Deciding Whether to Keep Your Hot Tub Running or Close It
With the cold months almost upon us, the time has come to decide whether to keep your spa running over the winter or close it for the season. Depending on your decision, there are several steps you need to follow to protect your hot tub from the elements and keep it from damage that can result in expensive repairs.
During the winter months, many people love the wonderful feeling of sitting in a bubbly, warm, relaxing spa, with a winter wonderland all around them. However, with colder temperatures outside, the hot tub will take longer to heat to temperature and will need to run more often to keep heated, meaning your energy cost may go up. If you decide that you are going to shut down your spa for the season, you will want to make sure it’s properly drained before the weather gets too bad. Most hot tub damage that happens over the winter months is caused by freezing damage, which can end up costing more than simply running the spa year-round.
Winter Spa Use: Tips for Keeping Your Hot Tub Running
Start With Fresh, Clean Water
Changing the water in your hot tub when it is very cold outside is never fun and can be very difficult. So, before the temperature dips too far below zero, go ahead and do a water change and a full clean. As water changes and cleaning is recommended on a quarterly schedule, starting the new season with fresh, clean water will help to limit water issues over the coming months.
Maintain a Quality Spa Cover
Ensuring you have a high-quality, well-maintained hot tub cover is crucial to minimizing heat loss to the winter air when not in use.
Monitor Water Levels Regularly
Another thing to keep in mind with winter use is that water levels should be checked regularly. If the water level drops too low, the pump and heater will not come on, resulting in freezing cold water and potential damage to your spa.
Closing Your Hot Tub for Winter: Step-by-Step Guide
Flush and Drain the System
Flush your system and drain the water from your spa. Having any water in the plumbing over the winter can cause freezing and damage your hot tub.
Remove Water From Air Blowers
If your spa comes with an air blower, that will need to have the water removed from it, too. Shut down the heater, and run the blower for between 30 seconds and a minute to eliminate the water from the system.
Clean or Replace Filters
Winter is the perfect time to do a really good clean on your filters. If they have seen better days, it may be time to replace them. If they are still in good working order, clean them and put them somewhere dry and safe for the winter.
Drain Remaining Plumbing and Jets
Once the hot tub is empty of water, loosen the plumbing fittings to allow the remaining water to drain out. Ensuring there is absolutely no water left in the lines is very important to prevent cracking from frozen pipes.
Add Non-Toxic RV Antifreeze for Extra Protection
As an extra insurance policy, you can add non-toxic RV antifreeze to your empty spa to ensure any water remaining in low-lying areas does not freeze and cause damage. Simply remove your filter(s), pour the non-toxic antifreeze into the plumbing beneath where the filters go, and continue pouring until you start to see antifreeze coming up through into the footwell, which should ensure all low-lying areas have been filled. Depending on the size of the spa, you may need multiple bottles of antifreeze.
We do not recommend automotive antifreeze, as it can be very toxic and would require thorough cleaning when opening the spa up again.
Secure the Spa for Winter
Once fully drained and dry, place the spa cover on and lock it to keep your hot tub safe for the season.
Summary: Winter Preparation for Your Hot Tub
When summer wanes and fall begins to change the leaves, it's time to think about what you are going to do with your spa over the winter. Whether you decide to keep it open and use it on those chilly nights or close it and reopen it in the spring, there are important steps to follow for both. Following these steps will help ensure your hot tub remains in perfect working order and can help avoid costly repairs later.