Winterizing Your Home Spa: A Step-By-Step Guide To Hot Tub Maintenance

If you're not going to be using your hot tub during the winter, it's important to winterize it to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Winterizing your hot tub means draining and preparing it for the winter to avoid freezing or other damage to its system. This is especially important if you live in a place with cold climates and plan to be away for an extended period of time during the winter.

Turn off the power

Turning off the power to your hot tub is the first step in winterizing it and preparing it for the colder months. It is also important if you need to do any maintenance on your hot tub, such as changing the water or replacing a damaged jet.

To turn off the power, you will need to locate your hot tub's circuit breaker box and turn off the electricity to the outlet. This will cut the power to the hot tub completely. If your hot tub is plugged into an outdoor wall outlet, you can simply unplug it. If you are unsure, consult an electrician.

It is important to note that while you can turn off the power to your hot tub, it is not always recommended. Hot tubs are designed to be kept at a constant temperature, and turning off the power may result in higher costs when you need to heat the water again. Additionally, if water is left in the hot tub, turning off the power for an extended period may result in the growth of algae and other particles, making the water cloudy and dangerous. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep the circulation pump running to maintain water cleanliness and distribute heat evenly.

However, if you are winterizing your hot tub, turning off the power is necessary to ensure safety during the maintenance process. Make sure to follow the other steps in the winterization process, such as draining the water and cleaning the hot tub, to ensure your hot tub remains in good condition during the colder months.

Drain the hot tub

Draining your hot tub is a critical step in the winterization process. It is important to ensure that your hot tub is fully drained to prevent any freezing damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to draining your hot tub:

• Turn off the power to your hot tub by switching off the breaker or unplugging the tub if it is not hard-wired. This is an essential safety precaution as electricity and water can be a dangerous combination.
• Remove the drain cap and attach a garden hose to the drain spout. Ensure that the other end of the hose is in an appropriate place to drain several hundred gallons of water.
• Allow the hot tub to drain. This process can take a long time, so be prepared to wait. Alternatively, you can use a sump pump to pump the water out, which is a quicker method. Keep an eye on the pump to ensure it doesn't run dry.
• Once most of the water has drained, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water at the bottom of the tub.
• Remove the filter cartridges, clean them, and store them in a warm, dry place.
• Even after draining, some water may remain in the jets, filter standpipe, or other features. Use the wet-dry vacuum to suck or blow out this remaining water. Consult your hot tub model's owner's manual for specific instructions.
• Screw the drainage cap back into place.

It is important to note that you should only winterize your hot tub if you will be away for an extended period during the winter or if you are certain you will not be using it. If you plan to use your hot tub regularly, it is best to keep it running and maintain it according to the usual schedule.

Clean the hot tub

Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth and a hot tub surface cleaner that doesn't require rinsing to clean the shell. You can also use diluted white vinegar. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies. If you find a ring of hot tub scum on the waterline, you may need to soak it a bit with the hot tub cleaner before scrubbing it away. Don't forget to remove the headrests and clean under them too. You may find a little water hiding under there.

For outdoor hot tubs, use a good cover cleaner that's also a protectant to shield the cover from the sun's rays. Clean the underside, the top, and the sides, getting into the crevices created by seams. Let it air dry, or wipe it dry with a towel. You don’t want to cover up any moisture when you cover your hot tub, as this can cause mould and mildew.

Don’t leave your filter cartridges in your hot tub over the winter. You also don’t want to store dirty filters. Remove your filter cartridges, and take this opportunity to clean them. Using a filter cleaner, soak your filters in a bucket of water and filter solution for 24 hours, or at least overnight. If the filters are beyond cleaning, dispose of them, and start with new filters when you open your hot tub next season.

Secure the cover

Securing the cover is a crucial step in winterizing your hot tub. It ensures that your hot tub remains in excellent working condition and prevents anyone or anything from falling into the tub during the winter. Here are the detailed steps to secure the cover:

Clean the Cover

Before placing the cover back on the hot tub, ensure that it is clean and dry. Use a good cover cleaner, preferably one that also acts as a protectant to shield the cover from the sun's rays. Clean both the underside and top of the cover, paying extra attention to the crevices created by seams. Let the cover air dry completely, or wipe it dry with a towel. It is essential to ensure that the cover is dry before placing it back on the hot tub to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Place the Cover on the Hot Tub

Once the cover is clean and dry, place it over the hot tub. If your cover has locks, be sure to lock it to prevent unauthorized access to the hot tub. This adds an extra layer of security and helps deter anyone from accidentally falling into the hot tub.

Secure with Wind Straps

Even if your hot tub cover has locks, it is recommended to use wind straps for added security. Wind straps help keep the cover in place, even during harsh winter weather. This is especially important to prevent water from getting into the hot tub. If water enters the tub and freezes, it can expand, crack, and damage the tub.

Place Plywood Boards on Top

To protect your hot tub cover from potential damage due to accumulated snow and ice, place plywood boards or a similar strong material on top of the cover. This helps distribute the weight and prevents the cover from sagging or caving in.

Secure with a Plastic Tarp

As an additional protective layer, cover the entire hot tub and plywood with a plastic tarp. This helps shield the hot tub from the elements and prevents rainwater or snowmelt from seeping through the cover and into the tub.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively secure the cover of your hot tub during the winterization process, ensuring that it remains in good condition until you are ready to use it again.

Add antifreeze

Adding antifreeze to your hot tub is a crucial step in winterizing your spa. It is important to note that antifreeze is only necessary if you cannot fully drain your hot tub and remove all the water from your pipes and equipment. If any water is left in the plumbing lines, it can freeze and cause serious damage to your hot tub during winter. Therefore, antifreeze is an extra precaution to protect your hot tub from freezing temperatures. Here is a detailed guide on how to add antifreeze to your hot tub:

Types of Antifreeze

Firstly, it is imperative to use non-toxic, pool-grade or spa-grade antifreeze that is safe for potable water lines. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic. The recommended type of antifreeze is propylene glycol, which is safe to use in your hot tub.

When to Add Antifreeze

Before adding antifreeze, you should thoroughly drain your hot tub, remove and clean the filters, and blow out the water from the pipes and equipment using a wet/dry vacuum or a shop-vac. Once you are confident that you have removed as much water as possible, you can proceed to the next step of adding antifreeze.

How to Add Antifreeze

• Using a funnel, pour a small amount of propylene glycol antifreeze into each jet, ensuring that it reaches the pipes and equipment.
• Also, add antifreeze to the filter standpipes, the filter canister, and any other openings or cavities where water may enter or exit your hot tub.
• Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and preparation of the antifreeze.
• After adding antifreeze, replace the drainage cap and securely strap the hot tub cover in place.

Reopening Your Hot Tub

When you return from your vacation or plan to use your hot tub again, you must remove all traces of antifreeze before it is safe to use. Fill your hot tub with water, add double the usual amount of chlorine to neutralize the antifreeze, then drain and refill your hot tub once again. Refer to your owner's manual or consult a professional for guidance on this process.

Frequently asked questions