Need to know how to winterize a hot tub to avoid costly freeze damage? This guide covers all the essential steps. Learn how to drain the water, clean the filters, and protect your hot tub equipment for a worry-free winter.

Key Takeaways

• Winterizing your hot tub is crucial to prevent costly freeze damage and extend its lifespan.
• Decide between winterizing or keeping your hot tub running based on your usage plans during winter.
• Proper preparation and following a step-by-step winterization process will protect your hot tub from potential damage.

Why Winterizing Your Hot Tub is Essential

Winterizing your hot tub helps you avoid costly freeze damage repairs. When water freezes, it expands, which can crack the heater, pump, pipes, filter, and jets. This kind of damage can not only be expensive to fix but can also significantly reduce the lifespan of your hot tub. Proper winterization protects your investment and extends your hot tub’s lifespan.

Moreover, winterizing reduces the risk of plumbing issues caused by ice formation. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other health hazards if not properly managed during the winter months. Therefore, adequate winterization is necessary to prevent these issues and ensure your hot tub is ready to be enjoyed once the warmer weather returns.

Decide Whether to Winterize or Keep Running

Whether to winterize your hot tub or keep it running in the cold months depends on your personal situation. If you plan to use your hot tub regularly throughout the winter, it may be more beneficial to keep it running. This approach can prevent the tub from degrading and can maintain a consistent temperature, which reduces strain on the heating system. However, remember that the costs associated with running a hot tub in winter can range from $30 to $80 monthly, depending on usage.

On the other hand, if you don’t intend to use the hot tub during the winter, winterizing is the way to go. This process involves draining your hot tub and taking steps to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Most modern spas have winter freeze protection settings that can be utilized if you decide to keep the spa operating. If you’ll be away for a brief period, consider using a ‘vacation mode’ to maintain the hot tubs’ operation while you forget gone.

Ultimately, base your decision on how often you plan to use the hot tub during winter.

Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies

Gather all necessary tools and supplies before starting the winterizing process. This includes a garden hose to drain the water, a wet-dry shop vac to remove remaining water from the hot tub, and an approved cleaner for the hot tub shell.

Having all your equipment ready before you prepare will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here are some tips to help you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Hot Tub

Winterizing your hot tub involves several critical steps. Always check the owner’s manual for specific guidance related to your hot tub model. The process generally includes draining the water, cleaning and removing filters, and clearing remaining water from the plumbing.

Let’s break down each step so you can winterize your hot tub effectively.

Drain the Water

Draining the water from your hot tub is the first and most crucial step in the winterization process. Here are the steps to do it:

• Locate the drain valve, attach a garden hose, and open the valve to let the water flow out.
• If your hot tub has a gravity drain, remove the cap and attach a garden hose to the spigot for easy drainage.
• In the absence of an exterior drain, use a submersible pump or garden hose as a siphon to drain your hot tub.

It’s essential to remove all the water to prevent freeze damage, as any remaining water can expand and cause cracks in the heater, pump, and pipes. After draining, make sure to sponge up any remaining water to ensure the hot tub is completely dry. Ensuring the hot tub is completely dry is crucial to prevent any residual water from freezing and causing damage.

Clean and Remove Filters

Once you have drained your hot tub, the next step is to clean and remove the filters:

• Remove the filter cartridge.
• Clean the filter cartridge thoroughly.
• Allow the filter cartridge to dry before storing it.
• Store the filter cartridge in a dry place to prevent moisture retention and potential damage.

Clean filters ensure efficient operation and prolong their lifespan. Regular inspection and cleaning of filters help maintain the hot tub’s efficiency throughout the season. To maintain your filters effectively:

• Clean the filter itself regularly.
• Clean the filter cavity.
• Clean the filter opening to remove any debris and buildup that could affect water circulation.

Clear Remaining Water from Plumbing

Removing all remaining water from the plumbing is vital to prevent freeze damage. To do this:

• Use a wet/dry vacuum to blow out water from jets and filter openings.
• Insert the blowing end of the vacuum into every hot tub return and drain.
• Utilize both blow and suck settings to ensure maximum water removal.

Running the spa’s air blower during winterization will help blow out water from the air channels and drain the blower. Blow out the plumbing lines multiple times to ensure no residual water remains, which could freeze and cause damage.

Prevent water from getting trapped in the hot tub plumbing by closing the slice valve in front of the pump leading to the filter.