Hibernate Your Hot Tub for Winter
When it comes time for winter hibernation, how should I drain my hot tub and store my filters?
What should you consider and how should the filters be prepared and stored if you decide not to run your hot tub through the winter?
1. The first step is to cut off the hot tub’s main power supply. The hot tub must be totally electrically isolated; no power should ever reach it.
Take note—your safety is at stake!
2. Drain the hot tub’s water as usual, either by using the drain point and a hose or, to complete the task more quickly, by using a submersible pump. (Always consult the hot tub manufacturer’s owner’s manual for instructions on draining, filling, and maintaining your hot tub.) You definitely won’t want to pass up this chance to thoroughly wipe down and clean the hot tub so that it is prepared for use when you refill it. Remember to clean under the headrests as well!
Please note that the hot tub equipment and pipework can still be full of water once you have drained the tub as you would usually do, if you carry out a water change.
If you intend to leave your tub empty over the winter months, you must drain it completely if there is any risk of it freezing.
Water left in pipework and pumps can do costly damage when it freezes, split pipes, pump and manifolds. If you are unsure how to perform this, consult your local hot tub store. If you do not own a wet and dry vacuum it may be more cost effective for them to do this for you. Could be cheaper than freezing your tub up.
3. Take out the filters and clean them completely using a Filter Cleaner and a Filter Cartridge Cleaner. If necessary, immerse the filters in a cleaning solution for a while. The filters should then be thoroughly rinsed before being safely stored in a dry location in preparation for refitting the filters the following time you use the hot tub. Keep two sets of filters on hand to enable quick filter changes and enjoy uninterrupted bathing when it’s time to change the filters.
4. Replace the cover after the hot tub and underside of the cover have completely dried, ensuring that no water can enter. While enclosed, any remaining moisture may lead to the growth of mould or algae. By spending a few extra minutes now making sure it is completely dry, you will save much cleaning time when it comes time to refill the hot tub.
