Table of Contents
As temperatures drop, knowing how to properly winterize your hot tub becomes essential—especially if it won’t be used during the colder months. Without proper winterization, freezing water can damage pipes, pumps, and spa filters, which can lead to costly repairs. This guide will walk you through the proper steps to safely and effectively winterize your hot tub, whether you live in a climate with mild or harsh winters.
Why Winterizing Your Hot Tub Matters
Water expands when it freezes. Any residual moisture in the pipes, jets, or spa filter system can cause cracked components or internal leaks. Winterizing your hot tub removes water from the system and protects critical parts, ensuring your hot tub will be ready for use again when warmer weather returns.
When Should You Winterize a Hot Tub?
If outdoor temperatures regularly drop below freezing and you don’t plan to use your hot tub for an extended period, winterizing your hot tub is highly recommended. If you plan to use it throughout the winter, maintaining water temperature and proper filtration is crucial.
Step-by-Step: How to Winterize a Hot Tub
1. Turn Off Power and Heat
Before starting, completely turn off the power to the hot tub using the circuit breaker. This ensures safety and prevents the heater from turning on while the system is draining.
2. Drain the Hot Tub Completely
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and drain all water from the hot tub. Make sure the hot tub is completely empty, including the footwells and seats.
3. Remove and Clean Hot Tub Filters
Remove all hot tub filters and spa filters. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt and accumulated sediment, allow them to dry completely, and store them indoors. Never leave filters inside the system during the winter, as trapped water can freeze and crack the filter housing.
4. Blow Out the Plumbing Lines
Use a shop vacuum or air blower to blow out the jets, pumps, and drain lines. This step is critical—standing water in the pipes is the most common cause of freeze damage.
Clean each nozzle individually and continue until no more mist or water is released.
5. Drain the Pump and Heater
Open all pump and heater drain plugs. Some hot tubs have multiple drain points—check your owner’s manual to make sure none have been missed.
6. Add Non-Toxic Antifreeze (Optional)
In very cold regions, adding non-toxic spa antifreeze to the plumbing lines provides an extra layer of freeze protection. Never use automotive antifreeze.
7. Wipe and Dry the Interior
Use towels to absorb any remaining water in the basin, footwells, and jets. The drier the hot tub, the less risk of frost damage.
8. Secure the Hot Tub Cover
Install a tight-fitting, insulated hot tub cover. Make sure it’s clean, dry, and properly sealed to prevent snow, ice, and moisture from entering the hot tub.
Winter Care for Hot Tub Filters
Even when the tub is not in use, proper filter care matters. Store hottub filters and spa filters in a dry, climate-controlled space. Before restarting the hot tub in spring, inspect filters for cracks or wear and replace them if necessary to ensure proper water flow and filtration.
Should You Winterize or Keep Your Spa Running?
Some spa owners choose to keep their spa running through winter. If you do, maintain water temperature above freezing, keep the circulation system running, and check filters frequently. However, power outages during winter can quickly lead to freezing, making full winterization the safer option for many households.
Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the step of blowing out plumbing lines
- Leaving hot tub filters installed
- Forgetting pump or heater drain plugs
- Using automotive antifreeze
- Not securing the hot tub cover properly
Avoiding these mistakes can save thousands of dollars in repairs.
Conclusion
Properly winterizing your hot tub is an important step in protecting your spa system from cold weather damage and unnecessary repair costs. Taking the time to prepare your hot tub and spa filters before freezing temperatures arrive helps extend the life of your equipment and ensures your hot tub will be ready for safe and reliable use when warmer weather returns.