If you have a hot tub, you know how relaxing it can be to soak in its warm, bubbling waters. However, when winter approaches, it is critical to take the proper precautions to preserve your hot tub from the elements. Winterizing your hot tub is an important maintenance task that can prevent costly damage to the piping and other components of your tub.
We’ll walk you through the process of winterizing your hot tub so you may properly store it until the warmer weather returns in this post. With a little effort, you can ensure that your hot tub remains in good working order and is ready for you to enjoy when spring arrives.
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How to Winterize a Hot Tub by Yourself
Balance the Water Chemistry
To properly winterize your hot tub, you must first balance the water’s chemistry. It’s crucial to test the pH and alkalinity levels of your water, even if it appears to be clear and to make any necessary adjustments. Balanced water chemistry protects your hot tub from corrosion, staining, and other damage
- Test the Water: To test the water, use pH and alkalinity test strips. Compare the colors on the strip to the color chart on the bottle after briefly dipping it in the water. The ideal pH ranges from 7.2 to 7.8, while the ideal alkalinity ranges from 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
- pH adjustment: If the pH is too low, use a pH increaser in accordance with the directions provided by the manufacturer. Add a pH decreaser if the pH is too high.
- Alkalinity adjustment: If it’s too low, apply an alkalinity booster. If it’s too high, you can either use a pH decreaser or add fresh water to the water to dilute it.
- Add Shock Treatment: You can help get rid of any germs or algae by giving the water a shock treatment. For information on the appropriate dose of shock therapy to add, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Drain the Water
The second step is to drain the water completely to avoid any water from freezing and causing harm to the plumbing pipes or other components.
- Turn off the Power: Make sure your hot tub is switched off and unplugged from the power source.
- Find the Drain: Locate the drain stopper on your hot tub. It is frequently found near the tub’s bottom.
- Drain the Water: To thoroughly drain the water from the hot tub, use a submersible pump or a gravity drain. Install a submersible pump in the center of the hot tub and connect a hose to the pump outlet. Connect the hose to a safe drainage area, such as a gutter or drainage ditch. Connect a hose to the drain plug and run the other end of the hose to a safe drainage point if utilizing a gravity drain.
- Open the Air Jets: After the water has been emptied, open all of the air jets to allow any remaining water to escape.
- Remove the Filter Cartridges: Rinse the filter cartridges with a garden hose. Keep them dry until you’re ready to utilize your hot tub again.
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Clean the Tub
This step will help you remove any dirt, grime, or bacteria that may have accumulated over time.
- Apply a Hot Tub cleaning: Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, apply a hot tub cleaning to the inner surfaces of the tub. Scrub away any dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Pay close attention to the areas near the waterline, as well as any corners or crevices.
- Rinse the tub: Rinse the tub with a garden hose to remove any dislodged particles and the cleanser. Rinse the tub thoroughly, including the jets and filters.
- Dry the Tub: As much as possible, dry the tub with a clean, dry cloth. Any leftover moisture might promote the formation of mold or mildew.
(Check this as well: 4 Quick Steps On How to Clean Hot Tub Filters by Yourself)
Protect the Plumbing
The fourth step is to protect the plumbing lines from freezing during winter.
- Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum or an Air Compressor: Blow any remaining water from the plumbing pipes using a wet/dry vacuum or an air compressor. Work your way back toward the pump starting with the jets that are farthest from it. Ensure that air is blown through each jet until no more water is released.
- Add Antifreeze: To keep any remaining water from freezing, add a non-toxic antifreeze to the plumbing lines. Antifreeze should be poured into the water inlet and allowed to run through the plumbing system. The manufacturer’s recommendations for using antifreeze should be followed.
- Cover the Inlet and Outlets: Winterizing plugs should be used to cover the water input and outlet. These plugs will keep out any debris that might blow in over the winter and stop any animals from getting into the plumbing pipes.
Cover the Tub
The final step is to cover the tub with a winter cover to keep debris and moisture out and prevent damage.
- Use a High-Quality Cover: Use a high-quality winter cover developed exclusively for your hot tub model. This will help to ensure a proper fit and keep debris and moisture out.
- Secure the Cover: To hold the cover in place, use straps or bungee cords. To prevent wind from getting below, make sure the cover is tight and secure.
- Inspect the Cover: Throughout the winter, check the cover to ensure it is still secure and in good shape. Remove any snow or debris that has accumulated on top of the cover.
(Check this as well: DIY Project: How to Shock a Hot Tub in 6 Simple Steps)
Winterizing your hot tub is an important step that should not be overlooked. By taking the proper precautions to protect your hot tub during the cooler months, you will avoid any damage caused by frozen water, moisture, or debris. This will assist to ensure that your hot tub is ready to use again in the spring and will also help to extend its lifespan.