Freezing temperatures can do significant damage to your spa, particularly the plumbing lines. You can keep it running all winter long, however make sure the water is being tested, chemicals are being added, keeping it clean and keep the spa running when not in use.
Comfortable temperatures or not, if you’re not going to use your spa for an extended period of time, close it!
Things you will need:
Allow the chemical levels to drop before draining the water into your yard or other location. After a few days, test the water. Once the chlorine (or other sanitizer) level has dropped to ZERO, you can begin winterizing your spa.
2. Turn the Breaker OffMake sure there is absolutely NO POWER getting to your spa. It is not enough to just turn the spa off. You can simply unplug if it is not hard-wired.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT skip this step. Electricity and water do not mix, and failing to cut power to the spa will put you and anyone who may be helping you in danger during this process. Safety first, always!
Remove the drain cap and attach the garden hose to the drain spout. Make sure the other end of the hose is in an appropriate place to drain all of the water. Remember, you will be releasing roughly 400 Gallons of water. Make sure the drainage area can accommodate that amount. Allow spa to drain.
If you want to drain the water more quickly, you can pump the water out with a Submersible Pump or Sump Pump. Keep an eye on the spa so the pump does not run dry. Also, remember to remove the drain cap when you’re done using the pump!
Open the access panel in the cabinet and locate the pump(s) and heater. Loosen the unions to allow water to drain from the plumbing lines.
If the pump(s) has a drain plug, remove that as well and allow any water inside the pump to drain out. Drain plug is located on the face of the pump, just under the union.
You do not want to leave the filters in place over the winter. You also do not want to store dirty filters. Remove them, and take this opportunity to clean them.
You could use regular filter cleaner, but since you will be storing the filters for weeks, possibly months, we recommend going a little further and putting them in a chemical soak for 24 hours, or at least overnight.
This is a crucial step – clearing the water from the lines is key! Leaving water in the plumbing lines over the winter can cause the water to freeze and expand, which can cause the lines to crack or burst. Freeze damage is not covered under warranty. Therefore, you want your spa to be completely empty over the winter and that means every part of it, not just the tub if it is not going to be running.
Turn the Shop-Vac setting to blow. Insert the hose into every drain, union, jet and the filter cavity. Blow into each spot for 10-15 seconds to force the water out of the lines and into the tub.
When you finish, repeat the process. Again, you do not want ANY water in the lines.
Now you can remove all of the remaining water at once. Depending on how much water is now in the tub, you may want to use the sump pump again, and then use the Shop-Vac to pull out whatever the pump cannot get. If it is just a little bit of water, the Shop-Vac should be able to handle it all!
This will be the easiest clean you have ever done on your spa. No water in the way!!
Use non-abrasive sponges and hot tub cleaner that does not require rinsing to clean the shell. If you prefer, you can use non-toxic household products to clean your spa. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
If you find a ring of scum where the waterline was, you may need to soak it a bit with the spa cleaner before scrubbing it away. You may also want to use a little diluted bleach to kill any bacteria that may be hiding in it.
You probably give your spa a good wipe-down when you do your regular cleaning, but to winterize your spa and keep it closed for a few months, that cover needs to be clean.
Clean the underside, the top, and the sides getting into the crevices created by seams. Let it air dry, or wipe it dry with a towel. You do not want to close up any moisture when you cover your spa. You will be approached with mold and mildew come time to reopen.
Once the cover is dry, place it over your spa. If it locks, lock it to prevent anyone or anything from climbing into the spa during the winter. Even if your spa cover locks, it is a good idea to further secure it with wind straps to ensure it stays put, even in the harsh winter weather.
Place a tarp over your spa. Spa covers are not completely water tight. Therefore, placing a tarp over your spa will help prevent water infiltration from rain and melting snow. This also helps keep the cover as well as the spa clean throughout the winter.
Family Leisure is the perfect place to shop for your spa winterizing supplies! Check out our collection of spa accessories.
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