How to Winterize a Hot Tub

Properly winterizing your hot tub is crucial to ensuring you can enjoy it when the weather improves. The most important part of readying your hot tub for cold weather is removing every bit of water. Failing to do so before freezing temps arrive can lead to frozen pipes and pumps and damage other crucial components, which can ruin the hot tub. You should winterize a hot tub even if your area never sees cold temperatures, as bacteria can grow in it after long periods of no use.

We’ve laid out exactly how to remove all the water from a hot tub’s inner workings, as well as some necessary steps to ensure reopening the hot tub is a breeze.

Before You Begin

To avoid dumping chemicals from your hot tub when you drain it, remove the chemical supply and allow the hot tub to sit for several days before winterizing it. The chemical levels should drop, but make sure they do before draining by using a chemical test kit to check the levels.

When you’re ready to drain, locate a spot in your yard that’s away from the house and can handle hundreds of gallons of water. Ensure your hose can reach this spot.

Safety Considerations

Water and electricity don’t mix. Whenever attempting to service your hot tub or any other electrical appliance, always turn off the power at the breaker rather than just turning off the appliance’s power.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Water hose
Water pump (optional)
Wet/dry vac
Pipe wrench or pliers (optional)
Bucket

Materials

Filter cleaner
Hot tub cleaner
Rags

Instructions

Follow these steps to get every last ounce of water out of your hot tub before the freezing temps arrive.

Turn Off the PowerLocate the breaker that controls the hot tub and turn it off. Double-check the hot tub to confirm it doesn’t have any power to it.
Drain the WaterAfter establishing a safe space to drain the hot tub, hook a hose to the drain port and drain as much water as possible.
Drain the BlowerEnsure the hot tub heater is turned off, and then restore power to the hot tub. Double-check to make sure the heater is still off, and run the hot tub for at least 30 seconds to drain the water from the blower. Turn off the hot tub and turn off the power at the breaker once more.
Loosen the UnionsOpen the bottom of the hot tub and loosen the unions on both the pump and the heater.
Remove the Pump Drain PlugsIf the pump has drain plugs, loosen and remove them.
Remove and Clean the FiltersRemove the filters and clean them with water and a filter cleaning chemical, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Thoroughly dry the filter and place it in storage indoors.
Blow Out All the LinesRemove the filter from your wet/dry vac and place the hose on the “blow” side. Use the hose to blow out all the lines, blowing each cavity, drain, union, and jet for at least 10 seconds. When you are finished, repeat this step to ensure all water has been removed.
Remove Any Remaining WaterPlace the wet/dry vacuum hose back on the suction side and use it to suck out all remaining water from the shell.
Clean the Shell and CoverUse hot tub cleaner to wipe out the shell and cover and remove any scum or water lines, following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Wipe it dry when you are finished.
Lock the CoverWhen everything is thoroughly dry, replace the cover and lock it in place until it is time to reopen the hot tub.

How to Keep a Hot Tub in Working Condition

A properly winterized hot tub will be ready to go once the winter weather is gone, but here are some other key hot tub maintenance tips to keep your hot tub working great all season long:

Buy a high-quality cover.
Change the water regularly.
Maintain the proper chemical balance.
Skim and vacuum often.
Deep clean the hot tub occasionally.
Keep filters clean.
Circulate water often, even when not using the hot tub.

Following this simple maintenance checklist will keep your hot tub in good working order year after year.