Seasonal · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026

Winter and Christmas hot tub hire: heating, frost and running costs

What changes in winter

• Fill water from the mains is colder, so the first heat takes longer
• Cold air and wind strip heat from the water surface and the tub's walls
• Electricity use per day is higher, often roughly double a summer day
• Frost can damage pipes and pumps if the tub is switched off or drained badly
• Short days mean you need safe lighting around the tub

None of this stops a winter hire, but planning helps. A tub on a cold, still evening with steam rising off the water is one of the best things about hiring at this time of year.

Winter hires are also usually quieter than summer ones, so midweek dates outside the Christmas fortnight are often easier to book. Ask about midweek and weekly rates, as a longer winter hire can be good value.

Heating times

These are rough guides. They depend on the tub, the starting water temperature, how windy it is and whether the cover is fitted tightly. For a Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve party, have the tub delivered at least a day before, or two days in a cold snap.

Inflatable or hard-shell in winter?

Inflatables are cheaper to hire but have thinner walls and less insulation. Many inflatable models are not designed to keep heating in freezing conditions, and some manufacturers advise against using them below certain temperatures. Hard-shell tubs have insulated cabinets, thicker covers and more powerful heaters, so they hold temperature far better.

If you are hiring for a week over Christmas, a hard-shell tub is usually more reliable and may cost less to run per day. For a single weekend in mild weather, an inflatable is often fine.

Whichever you choose, ask the supplier what temperature range the tub is designed to run in and what they want you to do if a hard frost is forecast. Clear instructions in advance are far better than guesswork on a freezing night.

Keeping the heat in

• Keep the cover on and fully strapped whenever the tub is not in use
• Use the insulated ground mat or base supplied
• Place the tub somewhere sheltered from wind, such as near a wall or fence
• Keep sessions moderate and replace the cover straight away
• Limit bubble use, as it cools the water
• Do not lower the temperature overnight, as reheating takes longer in the cold

Frost and freezing

As long as the tub is running and the water is circulating, frost is rarely a problem. The risk comes if the power is lost, the RCD trips or the tub is switched off. Water in the pump and pipes can freeze and crack them.

• Check the tub is running each morning and evening during a cold spell
• If the power trips, reset it promptly and contact the supplier if it trips again
• Do not switch the tub off to save money in freezing weather
• Tell the supplier straight away if you see ice forming anywhere on the tub
• Leave draining to the supplier at the end of the hire

Safety in the dark and cold

• Use safe outdoor lighting so steps and the path are visible
• Grit or salt icy paths between the house and the tub
• Use non-slip mats at the tub steps
• Have warm dressing gowns and footwear ready for getting out
• Do not stay in longer than usual to keep warm, as overheating is still a risk
• Keep children closely supervised, especially in the dark

Christmas and New Year bookings

The Christmas and New Year period is popular, and delivery and collection days may be limited around bank holidays. Book early, check the exact delivery and collection dates, and ask whether a longer hire covering the whole holiday costs only a little more than a short one.

If guests are staying over the holidays, plan sessions around mealtimes and keep the tub covered while everyone is indoors. A tub that is uncovered for hours on a cold afternoon can take the rest of the evening to recover.

Frequently asked questions

winter Christmas frost heating