If you plan on going away this winter or just don’t fancy using your hot tub over the winter months, you will need to know how to winterise your hot tub to protect it from damage. Winterising your hot tub involves cleaning and drying the whole hot tub to prevent damage while it is not in use. We've put together this step-by-step guide to help you winterise your hot tub before the cold weather really hits.
While it can be fun to use your hot tub as usual during colder months (there’s nothing more cosy than a hot soak when it’s cold outside) this isn't always an option. Nobody likes to get covered in snow and rain when they are trying to unwind! That’s why we have created this easy guide on how to winterise your hot tub, so that your spa can be back up and running when the weather warms up again!
Why Winterise a Hot Tub?
Winterise your hot tub to protect it when it is not in use. When temperatures drop and your hot tub is left unattended, the water inside will freeze and expand. This can potentially burst pipes, damage filters and heaters, or even crack the shell. Winterising your hot tub involves emptying and cleaning your tub to avoid any damage occurring from the cold weather. If you plan on keeping your tub running throughout the winter, you shouldn’t need to do anything beyond your usual maintenance routine.
How to Winterise a Hot Tub
1. Flush your tub
Before draining your tub, it is recommended that you flush the pipes to remove the build-up of any soap and oils that may be in the plumbing. A Hot Tub Flush product can help with this. Simply pour the product into your tub while the pumps are running and leave the tub overnight to soak.
2. Power down
The next step is powering down your hot tub. Disconnect your tub from the electrical source by turning off the breaker or by unplugging it if it’s not hardwired.
3. Drain your tub
Once your tub is completely powered down, you can open the drain valve and let the water drain completely. If you want to speed this process up, you can use a submersible water pump. After draining, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water from the bottom of the spa, jets, and filter.
4. Remove and clean the filters
Next, take out the filter cartridges and thoroughly clean them with a filter cleaner. We recommend Yourspa Filter Cartridge Cleaner. Leaving the filter cartridges to soak overnight before storing them in a dry, warm place. If the filter well has water inside it once you have removed the filters, you can use a sponge to soak it up.
5. Dry all fittings
Now you will need to locate your hot tub pump(s), air blower and jets. To start, loosen any unions that attach the PVC pipe to the pumps and remove any drain plugs. This should allow water to drain from your pipes if condensation builds up.
If your tub has an air blower, you will also want to drain any water from there using a wet and dry vacuum. You should then use your vacuum to blow out all of the hot tub jets so that all pipes are clear of water.
6. Remove all remaining water
At this point, you will probably still have a little bit of water leftover in the tub. Use either a sponge or your wet vacuum to get all of the water out of the hot tub – you want to make sure the tub is completely dry.
7. Clean the shell
Once your tub is completely dry, you can use wipes or a cloth to thoroughly clean the inside shell. Make sure you pay close attention to the jets and other hard-to-reach areas!
8. Clean and secure the hot tub cover
Finally, give your hot tub cover a good clean! As your tub could be left with the cover on for a number of months, it is always a good idea to thoroughly clean the cover before putting the tub away for the winter. Make sure the cover is dry before you secure it to your tub to avoid mould growth.
Congratulations! Your hot tub is now fully winterised and ready for the cold weather.
If you have any questions about winterising your hot tub, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Premier Hot Tubs. A member of our friendly customer service team will be happy to provide further advice!
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