Looking for ways to ensure that your hot tub stays running smooth during the colder months?
Check out Aqua-Tech’s tips and tricks below so that you can worry less and relax more!
We’ll also let you know what you should have on hand in case you need to perform an emergency winterizing at home.
First, and perhaps the most important piece of advice is to check your hot tub at least once a day, to ensure that it is on and heating properly. Make sure that the breaker hasn’t tripped so you don’t end up with an ice cube where your tub used to be, and so you can avoid a pricey bill to fix it! Check the control panel for the spa temperature and ensure that there are no error messages displayed.
Drain the hot tub as close to the end of fall as you can, weather permitting. We recommend a temperature of above 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for a safe drain and refill. While we typically recommend a drain and refill every 3 months for optimal performance and easier water balancing, our climate does not allow this in the later half of the year. A water change in September/October is best, followed by a fresh fill in the spring. Make sure to use a pipe cleaner (Swirl Away, Trio #3, or Cleanse and Drain) to clean out the pipes and lines before draining.
As we recommend throughout the entire year, remember to rinse your filter regularly (every 1-2 weeks with the hose or the tap – never with a pressure washer or at a car wash, as this can damage the pleats). The filter should also be chemically cleaned every 6-8 weeks with a cleaner like Filter Brite or Filter Revive, to make sure you get the most use out of your filter, keep your spa water clear, and avoid flow errors.
If your tub has a circulation pump, make sure it is running 24/7. Refer to your spa manual if you are unsure of how to check or set the filter cycles.
If your spa has a waterfall, it MUST be left flowing during the winter months. The piping to the feature may freeze if this diverter is not left in the open position.
Maintain good water balance by checking the levels with a test strip at home 1-2 times a week, like BioGuard 5-Way Test Strips. Alternatively, you can drop off a water sample to the Aqua-Tech water lab at least once per month.
Every outdoor spa owner needs to own the following tools: a space heater, wet dry vacuum and a submersible pump. Between November 1 and May 1 you must also have at least 2 gallons of Spa Anti-Freeze Antigel at home in case you need to perform an emergency winterization.
Do not turn the thermostat down on your spa lower than the actual temperature reading between November 1 and April 1. Your spa may freeze! For example, the control panel reads 100 degrees (37.5C). Do not turn your set temperature lower than 101 degrees. When your spa thermostat is lowered below the actual spa water temperature, your circulation pump will turn off. With no water actively circulating through the pipes the standing water will freeze. Pick your winter spa temperature and leave it there = no spa problems.
If your outdoor spa is not circulating or heating in freezing temperatures, please attempt to prevent freezing damage by installing a space heater in the equipment bay of the spa and contacting our service department during normal store hours. Alternatively, you may go to our website: www.aqua-tech.ca and click the emergency tab. Please fill out the emergency service form in its entirety. The after hours service tech will communicate with you as soon as possible. Please be aware that after hours service rates will apply and are not covered as part of the Sundance Spas warranty. No after hours service call can be scheduled without a valid credit card number. We will do our best to fix the issue with your spa. HOWEVER, a salvage winterization may be the only alternative. This judgment will be made by the technician at the time of the site visit.
Last but not least, don’t forget your toque… Happy hot tubbing!
If you have technical questions, please reach out to our technicians at www.findmyanswers.ca
