Your spa and sauna are designed for relaxation and comfort — but when extreme weather strikes, these valuable investments can take a serious hit. From powerful winds and flying debris to rising floodwaters, major weather events can cause costly damage if you’re not prepared.

Knowing how to safeguard your spa and sauna before a storm — and how to inspect and restore them afterward — can save you stress, time, and money. Here's how to stay ahead of the elements and keep your spa and sauna in top condition.

Preparing for Major Weather Events

Taking proactive steps can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Follow these steps to help you get back to relaxing faster after a major weather event.

For Extreme Winds:

Spas

• Secure your Cover: Secure your spa cover with strong straps. Use thick cardboard, a small piece of plywood or anything on hand to protect the corner of the cover from the straps, as they can dent the polystyrene. Avoid using weighted objects to hold down the cover, as this can cause more harm than good.
• Clear the Area: For added protection, move heavy outdoor furniture or garden equipment to a secure area to reduce the risk of flying debris.
• Disconnect Power: Turn off the power supply to your spa at the mains to reduce electrical risks.

Saunas

• Protect the Bitumen: Lay a large tarpaulin over your outdoor sauna and strap it down to protect the bitumen roof. Ensure the tarpaulin is tight and secure.
• Secure the Door: Lock or strap your sauna door closed to prevent it from flying open and causing damage.
• Block the Vents: Temporarily cover sauna vents to stop debris and rain from entering — remember to unblock the vents afterward.
• Clear the Area: For added protection, move heavy outdoor furniture or garden equipment to a secure area to reduce the risk of flying debris.
• Disconnect Power: Turn off the power supply to your sauna at the mains to reduce electrical risks.

For Flooding:

Spas

• Disconnect Power: Turn off the power supply to your spa at the mains to reduce electrical risks. Keep the power off until the flooding has subsided and you're certain no electrical damage has occurred.
• Create a Flood Barrier: Sandbag around your spa pool to prevent water from rising too high.
• Elevate the Spa: If possible, place long timber planks (as wide as your spa) underneath your spa to help raise it above rising water levels. You'll need to drain your spa first and ask a few mates to help lift it. Do not refill your spa until you have removed the planks from underneath.

Sauna

• Disconnect Power: Consider having an electrician remove the sauna heater if flood water levels is expected to reach inside your sauna.
• Elevate the Sauna: Consider safely elevating your sauna with pavers or wooden blocks. 
• Remove Accessories: Store removable items like towels, essential oils, and accessories from the sauna.

Assessing Damage After the Event

Even with preparation, storms and disasters can still cause major damage to your spa and sauna. Here’s how to check for issues afterward.

After High Winds:

Spas

• Inspect your Spa: Inspect your spa cover for rips, cracks, or broken clips. Also inspect the cabinet panels for any damage.
• Clean area: Clear away any debris that may have collected on or around your spa.
• Clean & Balance Water: Clean your spa filters, shock-dose, and balance your spa water. Consider draining and refilling if there’s a significant amount of debris in your spa.

Saunas

• Inspect your Sauna: Inspect over all areas for signs of damage done by flying debris.
• Clean area: Clear away any debris that may have collected on or around your sauna.
• Check Air Vents: Remove debris from air vents and make sure they're all clean and clear.
  

After Flooding:

Spas

• Turn Off Power & Inspect: Shut off power at the breaker for safety. Remove the side panels on your spa to inspect for water accumulation, and take photos for insurance if needed.
• Identify Water Levels: Look for 'high-tide' marks on the spa’s interior or cabinet panels to assess which components may have been affected.
• Empty the Base: Clear any blocked drain holes to allow water to escape. Use towels, sponges, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove trapped water under insulation layers. Consider drilling small holes in the base corners for improved drainage.
• Dry Completely: Leave panels off to improve airflow, and place fans nearby to speed up drying. Check the weather forecast and keep pets and children away during this stage.
• Check Electrical Components: Inspect controllers, pumps, and heaters for signs of damage. If unsure, contact a spa technician before turning the power back on.
• Clean & Sanitise: Drain the spa, flush the plumbing system, and thoroughly clean the spa shell, jets, and cover with a spa-safe cleaner before refilling.
• Inspect the Cover: Check for damage to straps and clips. If the cover feels heavy or waterlogged, consider replacing it, as waterlogged covers can reduce insulation and carry bacteria from floodwaters.
• Power Up & Monitor: Restore power only when everything is dry and intact. Watch for leaks, noises, or error codes, and monitor water clarity and chemistry in the following days.
• Inspect Monthly: We recommend inspecting your spa’s internal components monthly after flooding to catch any ongoing issues.

Saunas

• Inspect the Sauna: Inspect the walls, benches, and floor for water exposure.
• Test Electrical Appliances: Have your sauna heater and other electronics inspected and tested before turning them on.
• Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean any areas that have been in contact with floodwaters.
• Bake & Breathe: Dry all wooden components immediately to prevent swelling and mold growth. Use the Bake & Breathe method for best results. (Bake & Breathe method - Heat your sauna up and leave it on for 1 - 2 hours. Then, turn the heater off and leave the door open to allow all the hot damp air out. Repeat several times post flooding event. Do not pour water on the stones during this time.)
• Clean & Dry Accessories: Remove and dry any sauna accessories like buckets, ladles, or thermometers.

While major weather events can’t always be avoided, a little preparation goes a long way. If your spa or sauna has taken a hit, we’re here with expert advice and quality supplies to help you restore things to perfect condition.