Hot Tub Winterization Tips
Most hot tub and spa owners from colder climates prefer to keep
their spa open for the cold winter months. If you have ever been
in a hot tub in the middle of a major snow storm, you will
understand why. For those of you that haven't had the
opportunity to try it, you really ought to. It is truly an
amazing feeling to be soaking in the tub in sub-zero weather as
the snow swirls in the air above. However, if you do feel the
need to drain your tub for the winter the following tips should
set you in the right direction.
The first thing you need to do is drain the water from your tub.
This can be accomplished a number of ways. Most hot tubs and
spas come equipped with a drain. Simply attach your garden hose
to the drain connection, and allow it to drain. One way to do
this is to place the end of your garden hose in the tub and run
the water for a moment. While the one end of the hose is still
in the tub, disconnect the other end from the tab and connect it
to the tub drain. The water ought to flow when you remove the
hose from the tub.
This would also be an ideal time to remove your filter
cartridges. It is also important to drain the water from the
water blowers. To do this, simply turn the air blowers on and
allow them to run for a minute or so. You may want to leave the
lid on the tub while you do this. When this is complete, you
should disconnect the power supply to the tub. If your tub was
properly installed, it should have a dedicated circuit on your
circuit panel. Turn off the power by flipping the switch on the
circuit panel.
Be sure to loosen the couplings on your heater housing and on
your pumps. As well, you should also loosen any other drainage
valves that may be on the equipment. This will allow any other
water to drain from the system. Many people like to place
antifreeze in the lines during the winter. This is not a bad
idea, but it is not really necessary if you can get all of the
water out of the lines. Use a Shop-Vac to remove any remaining
water. The only thing left to do is replace your spa cover, and
close your control panel. Repeat these steps in reverse, for a
proper start-up in the spring.