This can be one of life’s more difficult decisions: Do I continue to use my hot tub spa through the cold weather or do I winterize it to avoid damaging it by freezing water? It’s a tough call.
Do you live in an area where the temperature can easily drop to 32˚F (0˚C) or colder? If you’re not planning to use your spa during the winter months, it’s critical to winterize it properly. Not only will you prevent damage but storing it properly will help ensure your hot tub is ready to go in the spring.
Winterizing is not a terribly complicated process, but it does require judicious attention to several details. Some Hot Tub manufacturers recommend to have their spas work 12 months a year. They say it is the best way to preserve the integrity of the plumbing, as it will not dry out. Because some details can also get overlooked or missed, there are some manufacturers that do not want DIY’ers to winterize their spa. Professional spa dealers have a thorough understanding of the challenges of winterizing and will provide a service for their customers to avoid long-term issues. Your hot tub is a big investment. Be prudent about protecting it.
That being said, if you feel this is an annual project you want to tackle and assume the liability for, this guide is intended to help you through a basic understanding of how to protect your hot tub purchase through the coldest months of the year. REMEMBER: Talk to your hot tub dealer about these crucial details. Bare bones minimum: consult your owner’s manual for specific manufacturers requirements for your model.
WHY BOTHER TO WINTERIZE?
You might ask, “Why do I need to worry about winterizing my hot tub?” There are several reasons:
- Frozen water will crack pipes and fittings.
- Electrical components will be damaged by freezing water.
- You can easily avoid unnecessary repair and maintenance costs.
- Undrained spas will become a premier breeding ground for bacteria.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN, YOU’LL NEED THE FOLLOWING
- The owner’s manual for your model.
- Garden hose to drain and direct the water away from the house.
- A wet/dry shop vac.
- Towels and soft cloths
- Hot tub cover.
- A filter cleaner or mild detergent.
- A non-toxic RV antifreeze is optional.
STEP BY STEP
- Pour two cups of bleach into the spa and run the pumps for one hour. Restart the pumps if they time out. This step will help eliminate any bacterial growth.
- Safety comes first, so when the bleach has circulated for at least an hour, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This will prevent the danger of electrification and also makes sure that the pump and heat will not accidentally cycle on while draining the water.
- Depending on how your spa is equipped, use the drain plug or a submersible water pump to drain the water. Use the garden hose to route the water in a safe direction, away from the foundation of the house. Be certain to drain both the shell and the plumbing to prevent any lingering water from freezing.
- Open the compartment and remove the filters. Thoroughly clean them using a garden hose or soak them in a filter cleaning solution. Once they’re well clean, store them indoors for the winter. If the filters are showing signs of wear and tear or if they’re over a couple years old, buy new and replace them in the spring.
- Once most of the water is out, remove all drain plugs on the pumps and heater and open all the air valves and waterfall features.
- This step is absolutely critical. Use the shop vac to blow air into each of the jets, the drain lines, and the air lines. This helps remove all of the remaining water. Even a small amount of water can freeze, expand and cause serious damage to your spa. Do this step twice, then reverse the process by setting the shop vac to suction mode to remove any residual remaining moisture.
- Some hot tub owners will include this step, others don’t. It’s best to consult with your spa professional or check your owner’s manual to see if adding a non-toxic RV antifreeze is recommended for extra protection. We are not talking about automotive antifreeze. This type is toxic and will damage the spa. If you elect to follow this step, pour the non-toxic antifreeze directly into each jet and drain to help any remaining water from freezing.
- Next, use a spa safe cleaner and soft cloth to wipe down and clean the entire interior shell. Do not leave any water in the shell. Remove any small puddles with the towels. You’ll also want to carefully inspect the hot tub for any signs of wear or any small cracks.
- Clean and protect the spa’s cover. Even in the winter, your hot tub cover provides the first line of defense. It’s important to keep out the snow, ice and other debris. So, remove the cover, wipe it clean with mild soap and water. After it’s completely dry, use a UV protectant spray. This will help protect it from cracking and becoming brittle in the cold weather. Look it over closely for tears and damage. The cover should provide a tight seal. If it doesn’t fit right, cold air and moisture can increase the risk of damage. If you frequently have high winds, use wind straps to secure the cover and ensure a tight fit.
- Even after taking the precautions of winterizing your hot tub, it’s always a good idea to periodically check the spa when it’s not being used. Look for any signs of damage to the cover, ice/water accumulating or maybe even small critters look for a pace out of the weather to make a nest!
OTHER TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Be sure to read and follow your owner’s manual. These 10 steps are not all inclusive. Your model may include additional items for winterizing.
Don’t procrastinate. Do it before the first freeze. It’s a whole lot easier to complete this list if it’s not snowing or raining slush!
Many customers install an additional heavy tarp or cover that provides even more protection from ice and heavy snowfalls.
It’s a good idea to label and store all drain plugs, filters and other components that you remove in containers so it will be easier to reinstall in spring time. If you’re not sure how something came apart, make a short video on your phone to assist you in getting everything back in its proper place.
DO NOT WINTERIZE
If you’re planning on using your hot tub spa as a cozy escape from the cold. Keep the power on so it stays running, regularly maintain water chemistry and keep the water temperature consistent, ideally at 100˚F (38˚C) or slightly above. Keeping the hot tub running continuously through the winter will prevent freezing, provided it is still well maintained.
But if you are not planning on using the spa regularly, taking the time to winterize it will be the safer, wiser and more cost-effective option for you.
WE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WINTER, NOW WHAT?
When spring arrives, it’s time to get ready to enjoy all the benefits of your hot tub again. Basically, we’re going to reverse the winterizing process:
- Clean and remove the cover and inspect the spa.
- If you ended up using non-toxic antifreeze, thoroughly flush the lines and jets before using the spa.
- Reinstall filters and drain plugs.
- Refill the spa with fresh water.
- Check for leaks.
- Turn the power back on.
- Test and balance the water chemistry.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You can avoid problems with your hot tub down the road by having your spa professionally serviced for the winter. Can you do it yourself? Sure. Many can and many do every year. But many sleep better knowing their spa can be awakened in the spring, aware that it was tucked in for the cold weather by a professional!
If you’re a DIY’er, the suggestions outlined above should help. Check on your spa occasionally throughout the cold season. You have a lot of money invested in your hot tub spa. Winterizing it properly is critical in maintaining its performance and longevity. Granted, it’s another item on your “To Do” list. However, done properly and consistently late each fall, you’re ensured that the “Welcome To Spring Gala” with family and friends will be a blast and trouble-free!
