Cold Weather Delivery

A Practical Guide for a Safe, Stress‑Free Winter Setup

It’s the middle of winter, your new hot tub has finally arrived, and you’re excited to fire it up for the first time.

Cold‑weather deliveries are common, but they do require a few extra precautions to protect your investment and ensure a smooth startup.

This guide answers the key questions homeowners ask about winter hot tub delivery:

How should I prepare for delivery?
Should I fill the hot tub right away?
Should I use hot or cold water?
How do I deal with ice in the plumbing?
How do I keep the delivery area clear of snow?

🚚 Path to the Delivery Area

Hot tub companies in snowy climates deliver year‑round and are equipped for winter conditions. Still, your preparation makes a big difference.

Keep the path clear

Shovel and salt sidewalks, driveways, and access paths in the days leading up to delivery.
A small tarp placed on the ground can help keep the pad or walkway free of snow and ice.
Hot tubs must sit on a firm, level surface — avoid soft or snow‑covered ground.

How pros move hot tubs in winter

Many companies use a spa sled to glide the hot tub across snow. This works extremely well as long as there are no large snowbanks blocking the route.

Do NOT fill until the electrician is ready

A hot tub full of cold water sitting in freezing temperatures can be damaged if it cannot be powered on immediately.

Wait until:

The electrician has wired the spa
The breaker is ready to be turned on
You can fill and heat the tub in one continuous process

💧 Filling the Hot Tub

Thaw your garden hose

Most people store their hose for winter. Bring it inside ahead of time so it can fully thaw before filling.

How to fill correctly

Remove the filter
Place the hose into the filter compartment

This pushes water through the plumbing first and helps prevent airlocks in the jet pump

Temperatures at or below 32°F

You have two options:

1

Coordinate with your electrician so the tub can be filled and powered immediatel

2

Wait for a warmer day before filling

Never use hot water

Pouring hot water into a cold acrylic shell can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks.

If you want hot water for a faster start-up. Connect your hose to a mixed warm‑water source:

Start with cold
Gradually mix to warm
Complete the fill at a comfortable, lukewarm temperature

Preventing ice in the equipment bay

A small ceramic heater or 100‑watt incandescent trouble light placed in the service compartment can keep the pump area warm and prevent freeze‑ups.

Residual factory water

Hot tubs are water‑tested at the factory, so a small amount of water remains in the plumbing. It’s usually harmless — but in freezing weather, it can solidify and prevent the pump from starting.

If the pump won’t run due to ice, gently warm the equipment area using:

A work light
A hair dryer
A small space heater

This will thaw internal ice safely.

⚠️ Safety Note

Use caution and common sense when working with heaters, electricity, and frozen equipment. If you’re unsure, contact your dealer or service department before attempting anything.

🧭 Conclusion

Winter hot tub delivery is completely manageable with the right preparation. Clearing the delivery path, thawing your hose, waiting for your electrician, and filling the tub properly all help ensure a smooth, damage‑free startup.
Factory‑tested tubs may contain a small amount of water in the plumbing, so be prepared to thaw the pump gently if needed. Avoid hot water, protect the equipment bay from freezing, and don’t hesitate to call your dealer if anything seems off.
With a little planning, your winter hot tub experience will start warm, safe, and stress‑free.

🚀 Next Steps

Keep the delivery path clear of snow and ice
Thaw your hose ahead of time
Wait for your electrician before filling
Fill through the filter compartment
Use gentle heat to thaw any frozen plumbing
Avoid hot water during the fill
Contact your dealer if you run into issues

Your winter soak is just a few steps away — enjoy the warmth and relaxation your new hot tub brings, even on the coldest days.

Cold Weather Delivery