If you need to close your hot tub during the winter months then there are a few steps you should take to make sure that freezing temperatures do not damage it.
The first things you will need to do are to drain and clean it.
- As always, read the manufacturer’s instructions prior to beginning.
- Make sure you have what you need for the job and allocate enough time to finish before you start.
- Clean your lines with a flush product to remove the biofilm and gunk that may have accumulated. Typically the water will need to be circulated for a period of time to ensure that it has time to work properly (some products recommend overnight so plan accordingly depending on what product you use).
- Drain the water.
- Wipe down the interior and exterior with your favorite brand of hot tub cleaning chemicals and a soft cloth or nonscratch sponge/scrubber (refer to your manual again for recommendations). * Be sure to thoroughly rinse so that you get all of the cleaner off and minimize the risk of foaming or oiling.
- Clean your filter(s) by using a cleaning spray or soaking in a cleaning solution and/or spraying with a garden hose
Once everything is squeaky clean, the next step is to remove the water from your plumbing. You can also add pool or hot tub antifreeze to keep any remaining water from freezing and damaging your pipes and/or pump.
- Make sure all valves are open and then loosen the unions between the pipes and your pump(s) and heater. This will allow the water to drain from the pump and lines and prevent expanding water from making them burst or crack.
- Remove the drain plug from your pump(s). *Remember to keep up with it, we all know how frustrating it can be when you can’t find small parts you remove..
- Use a wet/dry vac to suction each jet to remove as much water as possible from each one.
- Once you have sucked the water out, reverse the flow of your vac and blow air through the lines until you feel comfortable that you have removed as much water as possible.
- Replace the pump plug(s).
- Tighten the unions snugly.
- Fill your pump with pool or hot tub antifreeze (DO NOT use automotive antifreeze made for radiators).
- Pour a gallon in your skimmer as well to make sure any left over water in the lines will not cause any damage.
- Close the cover of your tub. * If your hot tub isn’t under a covered space, consider putting a tarp over it to keep the rain and thawing snow out while it’s not in use.
Pro Tip – If squirrels, mice, or rats can access your hot tub cabinet, consider putting some moth balls in a small bucket and placing it in the cabinet to keep them away from your equipment.
For more detailed information and tips about how to winterize your hot tub, you can also reference this helpful video.