Your hot tub is an outstanding addition to your home and family, and proper maintenance will ensure you get to enjoy it for years to come. This maintenance includes making the necessary adjustments to keep your spa operating through the cold winter months or, alternatively, shutting it down during the cold months.
Closing Down for Winter
Hot tub owners often report that they most enjoy using their spas during the winter. However, if your area is bracing for severe inclement weather or you’re leaving town for an extended period of time, you may wish to shut down your spa entirely.
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Power Down
You’ll be emptying your spa of water and performing additional maintenance on it, so shut off the heater and turn off the spa.
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Empty the Spa
Drain your hot tub of all water. Empty the air blowers, if your spa is equipped with these.
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Clean Filters
Remove your filters and place them in a cleaning solution. You’ll want to keep them in a dry place for as long as they’re out of the hot tub. Take this opportunity to clean the filter basket, as well.
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Loosen Fittings
If your pump housing has drain plugs, open them. You may wish to rent or purchase a shop vac to remove additional water left inside these fittings.
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Blow Jets
Water can get trapped in your jet plumbing and damage your hot tub if it freezes. Make sure this is drained, whether manually or by a shop vac.
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Clean the Shell
Your hot tub is empty, so give the entire basin a good scrubbing with a spa cleanser.
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Cover Your Tub
Place your cover over your hot tub and lock it down. It will protect your spa during the winter. When spring arrives, you can refill your hot tub and begin enjoying it again.