You can use some inflatable hot tubs in winter, but only within the limits in your model’s manual, and those limits are tighter than most owners expect. Intex’s PureSpa manuals say: do not use the spa if the ambient or water temperature is 4°C (39°F) or lower, and to store it once it gets that cold.
Bestway’s Lay-Z-Spa models with Freeze Shield can stay set up and powered through cold weather, and Bestway says they can still be used then. The manual says the Freeze Shield™ system automatically keeps the water temperature between 42.8°F(6°C) and 50°F(10°C); that is freeze protection for the pipes and pump, not a soaking temperature.
Those are two brands’ rules for their own tubs. Other inflatable and portable spas have their own limits, so check yours before leaving it out.
Intex PureSpa vs. Bestway Lay-Z-Spa in cold weather
| Intex PureSpa (Bubble Massage, Greywood Deluxe) | Bestway Lay-Z-Spa with Freeze Shield | |
|---|---|---|
| Below the brand’s cold limit | Not at 39°F (4°C) or lower, air or water | Can stay set up and powered when the outdoor temperature is below 42.8°F (6°C); Bestway says it can still be used then. |
| Freeze feature | Heats the water when it falls below 39°F (4°C), runs until it reaches 50°F (10°C); meant for occasional freezing | Freeze Shield holds the water at 42.8–50°F (6–10°C) |
| Needs power | Plugged in, GFCI reset | Pump unit must stay on |
| Extended freeze or trip | Disassemble and store | Disassemble and store if away with frost risk |
Intex PureSpa: store it for real winter
Intex treats its freeze protection as a backup. The manual says that while the spa should be stored during the winter months, the system will protect the internal components in the event of occasional freezing temperatures: the heater starts when the water drops below 39°F and the system will operate both until the water reaches 10°C (50°F). If extended freezing weather is expected, please disassemble the spa and store it during winter according to the storage instructions.
The storage rule is specific: drain, clean, disassemble and properly store the spa set and related components indoors when the temperature drops below 4°C (39°F). You can leave it set up outside only at 39°F or above, with the water above 39°F and nothing frozen in the pump or pipes.
Do not allow the water in the spa to freeze. Do not turn on the spa when the water is frozen. If the control shows E94 (water too cold), Intex’s fix is to unplug it and add some warm water to raise the spa water temperature above 1°C (34°F), then heat. Never pour water with a temperature higher than 40°C (104°F) into the spa directly.
Bestway Lay-Z-Spa: winter use with Freeze Shield
- Keep it powered. If the water temperature is below 42.8°F(6°C), the spa heater must always be on. Bestway’s UK site adds that if the pump displays an error or loses power, Freeze Shield won’t be able to protect the hot tub. If Freeze Shield isn’t working, alarms show on the pump, so check it on cold days.
- Going away? In case of a long-term absence from home when there is a risk of temperatures falling below 42.8°F(6°C), we strongly suggest disassembling the spa, says the manual.
- The risk is yours. Bestway states that any damage as a result of using the spa in these conditions is the responsibility of the customer.
- Not using it much? Lay-Z-Spa’s advice: if you’re not planning on regularly using your hot tub in winter, our advice is that it is probably best to pack it away.
Setting one up in cold weather: if the ambient temperature is below 50°F(10°C), we suggest keeping the package indoor where the temperature is above 59°F(15°C) for at least 2h before inflation, so the PVC is flexible. Fill with water above 42.8°F (6°C), or the pump shows an E03 alarm when it starts heating.
When winter use is the wrong call
- Your manual has no cold-weather mode, or sets a limit you will regularly pass.
- You will be away, or a power cut is likely: both brands’ freeze protection runs on mains power.
- Water has already frozen in the tub or the pump.
Expect slow heating in winter even when it is allowed. Intex lists the causes: air below 10ºC (50ºF), wind above 8–12 mph, bubbles running while heating, and no cover. For safe soaking temperatures, see what temperature a hot tub should be.
Packing it away
Drain and clean it, then dry it completely. Bestway says to make sure the spa and pump are completely dry and to store the spa in its original package in a warm [above 59°F(15°C)] and dry place. Intex’s steps are the same in outline: drain, clean, deflate, and store indoors.
Own a hard-shell spa instead? Running one through winter is covered in hot tub water care in winter, and closing one down in how to winterize a hot tub.
Sources
- Intex: PureSpa Bubble Massage Owner’s Manual (347IO, 2021; hosted by Intex UK)
- Intex: PureSpa Greywood Deluxe Owner’s Manual (352IO, 2021; hosted by Intex UK)
- Bestway: Lay-Z-Spa AirJet Owner’s Manual (Miami, Cancun, Bahamas, St. Moritz, Helsinki; 2020)
- Lay-Z-Spa UK (Bestway): How to winterise a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub
- Lay-Z-Spa UK (Bestway): How to use a Lay-Z-Spa in winter
Research checked 2026-10-14.
