Hot Tub Winterization

NOTES

The number one question we are asked is how to winterize a hot tub. To start, please know that most damage occurs to hot tub spas is caused by improper winterization.

Also please note that the damage done due to freezing is very costly to repair. Be careful if you choose to close down your own spa. If you have any doubts,

it is better to contact us to do this for you.

hot tub

STEP 1

Begin with a full hot tub…

Add 1 Trio #3 pouch (or 250 ml Swirl

Away or 1 bottle of Mineraluxe Cleanse and Drain) to clean the hot tub plumbing. Circulate the spa for the length of time on the package directions.

STEP 2

Next, turnoff the circuit breaker for the spa’s electrical line, then remove the hard thermal cover and drain out the spa.

This can be done by hooking a garden hose to the spa’s bottom drain spout, or by actually pumping the water out with a submersible pump.

STEP 3

Next, locate your spa’s heater and turn it off. This is most important!

Replace the hard thermal cover on the spa and turn the spa’s circuit breaker back on, or plug the unit back in. Activate the spa’s air blower and let it run for approximately 30 seconds. This will blow all the water out of the air channel under the spa seats.

If you do not have an air channel, you can skip this procedure.

STEP 4

Once again, remove the cover and soak up all the remaining water from inside the spa with towels or a mop or suck it out with a shop vac.

Make sure that you get all the water out, especially in the footwell. Remove the cartridge filter from the spa and make sure that all the water is out of the filter cannister compartment.

Clean the hot tub acrylic with pool and patio cleanse and chemically clean your filter with filter brite or filter cleanse.

STEP 5

Loosen or unscrew any fittings on your spa equipment that look like they could be loosened or unscrewed.

These are usually quick disconnect fittings on either side of the heater and on either side of the pump. As you loosen each fitting, water will come out. This is what you want! Leave all fittings unscrewed. Remove any drain plugs that may be on your pump housing. This is most important! Pump housings crack easily with only a small amount of water in them. Make sure you also drain out the filter canister and the heater and remove any drain plugs that are there.

STEP 6

Next, you will want to blow out any residual water from the jet piping.

The most common tool to attempt this with is the ‘blowing end’ of a shop vac, an air compressor, or some types of leaf blowers. Get into the spa and put the blowing end of the hose up against each jet.

Make sure that the jets are all open as wide as possible, and make sure that the topside air controls are closed. Start with the jet closest to the exhaust side of the pump and work your way around the spa, jet by jet. As you do this, more water will pour out of the various fittings you unscrewed at your equipment. After you do this to each jet, you will have removed most of the water from your entire jet system.

STEP 7

Blow proper hot tub antigel into the entire plumbing system and hot tub equipment.

(DO NOT USE PLUMBING ANTIFREEZE)

(In the same way you blew the water out, blow the antifreeze in)

STEP 8

Reconnect any of the hot tub fittings and drain plugs to keep the antigel in the system. Get out of the spa and put the hard cover back on the unit.

On portable, cabinetized spas, close and secure the equipment hatch door. Often, vermin will try to nest inside spa cabinets over the winter. They can chew wires and cause expensive damage. Also, on portable cabinetized spas, it is a good idea to protect your spa cover and wood cabinet with a tarp over the hard thermal cover to ensure that no water leaks through the seam in the hard cover.

REMINDER

If you are worried or hesitant about closing down your spa by yourself, we strongly suggest that you contact Aqua-Tech customer care at www.findmyparts.ca

NOTE:

All hot tubs are different. This is just a guideline. Please refer to your owners manual for further instruction

ALWAYS CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS

You can ask any questions, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week at www.aqua-tech.ca using our online chat!

News

Related Articles

Kick Off the New Year with a Kitchen Renovation in Winnipeg

Kick off the New Year with a Winnipeg kitchen renovation that boosts home value, comfort, and efficiency. January is the ideal time to remodel—contractors have better winter availability, energy-efficient upgrades can lower Manitoba utility bills, and a refreshed kitchen sets the tone for healthy habits and family gatherings in 2025. Popular Winnipeg renovation trends include open-concept layouts, quartz countertops, smart storage, and modern LED lighting to brighten dark winter days. With over 45 years of experience, Aqua-Tech delivers expert kitchen design and installation for a smooth, stress-free renovation. Start your 2025 kitchen transformation today with a consultation from Aqua-Tech.

Read More »

Cold Plunge vs Hot Tub: Which One’s Right for You?

Cold plunge or hot tub—what’s the better fit for your Winnipeg winter? Hot tubs offer year-round relaxation, muscle relief, and stress reduction, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to unwind in cold weather. Cold plunges, on the other hand, deliver quick recovery benefits, improved circulation, and an invigorating wellness boost. Whether you’re drawn to warm hydrotherapy or the energizing effects of cold exposure, both options can elevate your home spa experience and support winter wellness in Manitoba.

Read More »

Start the New Year Right: Hot Tub Resolutions for Winnipeg Homeowners

Start the New Year Right with Hot Tub Resolutions in Winnipeg. January is the ideal time to prioritize wellness, relaxation, and self-care with your home spa. Regular soaks ease muscle tension, boost sleep, reduce stress, and help you stay consistent with your 2025 goals. Your hot tub also creates screen-free family time on chilly Winnipeg nights while protecting your investment with proper winter care. Keep your spa running smoothly with a January checklist: clean or replace filters, test and balance water, and schedule a professional service. Aqua-Tech’s certified Winnipeg technicians bring over 45 years of expertise to keep your hot tub efficient, safe, and ready for a year of wellness. Book your January hot tub service today.

Read More »