March 5, 2024
Photo by Marc Wieland on Unsplash
There are many times you might consider winterizing a hot tub. Sometimes people migrate for warmer climates over the winter and aren't around to enjoy their tub, some people just prefer to use the tub over the spring and summer; whatever the reason may be, knowing how to winterize your hot tub can be invaluable to .
Usually when you drain your tub to winterize it, it's also a great idea to clean the hot tub at this time using a hot tub drain kit, so long as you aren't in a time crunch.
To prepare a hot tub for the winter by draining it, follow these steps:
1) You will need a shop vac or wet/dry vacuum, hot tub antifreeze, a filter cleaner, and a cover. If your tub does not have a drain valve or similar drain line, you may also need a submersible pump.
2) Turn off the power to the hot tub. Locate the drain valve, usually located at the bottom of the tub. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end to a suitable drainage area. Open the valve and let all the water drain out.
3) Alternatively, if your tub doesn't have a drain valve, you can use a submersible pump to drain the water from your hot tub. These pumps are designed to be submerged in water and can quickly and efficiently pump out large volumes of water.
a) Identify the lowest point in your hot tub where the water tends to collect. (Usually at the bottom of the tub)
b) Attach the discharge hose of the submersible pump to the pump outlet.
c) Make sure the hose is securely attached and that it is long enough to reach your desired drainage area, then direct the discharge hose to that suitable drainage area, such as a floor drain, a yard, or a utility sink. Ensure that the water will not cause any flooding or damage to surrounding areas.
d) Place the submersible pump into the hot tub, ensuring that it is fully submerged in water, then plug in the submersible pump and turn it on. The pump will begin to pump water out of the hot tub and through the discharge hose.
e) Keep an eye on the draining process to ensure that it is proceeding smoothly. Once the hot tub is empty, turn off the pump and disconnect it from the power source.
4) Use a shop vac or wet/dry vac to blow out any remaining water from the plumbing lines. Start by blowing air through the jets, starting from the highest jets and working down, then through the filter compartment, and finally through the drain valve. This will ensure that all water is removed from the system. At this point you should also remove the hot tub filters and clean them thoroughly using a filter cleaner solution. Rinse them with water and allow them to dry completely before storing them.
5) Pour hot tub antifreeze or a similarly suitable antifreeze (non-toxic) into the plumbing lines. This will help prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct place to pour the antifreeze and for the correct amount of antifreeze to use based on the size of your hot tub. The recommended approach for most tubs is to pour antifreeze into the plumbing from the location where the filter is seated. However, it's advisable to refer to your owner's manual for confirmation.
6) Inspect your hot tub cover for any damage or wear, then if it’s in good condition, place the cover securely over the hot tub to protect it from debris and harsh weather conditions.
Throughout the winter months, periodically check on your hot tub to ensure that the cover remains in place and that there are no signs of damage or leaks. It's also reccomended to make sure to remove any snow from the cover with a broom instead of a shovel to ensure you don't do any accidental damage to the cover. (Car snow removal brushes work great and help you with leverage!) The excess weight from snow may cause premature failure of your hot tub cover if gone unchecked. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
In the case of a power outage where a wet/dry vac and submersible pump are not an option, and if your tub doesn't include a drain valve or similar fixture at the bottom of the tub, then you may still be able to drain the tub down using siphoning, so long as you have a point lower than the tub to drain to. This should get rid of the majority of water in the shell but may not empty the plumbing lines, so adding a hot tub or non-toxic antifreeze is highly recommended.
By following these steps, you can effectively winterize your hot tub and protect it from freezing temperatures. Remember, to refer to your hot tub's manual for any manufacturer-recommended winterization procedures or call a local professional to perform the service for you.
