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The best winter solution is to enclose the unit to keep the ambient temp as high as possible and keep wind away. Keeping it covered whenever not in use is a given for saving energy.
If you have access to natural gas or propane there are models out there and most companies make one. It's a special order item that I've never actually seen in a store, but I've seen a few in the field. They are supposed to be about 40% more efficient than electricity. Even better would be a unit connected to a heat pump. I have a heat pump for my inground pool and it uses about 20% of the electricity vs an electric heater. Higher initial cost, but it would pay for itself in 3-4 years and wouldn't break down as often. I've talked to my Hot Springs dealer and he said a custom unit without an electric heater would be about $1500 less. Since I already have the heat pump I'm already ahead.
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