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The leaves are changing. The temperatures are dropping. Football is on TV, and the unmistakable scent of pumpkin spice is wafting through the air. There’s no doubt about it — fall is here. And while there’s a lot to love about the transitional time between summer vacation and the busy holiday season, for some hot tub owners, fall means one thing: Winterizing.
First things first: You may not need to winterize your hot tub at all. It all depends on how much you plan to use your hot tub once the cold weather sets in. To some spa owners, there’s nothing better than a long soak in a hot tub, followed by a refreshing blast of winter air after. But not everyone feels that way, of course — and there are plenty of hot tub owners who close down their spas until spring.
Shutting things down for the winter? Here are five easy steps to winterizing your hot tub.
You should follow the normal procedure for draining your hot tub (remember, a good hot tub maintenance includes draining and refilling approximately every three months):
Once your spa is empty, give it a good cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or film. Check your owner’s manual and use the product or cleaning solution that’s recommended for your hot tub. And don’t forget to clean your hot tub cover, too!
If you’ve got an above-ground hot tub, it’s a good idea to do a quick inspection of your cabinet: Take a look at all panels and fittings, tighten loose screws, and secure latches and handles. In addition to protecting your hot tub from the elements, this will also help keep out unwanted visitors (think squirrels, mice, and other critters) that might be looking for a winter home.
Once your hot tub is empty, clean, and completely dry, it’s time to put the cover on. Before you do, take a few minutes to make sure it’s in top condition. A cover with cracks, holes, and wear may not provide the protection your hot tub needs to survive the winter.
Considering a new cover? Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out a replacement: