How to Winterize a Saltwater Hot Tub

Preparing your saltwater hot tub for winter can help protect it from freezing temperatures and ensure a smooth opening come spring. Winterizing a saltwater hot tub is a bit different from a traditional hot tub due to the saltwater system, but with a few simple steps, you can keep it safe and ready for the next season.

1. Gather Your Winterizing Supplies

To winterize a saltwater hot tub, you’ll need specific supplies to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are some essentials:

• pH adjusters and sanitizer from our AquaDoc Hot Tub Care Collection to balance the water before closing.
• Non-toxic antifreeze designed for hot tubs to protect the pipes from freezing.
• A submersible pump to drain the water completely.
• A soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the surfaces.
• A shop vac to remove any remaining water from the plumbing.

2. Test and Balance the Water Chemistry

Before draining, it’s important to balance the water chemistry to prevent any damage from lingering chemicals.

• pH: Ensure your pH is between 7.2 and 7.8.
• Alkalinity: Aim for an alkalinity level between 80 and 120 ppm.
• Salt levels: For saltwater systems, check that your salt level is within the recommended range. Balanced water helps prevent scaling and corrosion.

3. Drain the Water Completely

Once your water chemistry is balanced, use a submersible pump to drain the hot tub completely. Make sure to disconnect the power to avoid any issues. After the water is drained, use a shop vac to remove any remaining water from the jets, pipes, and the bottom of the tub. This step is crucial, as even a small amount of water can freeze and damage your system.

4. Clean and Protect the Surfaces

Wipe down the hot tub’s surfaces with a gentle cleaner from the AquaDoc Hot Tub Care Collection to remove any dirt, oils, or residue. This ensures a fresh start when you reopen it in the spring.

5. Add Antifreeze to the Plumbing Lines

To protect your hot tub's plumbing lines, pour non-toxic antifreeze into the pipes. Follow these steps:

• Using a funnel, pour the antifreeze into each jet and line.
• Be sure to add enough to ensure all water in the lines is replaced with antifreeze.
• Avoid using automotive antifreeze, as it can be harmful to the environment and dangerous if accidentally introduced to the water system.

6. Turn Off the Power and Disconnect the System

Once you’ve added antifreeze, turn off the power to the hot tub and disconnect any power sources. This step ensures that the system remains inactive during the winter months.

7. Cover the Hot Tub

A high-quality cover is essential to keep your hot tub safe from winter weather. Choose an insulated cover designed to withstand snow and cold temperatures. This will keep debris and moisture out of the tub, protecting it from the elements.

Enjoy Peace of Mind this Winter

By properly winterizing your saltwater hot tub, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring it will be ready for use next season. With these steps and the help of the AquaDoc Hot Tub Care Collection, you can rest easy knowing your hot tub is safe from the winter cold.

Get Ready for Spring

When spring arrives, simply reverse these steps to reopen your hot tub. Winterizing is an investment of time that pays off by extending the lifespan of your hot tub. Trust AquaDoc products to make the process easier and more effective, keeping your hot tub in top shape year after year.