Hot tubs bring comfort all year long, but when cold weather sets in, many homeowners start thinking about how to protect their spa during the freezing months. If you live in an area with harsh winters, learning how to winterize a hot tub is essential. Doing it properly prevents damage, saves you money on repairs, and ensures your spa will be ready to use again once the warmer days return.

Winterizing might sound intimidating at first, but with a clear process, it becomes very manageable. This guide will walk you through the steps so you know exactly what to do and why it matters.

Why Winterizing Matters

Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand why winterizing is so important. Water left inside a hot tub can freeze, expand, and cause cracks in the pipes, pump, or shell. These types of repairs are not only frustrating but also expensive. When you winterize hot tub systems correctly, you protect your investment and keep everything in good condition for years to come.

Some people keep their hot tubs running through winter, which is fine if you use them often and maintain them properly. But if you know you will not be using your spa for several months, winterizing is the safest route.

The Steps

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need on hand. For most hot tubs, you will want:

● A garden hose or sump pump for draining

● A wet and dry shop vacuum

● Towels or sponges for drying surfaces

● Filter cleaner and replacement filters if needed

● Antifreeze if you plan to add extra protection

These items make the process smoother and help ensure that no step is skipped.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power

Safety always comes first. Turn off the power at the breaker before starting any work on your hot tub. This prevents the pump or heater from kicking on while the water is being drained. Double-check to make sure the control panel is completely off before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Drain the Water

The most important part of winterizing is draining all the water. Attach a hose to the drain spout or use a sump pump to empty the tub. Be sure the water flows to an area where it can safely drain away from your home. Once the bulk of the water is gone, use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining puddles from the bottom.

Getting the water out of the plumbing lines is just as critical. Connect the vacuum to the jets and blow air through the pipes to push out trapped water. Take your time with this step, since any leftover water can freeze and cause damage.

Step 4: Clean the Surfaces

With the tub empty, give the interior a good cleaning. Wipe down the shell with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. This not only keeps your spa looking fresh but also prevents buildup from sitting inside during the winter months. Remove the filters, clean them thoroughly, and decide if they need replacing before spring.

Step 5: Add Antifreeze (Optional but Helpful)

Some owners choose to go a step further with antifreeze. If you live in an especially cold region, learning how to winterize a hot tub with antifreeze can provide extra peace of mind. Use antifreeze specifically designed for hot tubs, and pour it into the plumbing lines after blowing them out. This helps protect against any small amounts of water that may still be trapped.

Keep in mind that when spring comes, you will need to flush the lines thoroughly to remove all antifreeze before refilling the tub.

Step 6: Protect the Cover

Your hot tub cover is the first line of defense against snow, ice, and debris. Clean it well before winter, and check for cracks or waterlogging. A cover in poor shape will not insulate properly, which can put stress on your spa even while it is shut down. If your cover is aging, consider replacing it before the coldest months arrive.

Step 7: Secure the Area

Once the tub is drained, cleaned, and covered, make sure the surrounding area is also ready for winter. Remove furniture or items that could blow into the spa. Sweep away leaves or debris so they do not collect around the hot tub and cause issues later.

How Much Does It Cost to Winterize?

You might be wondering, How much does it cost to winterize a hot tub? The answer depends on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Doing it yourself usually costs very little, especially if you already have the tools. You may only need to buy antifreeze or a new filter, which can run $20 to $50.

Hiring a professional can typically cost between $150 and $300, depending on your location and the size of your hot tub. However, prices may vary depending on numerous factors.

While that is an added expense, it can be worth it if you are not comfortable handling the process on your own. A professional ensures everything is done properly, which can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Should You Winterize or Keep It Running?

If you live in a place with mild winters, you might not need to winterize at all. Many people in colder climates also keep their hot tubs running, since the warm water makes for a cozy retreat on cold nights. Still, if you know you will not use it for months, winterizing is the smarter choice.

For example, those who own hot tubs in Colorado Springs often choose to winterize if they plan to travel or simply will not be using the spa during the snowy season. On the other hand, if soaking in warm water while the snow falls sounds too good to pass up, keeping it heated and well-maintained works just fine.

Preparing for Spring

When spring rolls around, you will need to reverse the process. Remove the cover, flush out any antifreeze, and refill with fresh water. Clean and reinstall the filters, test your chemicals, and your hot tub will be ready to enjoy again.

This is also a great time to check your spa for any wear or maintenance needs. If you are thinking about upgrading, this is when many people start looking for reliable dealers who can help with new models or accessories.

Conclusion

Learning how to winterize a hot tub gives you peace of mind when cold weather hits. By turning off the power, draining all the water, cleaning the surfaces, and adding antifreeze if necessary, you protect your spa from freeze damage. Taking care of the cover and securing the area finishes the process, leaving your hot tub safe until spring.

The cost depends on your approach, but whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it is always cheaper than repairing freeze damage. Understanding how much it costs to winterize a hot tub helps you decide what works best for you.

If you follow this step-by-step plan for winterizing a hot tub with antifreeze or without it, you protect your investment and ensure that your spa will be ready for relaxation as soon as the warm weather returns.

At the same time, if you’re looking for hot tub dealers in Colorado Springs, Spas of Colorado has your back!