Best Practices for Adding Antifreeze to Your Hot Tub (Step-by-Step Guide)

Winterizing your hot tub is essential for protecting it from freezing temperatures and ensuring that it remains in good condition throughout the colder months. One of the most important steps in this process is adding antifreeze to the plumbing and pipes. While this is an important task, it’s essential to follow best practices to avoid damaging your hot tub. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly add antifreeze and prevent any cold weather issues.

Why You Need Antifreeze for Your Hot Tub

When temperatures drop, the water in your hot tub plumbing can freeze, causing significant damage to the pipes, jets, and internal components. Antifreeze helps prevent this freezing by lowering the freezing point of the water, ensuring that your hot tub stays safe during the winter months.

Without antifreeze, you risk:

Cracked pipes and jets: Freezing water expands and can crack the plumbing.
Damaged pumps and equipment: Frozen water can cause pumps to seize or crack.
Costly repairs: Without proper protection, you could face expensive repairs come spring.

Adding antifreeze to your hot tub is a simple but essential step in protecting it from the elements.

Step 1: Drain the Hot Tub

Before you add antifreeze, you must drain the hot tub to remove all the water from the system. This ensures that you’re adding antifreeze to empty plumbing, preventing damage caused by water freezing in the pipes.

Turn off the power: Always switch off the power to your hot tub before draining. This prevents any electrical hazards while you’re working on the system.
Locate the drainage valve: Open the valve to let the water drain out completely.
Remove any remaining water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or a sponge to remove any leftover water from the shell and plumbing.

Draining the tub ensures that there’s no water left in the plumbing system, which could cause issues if it freezes.

Step 2: Disconnect the Hoses and Equipment

Disconnect all hoses and any removable equipment to make sure no water is trapped inside. This includes:

Disconnect the filters: Remove the filters from the hot tub and clean them separately.
Remove any accessories: If you have any accessories, like steps or lights, remove them to avoid them being exposed to freezing temperatures.
Disconnect the spa cover: Be sure to remove the cover to allow air circulation, which will help prevent moisture build-up and freezing.

This step ensures that all parts are disconnected and free of water, which will help antifreeze work effectively.

Step 3: Use the Right Type of Antifreeze

When selecting antifreeze for your hot tub, it’s important to use a non-toxic antifreeze that is specifically designed for spa systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it can be harmful to the components and the environment.

Look for RV or pool-safe antifreeze: These types are formulated to be safe for plumbing systems and won’t damage your hot tub’s equipment.
Check the label: Ensure the antifreeze is compatible with your hot tub’s plumbing and material.
Don’t use regular antifreeze: Regular automotive antifreeze contains chemicals that can corrode your pipes and damage your hot tub’s components.

Choosing the right antifreeze will ensure that your hot tub is properly protected without causing harm to the system.

Step 4: Add Antifreeze to the Plumbing

Once you have the right antifreeze, it’s time to add it to your hot tub’s plumbing system.

Pour antifreeze into the jets and plumbing: Use a funnel to add antifreeze into the jets and other openings in the plumbing system.
Use a wet/dry vacuum: Attach the vacuum to the plumbing to remove any remaining water and then blow air through the system. This will force the antifreeze into all the pipes.
Check the entire system: Make sure that antifreeze reaches all parts of the plumbing system, including the jets, heater, and pumps.

Be sure to add enough antifreeze to cover all of the plumbing. If any section is left untreated, it can still be prone to freezing.

Step 5: Add Antifreeze to the Equipment

In addition to the plumbing, your hot tub’s equipment, including the pumps and heater, needs protection as well.

Pour antifreeze into the pump: Add antifreeze to the pump lines to ensure that water inside doesn’t freeze.
Protect the heater: Make sure the heater is free of water and that antifreeze flows through it. Use a funnel to direct the antifreeze into the equipment.
Check the plumbing connections: Ensure that all pipes, hoses, and connections are filled with antifreeze to avoid any weak spots.

Protecting all your equipment from freezing ensures that it remains in good condition throughout the cold months.

Step 6: Replace the Filters and Cover the Hot Tub

Once you have added the antifreeze and protected the plumbing and equipment, it’s time to put everything back in place.

Replace the filters: Clean and reinstall the filters. A clean filter is essential for the next time you use the hot tub.
Replace the cover: Put the cover back on the hot tub, ensuring that it is sealed properly. This will keep the cold air out and prevent the antifreeze from evaporating.

Having the cover securely in place will also keep debris from entering the hot tub during the winter months.

Step 7: Monitor the Hot Tub Throughout the Winter

After completing the winterization process, make sure to monitor your hot tub periodically.

Check the cover: Ensure the cover is intact and properly sealed to keep cold air and debris out.
Test the antifreeze levels: If possible, check that the antifreeze has not been compromised by leaks or evaporation.
Inspect the plumbing: Occasionally inspect the plumbing and equipment to ensure that there are no leaks or issues.

Regular monitoring will help you catch any issues early, preventing problems down the road.

When Should You Add Antifreeze to Your Hot Tub?

It’s important to add antifreeze before the first freeze of the season.

Fall preparation: Add antifreeze to your hot tub in the fall before temperatures dip below freezing.
If you’re closing your hot tub for the winter: Always winterize your hot tub if you won’t be using it during the colder months.
Check the weather forecast: Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to winterize the system properly.

Tips for Safe and Effective Antifreeze Use

Follow manufacturer instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing your hot tub.
Use only non-toxic antifreeze: Never use automotive antifreeze in your hot tub.
Properly dispose of antifreeze: Dispose of any leftover antifreeze safely according to local regulations.