Preparing Your Hot Tub for Winter
As winter slowly creeps in, taking a few proactive steps can make a world of difference in protecting your hot tub from the harsher, colder months ahead. Winterizing your hot tub not only prevents costly repairs from freezing or weather damage but also keeps it in prime condition, ensuring a smooth start-up come spring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential winterization tips, explaining the importance of each step and how to carry them out effectively. A little preparation now can help your hot tub withstand winter beautifully and extend its lifespan for years to come.
1. Flush and Drain Your Hot Tub System for Winter Protection
- Why: Draining the hot tub before winter prevents water from freezing and damaging your pipes or other components. However, it’s crucial to flush your system first, as stagnant water in the pipes can lead to bacteria buildup, which can damage your hot tub over time.
- How: Use a product like Pure-Spa Hot Tub Flush to clean out hidden debris, dirt, and bacteria in the pipes. Run the tub's jets for a short period to circulate the cleaner before draining, ensuring the system is thoroughly rinsed.
2. Remove and Clean Hot Tub Filters for Peak Performance
- Why: Dirty filters can impede water flow, making your system work harder. Storing them in a warm, dry location helps prevent any dampness that could lead to mold or mildew buildup.
- How: Use a specialized Pure-Spa Cartridge Filter Cleaner to remove oils, minerals, and bacteria trapped in the filters. Carefully immerse the filters overnight, rinse them, and let them dry completely before storing. This maintenance prolongs filter life and keeps the water clean.
3. Turn Off Power and Open Hot Tub Fittings to Prevent Freezing
- Why: Shutting off the power is essential for safety, and opening the drain valves allows any remaining water to flow out, reducing the risk of frozen water in the system.
- How: First, make sure the power is completely off at the breaker. Then, unscrew the drain valves and any fittings to let water drain fully. Take extra care to remove as much water as possible from pipes, jets, and any other fittings that could hold water.
4. Clean the Hot Tub Shell and Fittings to Prevent Buildup
- Why: Removing dirt, oils, and other residues from the hot tub’s shell prevents staining and buildup that could become harder to clean if left through the winter.
- How: Apply Pure-spa Hot Tub Surface Cleaner and gently scrub the surfaces. Pay special attention to the waterline, where scum and debris often collect. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any cleaner residue, which could cause foam or cloudiness in the water when you refill. Suitable for Spa shells, covers, jets, inc Gold Plate, Brass, Plastics, Acrylic, Fibre Glass, and more.
5. Protect the Hot Tub Cover for Winter Durability
- Why: The hot tub cover protects the water from debris and keeps in heat, which is particularly important if you’re planning to keep your tub out of operation in winter. Using a cover cleaner prevents mold, mildew, and weather damage.
- How: Apply Pure-Spa Vinyl Cleaner to polish and protect against UV, moisture, and the effects of chemicals for long-lasting protection. It also helps to remove dirt, bird droppings, or algae that can deteriorate the cover over time. After cleaning, secure the cover tightly with storm straps and, if possible, add a cover cap. This extra layer provides better insulation and protection against snow or heavy rain.
Thinking of Keeping Your Hot Tub Running? We’ve Got You!
1. Consider a Heat Saver Blanket for Winter Use
- Why: If you plan to keep your hot tub running, adding a Heat Saver Blanket reduces energy costs by retaining heat. The blanket sits directly on the water, acting as an insulating layer between the water and the cover. Supplied in a 2m square section, which can be trimmed down to fit your spa.
- How: Place the heat saver blanket over the water before putting the main cover on. This additional layer minimizes heat loss, saving energy and extending the life of your cover by reducing direct exposure to spa water vapor.
2. Leaf Nets and Spa Vacuums for Maintenance
- Why: Even with a cover, opening and closing the hot tub during fall or winter months can lead to leaves, dirt, and debris entering the water, which can be annoying to fish out manually.
- How: Use a leaf net for a quick cleanup of leaves and a spa vacuum to handle smaller debris like sand or dirt that may settle at the bottom. Regular maintenance like this can make using your tub in cooler months much more enjoyable.
By following these hot tub winterization tips, you’ll keep your hot tub in peak condition throughout the colder months and make reopening it in spring a breeze. For all the products mentioned and more essential maintenance tools, visit Hydrospares to get everything you need to protect and preserve your spa this winter. With the right care, your hot tub will stay ready for use and well-protected against the elements. Start your winterization today and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
