For many people, the words “hot tub” immediately bring to mind cold winter nights, steam rising into freezing air, and soaking in warm water during snowstorms. But according to Chuck Maltbie, owner of Aahs Spas, more spa owners are discovering that their spa can also become one of the most enjoyable places to cool off during the summer.
“A lot of people think spas are only for winter,” Maltbie says. “But many customers use them year-round. In the summer, you can simply turn the heater down or off and enjoy cool circulating water instead.”
Instead of functioning strictly as a hot tub, the spa becomes something closer to a personal backyard hydrotherapy retreat, blending cooling water, massage jets, and relaxation into a completely different experience.
Hydrotherapy Is About Water Movement, Not Just Heat
Maltbie says one of the biggest misconceptions people have is assuming hydrotherapy only comes from hot water. In reality, a major part of hydrotherapy comes from the movement and pressure of circulating water itself.
“The heat is one aspect of hydrotherapy,” Maltbie explains. “But the movement of the water and the jet action are a huge part of the experience too.”
That means cooler water temperatures can still deliver relaxation, muscle relief, circulation support, and stress reduction while helping users avoid overheating during the hottest parts of the year.
“You still get the seating, the massage jets, the water movement, and the relaxation,” Maltbie says. “You’re just enjoying it at a different temperature.”
A Modern Twist on Cold Plunge Therapy
As cold plunges and contrast therapy continue growing in popularity, many homeowners are beginning to look at spas differently. Some customers now want systems capable of both high heat and true cold-water immersion.
“We actually have the ability to add chilling units to certain systems and turn them into a true cold plunge,” Maltbie says.
Some dual-zone spa systems can maintain one side at relaxing hot-water temperatures while cooling the other side dramatically lower for cold therapy applications.
“We have dual-zone tubs that can get as cold as 37 degrees and as hot as 104 degrees at the same time,” Maltbie explains. “That opens up a completely different type of hydrotherapy experience.”
The concept mirrors the growing popularity of contrast therapy, alternating between heat and cold exposure to stimulate circulation, recovery, and relaxation.
“A lot of people are interested in that hot-and-cold combination now,” Maltbie says. “You can go from warm therapy into cold plunge recovery without leaving the spa environment.”
A Backyard Escape Without a Full Pool
For homeowners who may not want the expense, maintenance, or space requirements of a traditional swimming pool, using a spa during the summer can provide many of the same benefits on a smaller scale.
“Not everybody wants a giant pool in their backyard,” Maltbie says. “But they still want a place to unwind, cool off, and spend time outside with family or friends. A spa can absolutely do that.”
Because many modern spas include adjustable jets, loungers, lighting systems, and entertainment features, they often become gathering spaces throughout the entire year rather than seasonal purchases.
Year-Round Value from Your Spa Investment
Maltbie says one of the biggest misconceptions in the spa industry is that hot tubs only provide value during colder months.
“We really try to remind customers that this is something you can enjoy all year long,” he says. “In winter, it’s warm therapy and relaxation. In summer, it can become a cool retreat from the heat. And now with cooling systems and dual-zone options, it can even move into cold plunge territory.”
That versatility is one reason many homeowners continue using their spas consistently instead of shutting them down seasonally.
“When people realize they don’t have to stop using their spa just because it’s July, it changes the way they think about the investment,” Maltbie explains. “You’re getting a backyard experience you can enjoy almost anytime.”
Simple Adjustments Can Completely Change the Experience
According to Maltbie, preparing a spa for summer use can be as simple as lowering the water temperature or temporarily disabling the heater.
“You don’t necessarily need ice-cold water,” he says. “Even lowering the temperature into a comfortable cool range can feel fantastic on a hot day.”
For others interested in more advanced recovery or wellness applications, dedicated chilling systems can take the experience much further.
“Some people want cool relaxation,” Maltbie says. “Others want true cold plunge therapy. Today’s systems can do both.”
For many Aahs Spas customers, those options are changing the way they think about hydrotherapy entirely.
“It becomes that place people go at the end of the day,” Maltbie says. “Sometimes to warm up, sometimes to cool down, sometimes for recovery, and sometimes just to relax and enjoy being outside.”