A good hot tub session is relaxing year-round. But winter spa use has a special draw. Cold air and warm water make for a delightful combination. And to really enjoy it, you need to know how to use your spa safely in winter.

HOW TO USE YOUR SPA SAFELY IN WINTER

Of course, you'll follow your regular regime of spa maintenance, water chemistry balancing, and disinfection. In winter, you'll add a few more things to your checklist. To know how to use your spa safely in winter, these 3 tips are a must.

1. UNCOVER YOUR SPA EXTRA CAREFULLY

Your first step is to put on a pair of gloves. Curious why? Remember how Ralphie's tongue stuck to the flagpole in A Christmas Story? Well, your fingers might stick to the cover if they get wet and it's below freezing outside.

That might make for a funny story later. In the moment, you probably won't appreciate the experience.

Make sure to completely remove any ice or snow before you take off the cover. If you don't, chunks of frozen stuff could fall off into the water.

2. PLAN FOR A WARM, DRY EXIT

When the air's warm, getting out of the spa is no big deal. But we're talking about winter. You'll need to take steps to stay warm – before you get in the water in the first place.

Place a dry, fluffy bathrobe or towel close to the hot tub, wrapped in something to keep damp and cold out. No-slip, water-resistant sandals will keep the ground from chilling your feet on the way to the door. Be careful – no need to rush on the way to your warm house. There may be ice on the ground from earlier spa sessions.

Remember the tongue-on-flagpole analogy? Dry your hands well before you touch your metal door latch!

3. KEEP THE WATER AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE

Your spa's water temperature should never run higher than 104ºF. Since you can't sweat while you're in the water, your body can't regulate its core temperature in the hot tub.

Caution is worthwhile. When it’s below freezing outside, healthy adults should keep the water temperature at 100 degrees and limit sessions to 15 minutes. Ask your doctor if you have a health condition or medication that might change your body's response to higher temps.

In wintry weather, you may want to set the temperature too high or stay in for too long. Do yourself a favor and know when is enough. And it can be hard to tell!

Be careful: with cold head and shoulders, you might think you're cooler than you actually are. Wearing a knit hat to combat heat loss will help you realize your body temperature.

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For all your spa and hot tub needs (summer and winter alike), come on in to The Great Backyard. We'd love to answer your questions – or give you even more tips on how to use your spa safely in winter.