The very first thing you should do before preparing your hot tub for winter is to decide whether you want to keep it running or not. Running a hot tub during the winter requires additional energy due to the cold weather, making the idea of closing your hot tub for the winter an appealing option. However, if you don’t properly drain and winterize your hot tub, damage caused by water freezing within parts of the hot tub can cost a lot more than running your hot tub during the winter months. Either option has its own benefits and costs, so it’s up to you to decide what you’d prefer.

How to Care For Your Hot Tub in Winter

Maintaining Your Open Hot Tub in Winter

If you decide to keep your hot tub running during the winter, get it ready before cold temperatures really set in. Depending on the weather, early or mid-December can be a good time to get started.

1. Do a complete water change of your hot tub and clean it thoroughly.
2. Next, check your hot tub cover and make sure it’s in good shape. If you see any damage, repair or replace it to prevent further damage or additional energy costs.
3. If you don’t already own a floating thermal blanket, get one. Thermal blankets float on top of the water underneath the hard hot tub cover, trapping the heat and lowering energy costs.
4. The last thing you should do to keep your hot tub in good condition during the winter is to check the water temperatures and levels regularly. Keeping an eye on the temperature and level of the water is essential to prevent any part from freezing and will help keep your hot tub in great shape this winter.

Closing Your Hot Tub for the Winter

If you decide to close your hot tub in winter, take the time to properly drain and dry it before it gets too cold. If you don’t dry out your hot tub completely, freezing can occur and lead to hefty repair costs in the spring.

1. Flush the hot tub system and drain all water from the hot tub.
2. If your hot tub has an air blower, turn the heater off and run the blower until all of the water has been pushed out. This should take around 30 seconds.
3. Remove the filters and clean them or buy some new ones. Put the filters somewhere safe during the winter and install them again in the spring.
4. Loosen all the plumbing fittings so water can drain out of them. If you have a gas heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to turn it off and drain water from any valves and fittings.
5. Use a wet-dry vacuum to blow air through all of the jets, ensuring that no water remains within the jet system.
6. Dry the inside completely and clean it thoroughly before putting the hot tub cover on.

Whether you decide to keep your hot tub open or close it during the winter, take the time to fully prepare your hot tub for the season. If you have any questions about your hot tub or how to properly maintain it, contact us. Take a look at our spas and hot tubs if you are interested in learning more.