Do you have to de-flate your inflatable hot tub every autumn?
August 31, 2024 6:27 AM Subscribe
If you have in inflatable hot tub - do you have to de-flate it and store it every winter or can you leave it out, inflated?
Response by poster: I had thought I might drain it but leave it out all winter IF that wouldn't destroy it in one winter. The reason is it is going to be difficult for me to move it - even uninflated - as I age and hiring someone around here to help you with things like this cost a fortune. If you can find someone.
posted by cda at 7:47 AM on August 31
posted by cda at 7:47 AM on August 31
Cold plastic breaks and cracks really easily; I'd bring it in. Even a garage will be better.
posted by theora55 at 9:36 AM on August 31 [3 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 9:36 AM on August 31 [3 favorites]
We had those intec inflatable pools for a couple of years, and they are heavy and a pain to move. But northern idaho means freezing temps. Think it would destroy it. Put up a note at the grocery store, find some local youths to move it inside, etc. Can't think that would cost you more than $20 for an hours work.
posted by Windopaene at 9:52 AM on August 31
posted by Windopaene at 9:52 AM on August 31
Response by poster: I live very rural and I am not going to be able to hire any help. It just does not exist. Seriously.
posted by cda at 12:51 PM on August 31
posted by cda at 12:51 PM on August 31
My gut feeling was that if you absolutely got all the water out and were able to keep the water out and then made sure your pump was winterized you would be ok to leave it as long as it was completely covered and protected from the weather.
I'm guessing you have a cover, and if the tub is wrapped in a heavy-duty waterproof tarp over that and then sealed so no water gets under the tarp at the bottom, I'd think you'd be alright. I've left inflatable mattresses in the unheated camper part of my gooseneck horse trailer without any problems with the plastic cracking.
According to this website, the major issues with the tub are draining it and having it completely dry, keeping it dry, and making sure mice don't get into it. They do mention disconnecting and storing the pump inside, so it doesn't freeze. I'm 71, and I could wrangle the pump onto a hand truck to get it inside. Otherwise, again, make sure you drain it as well as possible and then wrap it in a thin layer of insulation like a blanket, wrap a heat tape around it, more (heavier) insulation, and then a tarp or plastic to completely, absolutely, waterproof it. I'd even be tempted to knock together a wooden box and put steel wool around any electric cables the mice could get to. We've kept faucets and other items in good fettle using heat tape down to -15 for several days running.
Conversely, have you tried calling the company that makes it? I would imagine they have a website and some way to contact them.
posted by BlueHorse at 2:23 PM on August 31
I'm guessing you have a cover, and if the tub is wrapped in a heavy-duty waterproof tarp over that and then sealed so no water gets under the tarp at the bottom, I'd think you'd be alright. I've left inflatable mattresses in the unheated camper part of my gooseneck horse trailer without any problems with the plastic cracking.
According to this website, the major issues with the tub are draining it and having it completely dry, keeping it dry, and making sure mice don't get into it. They do mention disconnecting and storing the pump inside, so it doesn't freeze. I'm 71, and I could wrangle the pump onto a hand truck to get it inside. Otherwise, again, make sure you drain it as well as possible and then wrap it in a thin layer of insulation like a blanket, wrap a heat tape around it, more (heavier) insulation, and then a tarp or plastic to completely, absolutely, waterproof it. I'd even be tempted to knock together a wooden box and put steel wool around any electric cables the mice could get to. We've kept faucets and other items in good fettle using heat tape down to -15 for several days running.
Conversely, have you tried calling the company that makes it? I would imagine they have a website and some way to contact them.
posted by BlueHorse at 2:23 PM on August 31
What is it sitting on? How much snow do you get?
Is there a certain step in the process of storing it that's more insurmountable than the rest? Is it moving it once deflated?
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:15 AM on September 1
Is there a certain step in the process of storing it that's more insurmountable than the rest? Is it moving it once deflated?
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:15 AM on September 1
Response by poster: Thank you everyone this is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.
posted by cda at 7:32 AM on September 2
posted by cda at 7:32 AM on September 2
Response by poster: I haven't installed it yet but I may put it on grass or wood slats on top of grass.
We get about 60 inches of snow where I live.
Yes, once deflated I think it is going to be un-wieldy for one person to move, will not fit on a dolly, I am having trouble lifting 30 lb dog food.
posted by cda at 8:08 AM on September 6
We get about 60 inches of snow where I live.
Yes, once deflated I think it is going to be un-wieldy for one person to move, will not fit on a dolly, I am having trouble lifting 30 lb dog food.
posted by cda at 8:08 AM on September 6
I'd set it up on something that lifts it off the ground. And I'd put a large grommeted tarp under it when setting it up, rolled up around it during the months in use. Then drain it, pull up the tarp under it, fasten its edges to itself over the top of the tub with cris-crossed bungee cords, and cover that with another tarp secured to the base like a tent. So the one on top is over the one below.
You'll have to wait for the snow to melt and hope for the best, but that should protect it reasonably well.
posted by snuffleupagus at 12:24 PM on September 7
You'll have to wait for the snow to melt and hope for the best, but that should protect it reasonably well.
posted by snuffleupagus at 12:24 PM on September 7
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But in general it should be taken down when you’re not using it for long periods. The plastic degrades when exposed to light and temperature changes and the mechanical components are not as weather resistant as a permanent installation. But if you’re using it regularly and ice isn’t forming in it, I wouldn’t bother to take it down.
posted by Ookseer at 7:06 AM on August 31 [2 favorites]