One of the most attractive reasons to purchase a hot tub is that it can be used all year. In fact, many people enjoy relaxing in the hot, bubbling water as cold air surrounds them or snow floats softly to the ground. Unlike pools, winterizing your hot tub is not something you need to do as soon as the weather turns cold. However, if you decide to spend the winter away from home or if you have decided not to use your hot tub over the winter for whatever reason, it is important to protect your hot tub from damage by winterizing it.
Removing the Water
First, turn off the power. This includes turning off circuits to guarantee there is no electrical power coming to the hot tub. Open the drain plug to start removing water. It will take some time using the drain plug to remove the water, so if you want to remove water quickly, consider using a sump pump. A hose attached to the drain plug can also speed up the drainage. If your hot tub has an air blower, you also need to remove the water from it. Turn off the heater to avoid accidentally turning on the tub without water as this can damage the heating element. Replace the cover and reconnect the electric to run the air blower. Allow it to run for 30 seconds and then turn the power off again.
Remove Filters
Remove the cover gain and take out all the filters inside the well. Clean the filters with a cartridge cleaner. It is recommended that you allow them to soak for 24 hours to clean them thoroughly before you store them for the winter. Use a shop-vac to remove any water that remains in the filter well. If it is only a little bit of water, you may be able to remove it with a sponge. If these steps are too complicated or you are unable to perform the winterizing yourself, a hot tub company like Anchor Pools & Spas can provide a professional to perform the service for you.
Drain Plugs and Fittings
Open up the cabinetry and locate the hot tub pump. There could be more than one pump if your hot tub is large. If there are fittings attached to the PVC pipe, loosen them. Remove the pump drain plugs to allow water that could form due to condensation to drain from the pipes. Store the drain plugs safely for reinstalling when you start your tub back up. Once the pipes, pump and filters are all drained, you will probably have additional water in your tub. Use a sump pump, shop-vac or sponges to remove all water. The hot tub needs to be completely dry.
Shell and Cover
Once the tub is completely empty, scrub the inside of it with hot tub cleaner. Some do not require rinsing, but if the one you choose needs to be rinsed with water, remember to dry the tub completely after cleaning. You also need to clean the cover using hot tub cover cleaner. Remember to clean both the inside and outside of the cover.
Once you have completely cleaned the tub and cover, reattach the cover securely. If your cover has a locking mechanism, use it to prevent anyone from getting into the hot tub or it blowing off during winter wind storms. If you do not have a locking cover, secure the cover with straps that can be locked down.
Dixie Somers
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