How to Winterize Your Pool & Hot Tub in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide

October in Winnipeg means one thing for pool and hot tub owners: it’s time to get ready for winter! ❄️ If you’re wondering how to winterize your pool or hot tub to survive those chilly Prairie nights, you’re in the right place. After 45+ years helping Manitobans protect their backyard investments, we’ve got the ultimate Canadian checklist for you.

Why winterizing matters…Skipping winter prep can lead to cracked pipes, damaged liners, and a not-so-fun surprise come spring. Our winters are tough—your pool and hot tub need a little TLC to make it through.

Step-by-Step: How to Winterize Your Pool:

  • Balance your water chemistry: Aim for perfect pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. This helps prevent staining and scaling.
  • Deep clean: Vacuum, brush, and skim every nook and cranny.
  • Lower the water level: Below the skimmer for pools, but not too low!
  • Drain equipment: Pumps, filters, heaters—get all the water out.
  • Blow out the lines: Use a shop vac or air compressor. Plug returns and skimmers.
  • Add winter chemicals: Algaecide, chlorine, and a stain/scale preventer designed specifically for winter (reach us a www.finemyanswers.ca if you are unsure).
  • Cover up: Use a solid, secure winter cover to keep debris out and safety in.

a hot tub in winter surrounded by snow in the woods.

Hot Tub Winter Prep: Manitoba Edition

  • Keep it running: Most Winnipeggers enjoy a winter soak, so keep your tub heated and covered.
  • Clean and drain: Give your spa a deep clean before the cold hits.
  • Inspect for leaks: Fix them now, not in -30°C!
  • Add antifreeze (if shutting down): Only if you’re not running it all winter.

Pro Tips:

  • Book your professional closing early—slots fill up fast!
  • Don’t forget to check your cover for rips or sagging.
  • Free water testing at Aqua-Tech—bring your sample in before you close up!

Ready to close up for winter? Contact us for Winnipeg’s most trusted pool and hot tub closing services! Visit our pool or service pages to learn more.

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