How do you winterize a hot tub?
The short answer
A tub that stays filled, heated and covered through winter needs no winterizing. Shut it down only if nobody will use or check on it.
Water left in a hot tub's pipes can freeze, and ice splits pipes, pumps and heaters. Winterizing means getting every bit of water out before that can happen. Done halfway, it is worse than leaving the tub running.
The steps, in order
- Turn off power at the breaker. Not just at the control panel.
- Drain the tub fully. Use the drain valve or a pump, and bail or sponge out what is left in the footwell.
- Clear the water from the jets and lines. This is the step that matters most. A wet-dry vacuum, blowing through each jet, is the usual way; your manual may name drain plugs on the pumps and heater to open as well.
- Remove the filters, clean them, and let them dry. Store them indoors.
- Dry the shell and secure the cover. Lock the straps so wind and snow cannot lift it.
- Check your manual for steps specific to your model. Makers differ, and some warranties depend on how this is done.
When to get help
If you are not sure the lines are clear, a hot tub dealer can winterize it for you. A split pipe found in spring costs far more than the visit.
Starting up again
Look over the shell, jets and cover; put clean filters in; refill with fresh water; restore power and check that the pumps and heater run; then start your sanitizer as its instructions say.
This is general guidance. Your hot tub's owner's manual comes first, and so do the instructions on your products.