Winter Relaxation at Home: How to Winterize a Hot Tub

A snowy soak in a steaming hot tub can be a magical experience - but it's not for everyone. If you want to shut down your outdoor hot tub in winter months, you'll need to learn how to winterize a hot tub.

Taking the steps outlined below will protect your hot tub in winter. In this article we'll break down why you need to prepare your hot tub for winter and how to winterize a hot tub so it's ready for use when the snowy season passes.

What Does it Mean to Winterize a Hot Tub?

The term "winterizing a hot tub" refers to the act of preparing your hot tub for cold weather. From cleaning your filter to securing a thermal hot tub cover, you'll be glad you took the steps to protect your hot tub in winter.

However, if you plan to use your hot tub in winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep it running throughout the cold winter months. We strongly recommend the Frog @ease system. This self-regulating device uses 75% less chlorine but still works to maintain your hot tub chemicals. Thanks to our disinfecting minerals, the water will be crystal clear and almost odorless.

But if you plan to close up your hot tub for the season, you’ll want to review the guide below. Properly winterizing a hot tub not only protects it from potential damage from snow or drastically changing temperatures, but also ensures that it remains in optimal condition - no matter the season.

How to Winterize a Hot Tub

Are you ready for a thorough hot tub cleaning? Because that’s the first half of the battle when you winterize a hot tub. The second part of closing up your hot tub for winter is making sure it’s tucked in and ready to hibernate.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of winterizing your hot tub, highlighting the benefits of winterization and the potential risks of neglecting this protective step.

Preparations for Winterizing a Hot Tub

Before diving into the winterization process, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need a hot tub cover and straps to secure it, hot tub chemicals and test strips for water treatment, filter cleaner and waterline cleaner, and insulating materials if applicable.

It's also recommended to check your hot tub's manual for any manufacturer-specific instructions and allocate time to complete the winterization process without rushing it. You'll thank yourself later.

Hot Tub Accessories for Winterizing a Hot Tub:

• sump pump
• garden hose
• Shop-Vac
• hot tub filter cleaner
• spa filter soak
• hot tub cleaner
• hot tub cover cleaner
• non-abrasive sponges
• soft cloths or towels

Draining and Cleaning the Hot Tub

1. To begin winterizing your hot tub, turn off the power and disconnect it from the electrical source.
2. Next, drain the water from the hot tub using one of the available methods, such as using a submersible pump or a drain valve. It's important to pay attention to tips for preventing water damage during the draining process.

Important note: never leave the hot tub heater on while your hot tub is empty. At this point, your hot tub should still be disconnected from any power source, but do not turn your hot tub heater on without water in the tub.

Draining the Blower

If your hot tub has an air blower you'll need to drain the water before continuing.

To drain the water from your hot tub air blower:

1. Turn off the heater. Never run the hot tub heater when the hot tub is empty.
2. Attach the hot tub cover. Put the hot tub cover on like you normally would.
3. Turn the breaker on. Or plug the hot tub back in, if you just disconnected it.
4. Run the hot tub. This will turn the blower on which will force water from the system. Let it run for about 30 seconds.
5. Turn the hot tub off.
6. Turn off the breaker. Or unplug the hot tub if you just plugged it back in.
7. Take off the hot tub cover. Proceed with winterizing your hot tub.

Protecting the Plumbing and Equipment

Properly maintaining the plumbing and equipment is crucial for the longevity of your hot tub. If you live in an area that gets heavy snow, these steps are vital for protecting your hot tub.

1. Start by loosening the unions on the pumps and heater. You'll find this in the access panel.
2. Unscrew the drain plug if your hot tub has one
3. Remove and clean the filter.
4. Next, it's important to blow out the plumbing lines to remove any sitting water. It is of utmost importance to remove all water to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Sanitizing the Shell

Don't let buildup ruin your hot tub's finish. Before you pack up your hot tub for the winter, it's important that you sanitize the hot tub shell. Use only approved cleaning chemicals from your hot tub store.

Covering and Securing the Hot Tub

Installing the hot tub cover properly is vital to protect it from the elements. Ensure a tight fit to prevent heat loss and the entry of debris. Secure the cover with straps or clips to keep it in place, even during strong winds. Invest in a thermal hot tub cover and keep the hot tub covered when not in use.

Adding Extra Insulation

Once the hot tub is drained, sanitized, and the plumbing lines are dry, you should add insulation to the hot tub shell and pipes. Foam insulation or insulating wraps are great for the pipes. If available, consider a freeze protection system for enhanced safety.

You can further protect the cover from harsh weather conditions by using a cover cap or a thermal blanket. Regularly clear snow and debris off the cover to maintain its effectiveness.

Monitoring and Maintenance during Winter

While your hot tub hibernates during the winter, it's important to conduct periodic checks and maintenance to ensure its continued well-being. Regularly inspect the hot tub cover and straps for any signs of wear or damage, addressing any issues promptly.

Examine the area around the hot tub for potential damage caused by extreme weather conditions. Finally, take necessary precautions during power outages or extreme weather events to safeguard your hot tub.

Can You Use Your Hot Tub in Winter?

Yes. If you don’t just want to seal up your hot tub during the cold winter months, you can use your hot tub in winter. You will need to take extra precautions to keep your hot tub running seamlessly, but Bueno Spa has some of the most energy efficient hot tubs available, which makes them an excellent choice for year-round use.

Our uniquely designed insulation reinforces the internal insulation of the hot tub. This helps to reduce the energy required to heat the spa by approximately 50%. The installation of a heat pump is also an useful solution, which also helps reduce energy consumption. These budget-friendly solutions help the user to use their Bueno Spa hot tub all year round.

Contact Bueno Spa for More Information on How to Winterize a Hot Tub

Winterizing your hot tub is a crucial task that ensures its protection and longevity. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently prepare your hot tub for the winter season.

For more detailed information, you can always contact a friendly Bueno Spa representative. We are always happy to help you maximize your hot tub ownership experience. With proper winterization, your hot tub will be ready to provide relaxation and rejuvenation when the warm season rolls back around.