Hot Tub Buying Guide

How to winterize a hot tub

No winter soaks for you. For some reason, you will not be able to enjoy the wonderful experience of sitting in your hot tub, relaxing in the soothing hot water, enjoying the hydrotherapy of the jets as the snow lightly falls around you. Too bad since winter is one of the favorite times for many to enjoy their hot tub. But if you are sure, here are some tips to winterize your tub.

First, as always, check your manufacturer's instructions and follow their recommendations on how to winterize your tub.

Then you will need to drain your hot tub just as you do for routine maintenance. But for this you need to be sure you get all the water out of the tub including all the pipes. Be sure to check drain plugs, all the fittings in the heater housing, the pumps, etc. Remove the filter and drain the water from that area as well. One way to get the water out is to use a shop vac to blow the water out. Then use the vacuum to suck out any water left in the lines. It won't hurt to do it all again - you really want to be sure the water is out of there! You may want to then add some RV antifreeze to the lines. Using the shop vac, blow that through making sure all the water has come out. RV antifreeze is colored so you will be able to see it as it comes out, ensuring that all the water has come out. Do not use much antifreeze in this step. RV antifreeze should not cause any harm your tub and when you start the tub back up when spring arrives, flush the lines to get any residual out.

Once the water is completely out, your hot tub has been prepped for winter. Secure the cover, adding an additional tarp to protect the tub from the harsh winter weather, if you want. Now grab some hot cocoa, a good book and sit by the fire until spring comes.