How to Winterize Your Hot Tub

Today, we will discuss how to winterize your hot tub.

Why you should winterize your hot tub

Do not forget to winterize the hot tub if you do not use it during winter. Neglecting to do so may lead to maintenance hassles because water may freeze in the pipes and nozzles. Expansion caused by freezing pipes causes cracks, bursts, and several other expensive repairs. Therefore, you better winterize your hot tub to stay safe from such damages and expenses. Also, winterizing your pool prevents the growth of harmful fungi such as Cladosporium and Alternaria, which can survive cold weather and thrive in spring if left untreated.

When to winterize your hot tub

If the outdoor temperatures fall below freezing (32ºF), winterization of the hot tub will be unavoidable, particularly if you do not plan to use the hot tub very much in winter or around four weeks from now.

Tools Required for Winterize Hot Tub

Winterizing your hot tub is not as simple as unplugging the power and closing the pool cover. You will need the following tools to winterize your hot tub properly.

1. Sump pump
2. Garden hose
3. Pool Vacuum
4. Filter cleaner
5. Filter soak
6. Handhold Vacuum
7. Hot Tub Cleaner
8. Pool cover cleaner
9. Non-abrasive towels

Now that you have the tools ready, let’s start winterizing your hot tub step by step.

Step-By-Step Guide on how to winterize your hot tub

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to winterizing your hot tub this winter.

Step 1: Pre-Clean Your Hot Tub

Pre-clean your hot tub. Use a pool cleaner to remove debris, dirt, and other chemicals from the water.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Hot Tub

The second step is to turn off your hot tub. To do this, turn off the power to your breaker box. This will help prevent electrical damage.

Step 3: Drain the Hot Tub

Open the drain cap, connect the garden hose to the drain spout, and set the other end at the suitable drainage site to drain all that water entirely. This will drain over 400 gallons of water; hence, choose the best location that doesn’t affect that amount.

Step 4: Empty the Blowers

If your hot tub has an air blower, ensure all the water is removed from it. To do this, turn off your tub’s heating system, as the tub must not be dry. Cover your tub with a cover and turn the breaker on. Turn the hot tub on, and the blower will run. Make sure to run the blower for 30 seconds to remove any water from the inside. Turn off the breaker and remove the cover.

Step 5: Loosen the Unions on the Pump and Heater

Loosen the unions on your pump and heater to release the remaining water. One may be on the circulation pump and the other on your main pumps. Disconnect the unions and use your vacuum to drain water from them.

Step 6: Clean and Store the Filters

The next step is to clean your hot tub filters by soaking them in a chemical solution for at least 24 hours. Clean them thoroughly and store them. If your filters are beyond cleaning, toss them and use new filters when you open your hot tub.

Step 7: Blow Out All the Lines

You do not want any remaining water in your hot tub, so use a wet/dry vacuum to blow out any water from the plumbing lines, jet, filter well, or unions. Blow each spot for at least 15 seconds to force water out of the tub.

Step 8: Drain Remaining Water

Repeat the process and use a sump pump or a vacuum to remove any remaining water.

Step 9: Clean the Hot Tub Shell

Wipe down the tub with non-abrasive towels and a hot tub cleaner. Use the one that doesn’t require rinsing to clean the shell. You may use household items like white vinegar or baking soda to clean it.

Step 10: Clean the Cover

Since you will be covering your hot tub through winter, ensure its cover is clean. Use a good hot tub cover cleaner to shield the cover from sunlight. Clean all the nooks and crannies of the cover. Let it air dry, or wipe it with a towel.

Step 11: Put the Cover On

Put the cleaned cover on the hot tub and secure it tightly to protect it. Lock it in place, and you may use wooden straps to secure it firmly during strong winter storms.

Step 12: Store Accessories and Equipment

The last step is to store all equipment used for winterizing in a dry, safe place.

The Bottom Line

Winterizing your hot tub is extremely important during winter. It helps prevent damage and expenses by preventing water from freezing. Avoid common mistakes, such as forgetting to turn off the power and leaving chemicals inside the water. These can lead to costly repairs. Ready to keep your hot tub in top condition year-round? Check out the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro for easy cleaning your pool or hot tub this winter!