While most owners prefer the magic of a steaming soak during a snowfall, there are times—such as extended travel or property vacancies—when you may need to shut down your spa for the season. Winterizing a hot tub is a high-stakes task; any water left in the plumbing can freeze, expand, and crack your pipes or pump housing, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. At Lovia Spas, we recommend following this meticulous “dry-down” protocol to ensure your investment stays protected until spring.
1. The Pre-Drain Purge
Before you empty the water, you must clean the areas you can’t see.
- Biofilm Removal: Use a dedicated “Flush” or “Jet Cleaner” product. Run your jets on high for 30–60 minutes. This breaks down organic buildup in the internal plumbing that could otherwise harden and become impossible to remove over the winter.
- Check the Chemistry: Briefly ensure your sanitizer levels are stable so that any residual moisture isn’t breeding bacteria during the dormant months.
2. Power Down Safely
- The Golden Rule: Turn off the power at the main GFCI breaker.
- Why it matters: If the spa tries to run a filtration cycle or a freeze-protection routine while the tub is empty, it will burn out the heater element and damage the pump seals instantly.
Gravity alone is not enough to winterize a spa. You must be proactive in removing every drop.
- Drain the Shell: Use the primary drain valve or a submersible pump for speed.
- Blow Out the Lines: This is the most critical step. Use a wet/dry vacuum on its “blower” setting. Place the hose into the filter housing to push water through the plumbing and out of the jets.
- Vacuum the Jets: Switch the vacuum to “suction” and go to every single jet, holding the nozzle over the opening for 10–15 seconds to pull out trapped water.
- Open the Unions: Open the equipment cabinet and loosen the PVC unions on the heater and pumps. Remove the small drain plugs from the bottom of the pump housings.
4. The “Antifreeze” Safety Net
- Use Only Propylene Glycol: Never use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol), as it is highly toxic. Only use non-toxic RV/Marine or Pool-grade antifreeze.
- The Process: Pour roughly one gallon of antifreeze into the filter standpipe and a small amount into each jet. This ensures that any tiny pockets of water that escaped your vacuuming will not freeze into solid ice.
5. Final Shell and Cover Care
- Dry the Surface: Use a chamois or microfiber towel to wipe the shell completely dry. Any standing water can cause surface staining or “shell blisters” in extreme cold.
- Filter Storage: Remove your filter cartridges, clean them thoroughly, and store them indoors in a climate-controlled area.
- The “Tarp” Trick: Secure your thermal cover with its locking straps. For heavy snow regions, place a piece of plywood over the cover to distribute weight, then secure a waterproof tarp over the entire spa to prevent meltwater from seeping into the cabinet.
6. Remove and Store Components
- Take out filters and clean them thoroughly. Store dry filters indoors to prevent moisture problems.
- If your equipment panel allows, remove pumps or heaters for indoor storage, especially in bitter climates.
Storing delicate parts inside reduces exposure to extreme cold and extends their life.
7. Secure and Insulate the Tub
A high-quality cover is one of your best protections:
- Confirm your cover is in good condition (no significant tears or sagging).
- Ensure it fits tightly and latches correctly.
- Consider placing a board or insulation layer on top to prevent snow buildup from compressing the cover.
Although Lovia hot tubs are engineered for outdoor use and generally weather-resistant, an intact cover significantly reduces heat loss and intrusion of cold air or snow.
8. Optional: Skip Winterizing if You Plan Regular Use
If you plan to use your hot tub consistently through winter:
- Leave water in the spa.
- Enable freeze protection mode if available.
- Maintain a minimum warm water temperature (often above ~80°F/27°C, though always check your model’s guidelines).
- Regularly check sanitizer levels and water balance to keep conditions healthy.
This approach prevents freeze issues by keeping water moving and warm rather than entirely draining the system.
9. When to Consider a Professional
If you’re unsure of the process, have a complex setup, or the hot tub is difficult to access, consider having a certified technician perform winterization. A professional will ensure every circuit and component is cleared of water.
Summary
Winterizing protects your hot tub investment and prevents costly freeze damage. Although premium outdoor spas like those from Lovia are designed to handle outdoor conditions, winterization is still recommended when the unit will not be used for long periods or temperatures routinely dip below freezing. If your spa is equipped with freeze protection electronics and insulation, you may opt to keep it running. However, when leaving it idle for weeks without power, winterization is the most reliable safeguard.
