How To Get Your Hot Tub Ready for Winter

Winter can be tough on hot tubs — but with a little preparation you can keep yours safe, energy-efficient and ready to use. Follow the checklist below whether you plan to use the tub through winter or put it into short-term winter care.

Quick Winter-Ready Checklist

• Test & balance water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, sanitiser)
• Shock the water and clean/replace filters
• Inspect the cover & clean it; add a cover lifter if needed
• Insulate lines and protect the cabinet
• Decide: keep heated & maintained, or winterise fully

Step 1 — Decide how you’ll use the tub this winter

There are two sensible approaches:

• Keep using it: Maintain normal water temperature, check chemistry weekly, and ensure circulation runs to prevent freezing.
• Winterise and shut down: Drain the tub, blow out water from pipes, remove filters and store them, and protect equipment from frost.

If you use the hot tub periodically during winter, keeping it running on a low but steady schedule is often safer than draining — it reduces the chance of pipes freezing and avoids re-filling and re-balancing later.

Step 2 — Water care before cold weather

1. Test and balance: Use test strips or a digital kit to check pH (7.2–7.6) and total alkalinity (80–120 ppm). Correct imbalances before temperatures drop.
2. Shock the water: Apply a spa shock to remove organics and help the sanitiser work well.
3. Sanitiser level: Ensure sanitiser (chlorine, bromine, or alternative) is in the correct range. Low sanitiser + cold = algae risk.
4. Filter clean: Remove filters, rinse thoroughly and soak if needed — replace at least annually or sooner if worn.

Step 3 — Keep circulation and heat working (if you plan to use)

Circulation prevents standing water in pipes that can freeze. Recommendations:

• Set circulation to run a minimum of 2–4 hours per day (more when temps fall below freezing).
• Set the heater to a conservative temperature (e.g. 37–39°C) if you’re using regularly; lower if you rarely use it but still want to avoid freezing.
• Use a programmable timer so the pump runs automatically during the coldest parts of the day/night.

Step 4 — Winterise fully (if you plan to shut down)

If you choose to winterise, do this carefully — mistakes can lead to frozen pipes and expensive repairs.

1. Turn off power at the RCD / isolator before draining and working on the equipment.
2. Drain the shell: Use the built-in drain or a submersible pump to empty the tub completely.
3. Blow out plumbing: Use an air compressor or a shop-vac on blow mode to push water out of jets and lines. Remove inline filters and drains where applicable.
4. Add pool-grade antifreeze (optional): If you can’t remove all water from lines, use an appropriate non-toxic antifreeze made for pools/spas following manufacturer guidance. Do not use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol).
5. Remove and store filters & electronics: Keep them dry indoors.
6. Cover and secure: Clean the top of the shell and cover then put the cover on and strap it down. Add extra insulation (a thermal blanket under the cover) if you expect prolonged freezing.

Step 5 — Protect the cover, cabinet & equipment

• Inspect the cover for rips, wet insulation, or sagging; repair or replace if necessary.
• Clear snow off the cover regularly — heavy, wet snow can deform it.
• Consider an insulating skirt for the cabinet or a windbreak to reduce heat loss.

Step 6 — Regular winter checks

Even if you’ve winterised or kept the tub running, visit once a week to:

• Check water level and top up if needed.
• Inspect the cover and clear snow/ice.
• Listen for unusual pump noises and check for leaks.

Common winter problems & solutions

My pipes froze — what now?

If you suspect frozen pipes, turn off power, call a qualified hot tub technician and avoid pouring hot water on pipes — rapid temperature changes can crack equipment.

There’s cloudy water after re-opening

Shock the water, clean/replace filters and run the pump continuously until clear. Test and adjust chemicals after 24–48 hours.

Cover has water logged and become heavy

Replace the cover — waterlogged foam loses insulation and invites mould. We can advise on replacement options at Hot Tubs Staffordshire.

Tools & products we recommend

• Quality multi-parameter test kit or digital tester
• Spa shock and appropriate sanitiser
• Filter cleaning solution and replacement filters
• Non-toxic pool/spa antifreeze (for lines only)
• Insulating thermal blanket and sturdy hot tub cover

Need help? We can winterise it for you

If you’d rather leave winter preparation to professionals, Hot Tubs Staffordshire offers winterisation and maintenance visits across Staffordshire. From full winter drain-downs to ongoing chemical maintenance, we can look after everything.

For hot tubs like the Encore and other models, proper winter care preserves warranty coverage and keeps running costs down.

— Hot Tubs Staffordshire — Local experts in hot tub sales, servicing and installation.