Can You Turn a Hot Tub into a Cold Tub?

What good is a hot tub when it’s boiling outside in the summer? Have you ever thought about converting your hot tub into a cool little pool for a soothing dip? Rather than throwing bags of ice in and hoping for the best, you could do it correctly. That’s what this article is about. We’re going to help you learn how to do it.

Here’s what we’ll show you:

• Step-by-step guide to converting your hot tub.
• Essential tips for maintaining cool temperatures.
• How to install and use a chiller for optimal cooling.

Ready to transform your hot tub into a cool pool? Let’s dive in!

Can You Turn a Hot Tub Into a Cold Tub? TL;DR

Yes, you can turn a hot tub into a cold tub, especially to beat the summer heat. By adjusting the temperature settings, using methods like ice or natural cooling, and possibly installing a chiller unit, you can transform your hot tub into a refreshing cool pool.

Hot Tub vs Cold Tub

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand what sets hot tubs and cool pools apart, and why you might want to use one as the other.

Spas are made for hot water immersion, providing relaxation, stress relief, and therapeutic benefits such as muscle relaxation and improved circulation. Hot or warm water immersion is perfect in the cooler months. Escaping the cold temperatures with a dip in the tub is a major buying motivation. 

On the other hand, cool pools or cold plunge pools are designed for cold water immersion. They offer a refreshing experience, especially during hot weather, and are known for their therapeutic benefits like reducing inflammation, boosting circulation, and speeding up muscle recovery.

Looking for the perfect hot tub? Here’s our list of the best hot tubs available.

You May Just Need to Adjust Temperature Settings

In most cases, setting your hot tub to 85 degrees is all you need to do. 85 degrees still feels cool, and during the summer can be a great way to relax in water similar to a classic swimming pool.

Turning Off or Adjusting the Heater

Let’s start with your hot tub’s heater. Find the thermostat on your tub and turn it down as low as it goes or to around 85 degrees. If your tub doesn’t let you set it low enough, you might opt to turn the heater off completely. Just make sure to follow the maker’s instructions so you do it safely.

How to Cool Your Hot Tub with Ice (Don’t Just Add Ice)

To cool your hot tub during the summer, you can freeze water in a plastic containers or bottles, or take ice in a sealed bag that will not leak, and add it to your tub. This method effectively lowers the water temperature without altering its chemical balance. Unlike adding ice directly, which can dilute the chemical composition and disrupt the delicate balance of your hot tub, using sealed ice allows for gradual and safer cooling. It’s important not to release the frozen water from the container to maintain the integrity of your tub’s chemistry. This approach ensures a refreshing dip without compromising water quality.

Detailed Steps for Each Cooling Method

For the ice method, add the ice containers or bag slowly so you don’t shock your tub. Keep an eye on the temperature with a waterproof thermometer and add more ice when you need to. If you’re letting it cool naturally, make sure your tub gets lots of air. You can use pool noodles to keep the cover a little open. Check the temperature often and adjust the cover as needed.

Adding Insulation

Wrap the sides and bottom of your tub with insulating stuff like foam panels or blankets. This helps keep the cool in and means you won’t need as much ice. Also, get a cover that keeps heat out when you’re not using the tub. This is really helpful in hot summer months.

Regular Maintenance

Keep checking your water quality. Test for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels often. Even though the water’s cooler, you still need to keep the chemicals balanced to stop bacteria and algae. Clean or change your filters when they need it. This keeps your water moving and clean. Clogged filters can make it harder to cool your tub and can make your water dirty. Use a good waterproof thermometer to check the water temperature often. Adjust your cooling methods to keep the temperature where you want it.

Read our guide to the cost of hot tub maintenance to plan your budget.

Seasonal Adjustments and Winter Considerations

In summer, use more insulation and covers that reflect sunlight to fight the heat. You might want to think about getting a chiller to keep the temperature steady. If you want to use your tub as a hot tub again in winter, make sure everything’s working well before you heat it up. If you’re not going to use it in cold months, winterize it properly so the cold doesn’t damage it.

Want to know more about efficiency? Here’s a list of the most energy efficient hot tubs.

