picks up its air at the base therefore blowing warmed air into the jets. At 40’F outside air, I can keep the hot tube at 97’F dropping only 3’F from the initial 100′.
Hey Dennis – I’m interested in trying to this approach. How did this end up working out for you?
What parts did you actually buy for this? How do I connect the space heater to the drier hose?
Thanks for the instructions. Got my set-up up and running. 2 questions:
1. Is it just mean, or is the pump/eccotemp on the loud side (like running a generator)? I have the pump set-up to a timer so it can cycle on and off in cold temps overnight, but don’t want to wake the neighbors.
2. Can you leave the propane tank in the open position and the eccotemp unit on? I’ve got a wifi switch, so can turn the pump on from inside the house. But it would be nice if we didn’t have to go out and turn on the propane/eccotemp every time.
Thanks.
HI Eric. Thank you so much for posting this! It saved us! We have a vacation rental and an inflatable intex tub in Lake Tahoe. When the motor started just shutting off on us and it was taking 2 days to heat the tub I researched info about these tubs in our freezing temperatures and found your article…love it! We had our handyman put it all together for us.
But we have run into a couple of issues. He didn’t hook up the timer switch because he was concerned that it might not match the voltage or something…I don’t totally understand. So I wanted to just ask you about it…I assumed since you included it with the other info that it would def work with the system… he showed me the specs that came with the timer and thought it might not work….
Q Is that in fact the proper timer switch that works with this system?
Also, we installed the tank and pump onto the side of the house but it is very loud.
Q Wondering if it’s just loud because it is vibrating on the house or if the pump itself is just loud anyway…if it’s just a loud pump, how can we make it quieter?
Q Also do you have any idea how often we would need to change out the propane? We got two 5 gallon tanks.
The water is getting too hot…going up to 140, so we want to turn it off or def install a timer and set timer to kick pump on every 4 or 6 hours but are concerned that the tank and tubing might freeze if its 15-32 degrees outside. We want the water to be good for whenever our guests want to use the tub.
Q So should we insulate the tubing and tank? Will that prevent it from freezing? and also does the tank need to breathe?
Q Also, what is a good time interval for setting the timer to in our situation?
Sorry so many questions but we are needing to make sure it all works well as it is a great selling point for our rental…. we are saving for a real jacuzzi!
I really appreciate your time and your genius! 😉
We do not have very cold weather where zi live but we will have days below freezing. This does not last long but it is an issue. I have had an inflatable hot tub in the past and have had no issues with this. However my power bill was way too high. I am getting another hot tub and the insulation underneath is an idea I will definitely use. I was wondering about having a box built around the tub and adding more insulation then closing it in. My first question is should I have the motor unit enclosed also. I also have an issue with when the lid is removed the temperature drops two degrees continually until it hits 100 degrees. I like my temperature t stay at 104. I really do not want to invest in another heater so I was just wondering if enclosing with extra insulation would be enough. I am on a fixed income and do not want to keep adding things in order to have a nice experience in my tub.
Why go through all the trouble when for a thousand dollars more you can have a real hot tub without all the issues.
Just wondering if anyone has tried to use this setup on a pool
This is a great idea and I just installed the same for my HotTub! Heats up in less than an hour from 30degreesC to 40degreesC.
A couple of suggested additions…
I add a WiFi controlled thermostat which I plugged the pump into so it would turn itself on if the water fell below a defined temperature. Here’s the one I used: Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Thermostat Temperature Controller Plug in Thermostat with Wireless Alarm Smartphone APP for Cooling Heating Control, Homebrewing, Greenhouse Heater, Reptile Vivarium, Incubation https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q2M1CDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_nppVEb66GYW6P
And also a WiFi controlled timer switch which I plugged the thermostat control into (although you could put it on the pump so the thermostat Is always on so you can check the water temperature wherever you are!
I used these ones because they also monitor the electricity usage…I put one on the HotTub heater too…
Meross Smart WiFi Plug with Energy Monitor Smart Outlets Compatible with Alexa Google Home and IFTTT SmartThings 13A (4 Pack) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K7D74HF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_irpVEbCEVT01M
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Just another couple of ideas…..the My LayZ Maldives HotTub cake with an inflatable cover which is a good insulator but I added a these two items to keep the heat in. The difference was about 2 degrees and I can highly recommend them or something similar..
Happy Hot Tubs Quality 7ft x 7ft. Thermal Floating Spa Blanket Hot Tub Cover 400 Micron Bubble https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AWP82F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_vvpVEbH4ZSK05
Cosy Tub Thermal Spa Blanket (190-200cm x 190-200cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L9BNPZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_TvpVEbCQTXR9V
Do the hoses go over the side of the tub? Is the factory pump moving water through the filters at the same time as the propane heaters/ pump?
For those of you who have followed these directions, can you post pictures of the setup (or better yet, post a youtube video, and send link to the video)?
If you use an external heat source which i really like what about the filter?
Hi Jake…this looks nothing short of awesome. I look froward to getting an inexpensive soft-side tub and implementing your hacks as winter draws close. The propane heater as a booster is a game-changer.
Thanks!
I have gone through 4 inflatable hot tubs and each year I disconnected the motor and put it inside – when reconnected they always leak. Everytime it gets worse. I do not want to do that again ever. My Coleman manual says I can run it in cold cycle where it will keep the water 5-10c / Do I need to worry about this? I live in Vancouver so mild winter here. I don’t need to get in it over the winter just don’t want to disconnect it
While I live on the California coast and am not subject to the cold weather problems of heating, I do have issues with the slow heating cycle and also the programmed 104 degree temperature limit. There are times we enjoy 106 to 108 soaks. I installed a tankless, propane water heater connected to an STC 1000 temperature controller (these are available on Amazon for around $12.00 or so). It can relay either DC voltage or AC depending on your pump however I recommend low voltage DC unless you install a GFCI outlet for AC. The STC is easily programmable for your desired on temperature on/off heating cycle.