How Do You Winterize a Hot Tub? A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you live somewhere with freezing winters, you might not plan to use your spa for several months. That is when many owners start asking the same question: how do you winterize a hot tub properly?

Winterizing a hot tub means preparing it for cold weather by removing water from the shell, plumbing, pumps, and equipment. If water stays inside the system and freezes, it can expand and crack pipes or damage components. 

The good news is that the process is fairly straightforward if you follow the right steps.

Why Winterizing Your Hot Tub Matters

Simply turning off your spa for the winter is not enough. Any water left in the plumbing lines can freeze and cause costly damage.

Hot tub owners usually winterize when:

• They will not use the spa for a month or longer

• Temperatures regularly drop below freezing

• They want to avoid the energy cost of heating unused water

If your hot tub sits idle during freezing weather, trapped water can expand and crack plumbing lines or jets. 

Many spa owners discuss these winter prep challenges in online forums like this Reddit thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/hottub/comments/qlr7ha/winterizing_hot_tub/

Step-by-Step: How to Winterize a Hot Tub

Winterizing usually takes about two to three hours. The goal is simple: remove all water from the system.

1. Flush the Plumbing Lines

Before draining the tub, run a plumbing line cleaner through the system.

This step removes buildup like:

• Biofilm

• Oils

• Bacteria

• Debris inside pipes

Let the cleaner circulate with the jets running for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Starting with clean plumbing makes reopening your hot tub in spring much easier.

2. Turn Off the Power

Safety always comes first.

Shut off power at the breaker before working on the hot tub. Water and electricity should never mix when performing maintenance.

3. Drain the Hot Tub Completely

Next, drain all the water from the spa.

You can do this using:

• The built-in drain valve

• A garden hose

• A submersible pump for faster draining

Once most of the water is gone, remove any remaining water in the footwell using a wet/dry vacuum.

4. Blow Out the Plumbing Lines

Even after draining, water often remains trapped inside the plumbing.

Use a wet/dry vacuum or air blower to remove water from:

• Jet lines

• Pump lines

• Heater lines

• Air control lines

This step is critical because leftover water is the most common cause of freeze damage.

A helpful homeowner guide explaining the full process can be found here:
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/winterizing-hot-tub/ (opens in new window)

5. Remove and Store the Filters

Take out the hot tub filters and clean them thoroughly.

After cleaning:

• Let them dry completely

• Store them indoors

• Replace them if they are worn out

Dry storage prevents mold and helps extend filter life.

6. Clean and Dry the Tub

Before closing everything up, wipe down the hot tub shell with a spa-safe cleaner.

Be sure to clean:

• The shell

• The seats

• The cover underside

Remove any remaining water with towels or a vacuum.

7. Add Antifreeze (Optional for Cold Climates)

In very cold regions, some owners add a small amount of spa-safe antifreeze to plumbing lines for extra protection.

Important tip:
Never use automotive antifreeze in a hot tub system.

8. Secure the Hot Tub Cover

The final step is protecting the spa during winter.

Make sure the cover:

• Fits tightly

• Is locked or strapped down

• Keeps debris and snow out

A well-sealed cover helps prevent moisture and protects your spa cabinet during the off-season.

Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid

Many hot tub problems in spring happen because of small mistakes during winter prep.

Watch out for these:

• Leaving water inside the plumbing

• Forgetting to remove filters

• Not blowing out the jets

• Turning off the spa without draining it

• Using the wrong type of antifreeze

Taking a little extra time now can save hundreds or even thousands in repairs later.