Winter is coming! As the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, it’s essential to ensure that your hot tub is ready for the cold season ahead.
To maintain your hot tub and ensure its optimal performance, it is crucial to prepare it adequately for winter. This applies regardless of whether you plan to use it during the colder months or not. This article will help you prepare your hot tub for winter so it stays in good shape even in extreme weather. So lets get to it. How to winterize a hot tub.
Guide For How To Winterize A Hot Tub
1. Decide to Keep It Running or Shut It Down
For Active Winter Usage: If you enjoy a warm soak amidst snowflakes, you can keep your hot tub running during the winter. It’s important to keep the temperature steady, check water levels often, and make sure the tub’s insulation is good.
For Winter Break: If you opt for shutting it down, follow the forthcoming steps to protect your investment.
2. Clean Your Hot Tub
A thorough cleaning before winter ensures that your hot tub remains free from contaminants and scale build-up. Master Hot Tub Parts has you covered on chemicals & filters.
- Drain the tub.
- Use a specialized hot tub cleaner to scrub the interior.
- Clean and replace filters.
3. Check and Balance the Water Chemistry
Proper water balance prevents damage to your hot tub components.
- Refill the tub if you’re keeping it active.
- Test the water pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
- Adjust as needed using the appropriate chemicals.
4. Inspect and Protect the Equipment
This step is pivotal if you’re shutting down your hot tub for the winter.
- Turn off the power to your hot tub.
- Remove and drain the filters, then store them in a dry place.
- Open the equipment compartment and drain the water from the heater, pumps, and pipes.
- Blow out excess water from the jets and plumbing using a shop vac.
- Add antifreeze (non-toxic, plumbing antifreeze) to the pipes to prevent any residual water from freezing and causing damage.
5. Secure the Cover
A well-secured and insulated cover is your hot tub’s primary defense against winter’s challenges.
- Ensure your cover is in good condition, free from tears or damage.
- Place the cover on the hot tub and secure it with locks or straps.
- Consider using a thermal blanket beneath the cover for added insulation.
6. Protect from External Factors
Consider these additional precautions to shield your hot tub from external winter factors:
- Clear snow and ice from the cover regularly to prevent excess weight or water seepage.
- Use a breathable spa cover cap to protect the main cover from harsh weather.
- Ensure adequate drainage around the hot tub to prevent standing water.
7. Regularly Monitor and Maintain
Even in winter, it’s essential to check on your hot tub:
- For active users, test and balance water chemistry weekly.
- Inspect covers for snow build-up or damage.
- Ensure no water has seeped into shut-down hot tubs.
Conclusion
Winterizing your hot tub keeps it in good condition for year-round use or when you open it again in spring. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can safeguard your investment from winter’s harsh grasp. So, be it a serene winter soak or ensuring a break without breakages, winterizing is the key.
Always follow the hot tub manufacturer’s guidelines or ask a professional if you’re unsure about winterizing your hot tub.