Spa systems may be used all year round and in colder weather provide an enjoyable experience for users through the cold ambient outdoor temperature and the heated water of the spa. However, failures in respect of the water circulating pump and/or heater of the spa system either mechanically, electrically or through overall power outages mean the water in the spa system and its pipework can easily freeze if ambient conditions are cold enough leading to cracks in the spa system or pipes and hence leaks when the water thaws requiring costly repair or replacement of components or entire systems. Accordingly, a freeze protection system is provided that uses a backup thermal management system discretely or in combination with other backup systems. These freeze protection systems offering backup when mechanical failures, electrical failures etc. arise by providing thermal input to the spa system through alternate thermal paths and providing alarms.