Adding a Chiller for Optimal Cooling

To achieve consistent and efficient cooling, installing a chiller unit in your hot tub can be an excellent solution. Chillers might not be available for all hot tubs, so always check with your hot tub dealer or manufacturer to see if there’s an option for your spa. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Choosing the Right Chiller

When picking a chiller for your hot tub, you have two main types to think about. Air-cooled chillers work well outside and are easier to set up. Water-cooled chillers do a better job but need more plumbing work. They’re usually for bigger setups. When you’re choosing, think about how big your tub is and make sure the chiller can handle it. Look for ones that save energy to keep your bills down. And of course, think about how much it costs to buy and run.

Plumbing Requirements

To get your chiller working, you’ll need to connect it to your hot tub’s plumbing. Make sure your tub is ready for this. You’ll need to hook up the water supply and return lines from the chiller to your tub. Use strong, good-quality hoses and fittings to stop leaks and keep everything working well.

Detailed Steps

First, turn off your hot tub completely. If you need to, disconnect or bypass the heater that’s already there. Then, attach the inlet and outlet hoses from the chiller to your tub’s plumbing. Make sure all the connections are tight and sealed well.

Electrical Connections

Safety is really important when you’re dealing with electricity. Follow the maker’s instructions carefully when you’re connecting everything. It’s a good idea to have a separate circuit just for your chiller so you don’t overload your electrical system. Find where you’ll connect the chiller to power, then attach the power cables. Make sure all the connections are secure. Before you turn it on, test everything to make sure it’s all working right.

Setting Up the Chiller

Once everything’s connected, fill up your tub with water and check all the plumbing connections again. Turn on the chiller and set it to the temperature you want, usually between 50°F and 60°F. Let it run for a few hours to get the water temperature steady. Keep an eye on it and adjust the settings if you need to.

Maintenance of the Chiller

To keep your chiller working well, you’ll need to take care of it. Clean or change the filters regularly. Check all the plumbing and electrical connections every so often to make sure nothing’s wearing out or leaking. Keep an eye on how well it’s working and fix any problems quickly. If it’s not cooling well enough, check for blockages or dirty filters. If it’s making noise, make sure it’s on a steady surface and all the connections are tight. If you’re having electrical problems, check that it’s getting the right amount of power and all the connections are secure.

Do all this right and you’ll have a cool refreshing body of water to plunge into for some cold water therapy after work. 

FAQ

Can Any Hot Tub Be Converted Into a Cool Pool?

Some hot tubs can be converted into a cool pool, but it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some models may not support lower temperature settings or may require additional equipment like chillers. Ensure your hot tub’s structure and plumbing can handle the modifications.

How Often Should the Water Be Changed?

Regular water changes are crucial for maintaining hygiene. For a hot tub used as a cool pool, change the water every 3-4 months, or more frequently if used heavily. Regularly test the water for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to maintain optimal water quality.

What Are the Costs Involved?

The primary costs include purchasing a chiller unit (if needed), additional insulation materials, and regular maintenance supplies. Initial setup costs can be significant, but operational costs are relatively low, especially if you manage the cooling efficiently. Investing in a high-efficiency chiller can reduce long-term energy expenses.

Safety Precautions to Consider:

Always monitor the water temperature to prevent it from becoming too cold, which can cause shock or hypothermia. Ensure that all electrical connections are safe and secure to avoid accidents. Regularly check the chemical balance in the water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe use.

Environmental Impact and Water Usage Concerns:

Using a hot tub as a cool pool can be water-intensive. Consider using eco-friendly chemicals and maintaining water quality to reduce the need for frequent water changes. Insulate effectively to minimize the energy required for cooling, thereby reducing the environmental footprint. Recycle or repurpose drained water for gardening or other outdoor uses when possible.

Wrap Up

Whether you want cooler water or warmer water, our team at Epic Hot Tubs can help you create the perfect hot tub water. We know hot tubs and we know how to help you convert yours if you want. Call our team for helpful advice. We’d love to help you get the perfect setup for your home and needs.

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About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.