How do you prep your hot tub for the winter?

Felix Foster said:
It’s almost time to close my hot tub for the winter. What’s your routine for winterizing it?
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Winterizing your hot tub the right way can save you from major headaches (and repairs) when spring rolls around. Here’s a simple, step-by-step routine I follow each year. It’s easy to stick to and helps avoid cracked pipes, moldy covers, and other cold-weather surprises:

1. Give it a good clean first
Before draining, I add a line flush product and run the jets for 15–30 minutes. It helps clean out any gunk or buildup inside the plumbing.

2. Drain all the water
Once the water’s cooled a bit, I drain the tub completely, including opening the drain spout and using a wet/dry vac to suck water out of the footwell and seats.

3. Blow out the lines
This part’s important: I use a shop vac on each jet and the suction line to blow out leftover water. Any trapped water can freeze and cause damage.

4. Remove and store filters
I take the filter out, rinse it well, let it dry, and store it indoors. Leaving it in while the tub sits dry all winter just shortens its life.

5. Loosen fittings and unplug the pump
If your spa has unions or connections, I loosen them a bit to let any trapped water expand if it freezes. I also unplug the pump to protect the electronics.

6. Clean and protect the cover
I wash the cover, dry it completely, then treat it with a vinyl protectant. Keeps it from cracking and wearing down in the cold.

7. Secure the lid
I strap down the cover tight so wind doesn’t lift it, and sometimes toss a tarp over the whole thing for extra protection.

That’s it! Takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it. I’ve been using this method for years and never had winter damage. Better to do it right once than deal with leaks or busted jets in the spring.
 
I've found that using a tarp over the cover makes such a difference during those windy winter days. Plus, it’s super easy to roll up when I’m ready to reopen it in the spring!
 
Felix Foster said:
It’s almost time to close my hot tub for the winter. What’s your routine for winterizing it?
Click to expand...
I’ve closed my hot tub for winter a few times now, and getting it done right definitely saves headaches when you open it back up. The first time I did it, I missed a few steps and ended up with a frozen jet line—not fun. Now I make sure to drain it fully and get as much water out of the plumbing as possible.

Once the tub is drained, I blow out the lines using a shop vac. It takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it to avoid any leftover water freezing and cracking something. After that, I take the filters out, clean them, and store them indoors. The shell gets wiped down, and I leave a towel in the bottom just in case a little water makes its way in. I also double-check that the breaker is off—can’t forget that.

Here’s my basic routine:
  • Drain the tub completely, including the blower and pumps.
  • Use a wet/dry vac on the jets and lines to clear remaining water.
  • Remove and clean the filters, then store them somewhere dry.
  • Wipe everything down, including the underside of the cover.
  • Cover it tightly and, if it’s in a windy area, strap it down so it doesn’t lift.

Every tub’s a little different, but that general process has worked well for me. If you’re not sure about something, the manual usually has a winterizing section that’s worth skimming.
 
Felix Foster said:
It’s almost time to close my hot tub for the winter. What’s your routine for winterizing it?
Click to expand...
To winterize your hot tub, start by draining all the water and cleaning the tub and filter thoroughly. Let everything dry completely. Remove any removable parts like pillows and store them in a dry place. Make sure all valves are closed, and ensure no water is left in the system. Then, cover the tub with a secure, weatherproof cover. If you’re in a cold area, consider using a space heater near the equipment to prevent freezing. This will keep your hot tub safe and ready for next season!
 
Hey Felix,

Yeah, I close mine up every winter too since I don’t use it much when it’s freezing out. I usually start by giving it a good clean and scrub the shell, clean the filter, that kind of thing. Then I drain all the water out, including from the lines. I use a wet/dry vac to blow out any water left in the jets and pipes, just so nothing freezes.

After that, I leave the drain open and wipe everything dry. I also toss in a bit of RV antifreeze into the lowest points just to be safe (mostly around the pump and heater area). Then I throw the cover on tight and strap it down so no snow or critters get in.

Honestly, not too complicated, but definitely worth doing right so nothing cracks over winter. Learned that one the hard way a couple years ago…
 
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