How to Winterize a Hot Tub or Swim Spa

13 Minute Read

As winter approaches, preparing your hot tub for the cold is a must to avoid damage. This guide on hot tub winterizing will walk you through each step, from draining the water to insulating and securing the cover. Follow along to keep your hot tub in great shape all winter long.

Key Takeaways

Gather essential tools like a garden hose, shop vacuum, and owner’s manual for an efficient winterization process.
Thoroughly drain the hot tub, remove water from plumbing lines, and clean filters to prevent freeze damage.
Secure the hard cover, add insulation, and plan for power outages to protect your hot tub during winter.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

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Before beginning, gather all necessary tools and materials to save time and avoid delays. Key items include:

Your owner’s manual, which offers model-specific instructions
A garden hose, used to create draining water
A shop vacuum, which helps remove leftover water from plumbing lines

Other useful items include cleaning supplies, towels, and recommended winterization chemicals. Being well-prepared ensures a smoother and more efficient process, allowing you to focus on each step without interruption. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Power Down and Disconnect

Safety first! Before you do anything else, make sure to turn off the power to your hot tub or swim spa. Start by flipping the breaker switch and removing the outside disconnect. This ensures the unit is completely powered down and prevents any accidental activation during the winterizing process.

To ensure safety and equipment longevity:

Disconnect all external power sources to avoid any surprises.
This step prevents issues during power outages or sudden activation.
Double-check all power sources are disconnected before proceeding to discover any potential problems.

Drain All the Water

Now that your hot tub is safely powered down, it’s time to drain all the water. You can:

Use a garden hose to remove the water from your hot tub if there is no exterior drain.
Use a submersible pump to remove the water from your hot tub if there is no exterior drain.
Check your owner’s manual if you cannot locate the drain, as it will provide specific instructions for your model.

Clean the bleed valves or drains to ensure proper drainage. This helps flush out remaining water and prevents winter moisture damage. Thoroughly draining the water is essential to prevent freezing and costly repairs.

After draining, use the shop vac to remove any remaining water from the plumbing lines. This prevents moisture from expanding and causing damage during freezing temperatures. Even a small amount of water can wreak havoc, so ensure everything is thoroughly dry.

Remove and Clean Filters

Next, it’s time to focus on the filters. If your hot tub filter is less than a year old, it should be cleaned and kept in a dry place for winter storage. For filters that are over a year old, it’s best to replace them rather than clean them. This ensures your filtration system is in top shape when you reopen your hot tub.

To clean spa filters effectively:

Use a filter cleaner specifically designed for spa filters.
Soak the filters in a vinegar and water mixture for a few hours for enhanced cleaning.
Rinse thoroughly.
Allow them to dry completely before storing in a dry, sheltered location.

Clear the Pump Housing and Heater

Clearing the pump housing and heater of moisture is crucial. Even a small amount of water can cause cracks when it freezes. Ensure the hot tub is thoroughly drained before temperatures fall below freezing to avoid damage.

Loosen couplers, remove bleed valves or drains, and use a shop vac to expel water from the pump housing, filter canister, and heater. This ensures all water is removed, protecting these vital components from freeze damage.

Wrenches and screwdrivers are necessary for removing drain plugs and other components, so have them ready to plug.

Blow Out the Jet Piping

To prevent freeze damage, it’s essential to blow out the jet piping. First, ensure that all jets are open and ready to allow airflow. Turn on the spas air blower for up to one minute to blow water out of the air channels. This step helps remove any remaining moisture from the system.

To protect your hot tub from freezing temperatures and to learn about safe products to use in your hot tub:

Blow air through the piping using a shop vac to remove moisture.
This ensures no water is left in the jet lines, which can cause significant damage if it freezes.
Thoroughly blowing out the piping will protect your hot tub from freezing temperatures.

Clean and Dry the Tub Shell

With the internal components taken care of, it’s time to clean and dry the tub shell. Use a non-abrasive cleaner with a soft cloth or nylon scrubber to effectively remove dirt and grime from the hot tub shell.

