While most Best Hot Tubs’ clients use their spas throughout the winter, there are plenty of “snowbirds” who seek warmer climes, such as Florida and the Carolinas this time of year.
So, if you are a spa owner who wants to close your hot tub down — i.e., winterize it before taking flight — we asked Best Hot Tubs of Westbury Store Manager, Dan Mirro, for advice.
“Hot Tub Winterization is a critical service, if you won’t be using the hot tub during winter. It prevents the cracking of freezing pipes, pumps and plumbing throughout the hot tub. So winterizing is key.”
Dan offers the following DIY tips:
1. Pick the best place in the yard to drain the spa’s existing water;
2. Turn off the power at the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker;
3. Remove the hot tub’s access panel that reveals the spa’s inner equipment (pumps, circuit board, heater etc.);
4. Locate the drain in the hot tub, pull it out and remove the drain cap;
5. Attach garden hose to drain plug (most have this plug, if not, get a submersible cover pump to drain the hot tub);
6. If you have a Bullfrog Spa (A or R series), while you drain the water in the hot tub, open all lower valves on your JetPaks to allow water to drain from each of these. Once drained, close the JetPak valves;
7. Use a wet vacuum or shop vacuum to vacuum the plumbing lines; on wet vacuums, use the blow setting first and then the suction setting;
8. Loosen them and disconnect the unions on the pumps and remove the plugs from the pumps;
9. When bone dry, clean the hot tub interior;
11. Add hot tub anti-freeze in the filter line;
12. Reattach the access panel;
13. Remove filter cartridge(s) and clean. Do not reinstall;
15. Put your hot tub cover back on and use any locking system you might have; because of potentially harsh winters in the northeast, add a tarp over the whole hot tub, covering it entirely, and add rope around the hot tub to hold the tarp in place.
“When you return in the spring, to de-winterize the hot tub, you can reverse thee steps.
Note: A proper winterization can protect your hot tub for a safe winter season shut down.
If you are in a hurry, or if DIY projects are not in your wheelhouse, the crews at Best Hot Tubs’ three showrooms will gladly help you by scheduling a “Spa Winterization” by one of our Techs.
For more information, see your owners manual or contact Dan at (516) 279-4850.
Hot Tub Winterization: Best Hot Tubs’ Tech checking filters and cleaning the skimmer
Hot Tub Winterization: Best Hot Tubs’ Tech testing spa water for: Sanitizer, pH levels, Alkalinity and Calcium
Hot Tub Winterization: Best Hot Tubs’ Tech making minor adjustments
Hot Tub Winterization: Best Hot Tubs’ Techs winterize hot tubs even on top of city buildings.
