Closing Your Hot Tub For the Winter

While some hot tub owners choose to keep their spas running year-round, many decide to close their hot tubs during the winter months. If you fall into the latter group, it’s important to know that winterizing a hot tub involves much more than unplugging it and draining the water. 

If your spa isn’t properly prepared for winter closure, you may uncover costly damage or operational issues when spring arrives. To protect your investment and ensure your hot tub is ready to use when warm weather returns, follow these essential steps. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Hot Tub 

1. Power Down the Spa 

Turn off the spa and heater at their individual switches, then shut off power at the electrical panel. This ensures safety while you complete the winterization process. 

2. Drain the Hot Tub 

Use a spa vacuum or submersible pump to remove water from the tub, including foot wells. You may also flush the plumbing lines at this stage to remove debris and residue before storage. 

3. Clear the Air Blower (If Applicable) 

If your hot tub has an air blower, moisture must be removed from the lines: 

• Turn the heater off 
• Restore power temporarily 
• Run the blower for approximately 30 seconds 
• Shut off power again before continuing 

This helps prevent frozen moisture from damaging internal components. 

4. Remove and Clean the Filters 

Take out the filters and soak them in a filter-cleaning solution. If your filters are more than a year old, replacing them is recommended for optimal performance in the spring. 

After removing the filters: 

• Soak up any remaining water in the filter compartment with a clean towel 
• Clean the filter compartment and skimmer basket, if present 

5. Loosen Plumbing Fittings 

 Freezing can cause plumbing damage. To reduce stress on the system: 

• Loosen fittings 
• Open drains in the pump housing 
• Open fittings between the inlet and outlet of the pump and heater 

6. Blow Out the Jets 

Open all jets and use a wet-dry vacuum to blow air through each jet fixture until all residual water has been removed. 

7. Clean the Shell and Protect the Cabinet

Clean the spa shell using a cleanser approved for your hot tub’s surface, then dry it thoroughly. If your hot tub has a wooden cabinet, applying a fresh coat of finish can help protect it from winter weather damage. 

8. Ensure the Tub Is Completely Dry  

Use soft, absorbent cloths or towels to remove any remaining moisture. You may also apply a protective wax specifically designed for hot tubs. 

9. Clean and Protect the Cover 

Wipe down the spa cover inside and out. Apply a protectant formulated for the cover’s material to help prevent cracking and weather-related wear. 

10. Cover the Entire Hot Tub 

Using a full hot tub cover provides added protection—especially for spas in exposed areas. It helps prevent rain and melting snow from entering the tub and freezing inside. 

Special Considerations for Wooden Hot Tubs 

Wooden hot tubs require extra care when winterizing. When left completely empty for long periods, wood can shrink or crack, which may cause leaks. 

To winterize a wooden hot tub safely: 

• Follow the standard draining steps 
• Leave a few inches of water in the tub to prevent shrinkage 
• Cover the tub with a tarp 
• Check periodically and top up the water level during winter 

If shrinkage does occur, the tub can usually be retightened in the spring.

Need Supplies or Help Closing Your Hot Tub? 

For hot tub water treatment products and winterization supplies, browse our catalogue. If you have questions or would prefer professional assistance with closing your hot tub, contact us today. Oakville Home Leisure is happy to help. 

Oakville Home Leisure

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