After cleaning, apply a specialized spa shine product for a polished appearance. Use towels and rags to thoroughly dry the shell, ensuring no moisture is left behind to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Secure the Hard Cover

Securing the hard cover protects your hot tub from debris, snow, and ice. A quality cover with dense foam cores and skirts blocks drafts to prevent heat loss and escape. Regular cleaning prevents debris buildup and maintains insulation properties.

Ensure the cover is properly secured and locked. This protects your hot tub from the elements and prevents unwanted access, maintaining its integrity throughout winter.

Add Extra Insulation

Extra insulation helps retain heat and protect your hot tub from cold air. Full foam insulation fills the spa cabinet completely, offering excellent heat retention but complicating repairs. Alternatively, perimeter insulation uses foam or reflective materials along the cabinet walls, allowing easier access for service.

Install a winter blanket in the equipment compartment before the cold winter months. This additional insulation layer helps prevent freezing and ensures efficient operation even in the coldest weather.

Protect Against Power Outages

Winter weather is unpredictable, and power outages are possible. Have a plan to add hot water or use a ceramic heater to prevent freezing during extended outages. Monitor water temperature to ensure the hot tub functions properly in winter, especially during power outages.

Regularly checking water chemistry prevents problems and ensures safe usage, especially during power outages. Proactive power outage protection can save you from costly repairs and keep your hot tub in good condition all winter.

Store Accessories and Chemicals

Properly storing accessories and chemicals is key to winterizing your hot tub. Use winterization chemicals to balance water chemistry and protect the plumbing. Secure a tarp or winter spa cover over the hard cover to prevent water leakage and protect the wooden cabinet.

Use a waterproof, snug-fit, thick insulation cover to keep your hot tub in top condition. Also, secure the equipment hatch door to keep out critters and protect the equipment from pests.

Regular Winter Checks

Regular inspections throughout winter can identify and resolve issues before they escalate. Check the hot tub’s exterior for signs of damage to maintain its condition during the cold months of the season, reducing stress on the equipment.

A hot tub can remain safe from freezing for up to three days without power if filled, running, and the cover is secured. Maintain a warm water temperature of at least 100 degrees in winter to better withstand power outages.

Regular checks will ensure your hot tub remains in good condition year-round, enhancing your life and providing a space for relaxation.

Prepare for De-Winterization

As the winter months come to an end, it’s time to prepare for de-winterization. Thoroughly clean the empty hot tub using appropriate materials for its surface type. Monitor the water level periodically when filling to avoid overfilling.

Adjust the pH, calcium, and alkalinity levels of the water after filling to ensure it is safe for use. Preparing for de-winterization ensures your hot tub is ready for use as soon as the weather warms up.

Summary

Winterizing your hot tub or swim spa is a crucial step to protect your investment and ensure it remains in top condition. By following these steps—gathering tools, powering down, draining water, cleaning filters, clearing the pump housing, blowing out jet piping, cleaning the tub shell, securing the hard cover, adding insulation, protecting against power outages, storing accessories, performing regular checks, and preparing for de-winterization—you’ll be ready to enjoy your hot tub again when warmer weather returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to winterize a hot tub?

Winterizing your hot tub is crucial because it protects against freezing temperatures that can cause expensive damage, allowing you to enjoy it as soon as spring arrives.

What tools do I need to winterize my hot tub?

To winterize your hot tub, you'll need a garden hose, shop vacuum, your owner's manual, and some cleaning supplies. With these tools on hand, you're all set to protect your hot tub for the winter!

How do I ensure all water is drained from my hot tub?

To ensure all water is drained from your hot tub, use a garden hose or submersible pump for the initial drainage, and then follow up with a shop vac to clear any remaining water from the plumbing lines. This way, you’ll be ready for maintenance or winterization!

How often should I check my hot tub during the winter?

You should check your hot tub regularly during winter to catch any issues early, and make sure the water temperature stays at least 100 degrees to prevent freezing.

What should I do if there’s a power outage during winter?

To prevent freezing during a winter power outage, make sure you have a plan to add hot water or use a ceramic heater. Also, keep an eye on water temperature and maintain your water chemistry to avoid issues.

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