As the winter months approach, it’s crucial to protect your spa from the colder weather. Winterizing your spa properly not only shields it from freezing temperatures but also ensures it stays in perfect condition, ready for use when the weather warms up again. Whether you plan to keep your spa running throughout the winter or drain it for the season, there are important steps to follow to safeguard your investment and avoid costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps to winterizing your spa, from protecting equipment to balancing water chemistry. And if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the experts, Rose City Pool & Spa is here to help!
1. Decide: Drain or Keep Your Spa Running?
The first step in winterizing your spa is deciding whether to drain it for the season or keep it running. This choice depends on how often you use your spa during the colder months and how harsh your local winters are.
Draining Your Spa: Draining your spa for the winter is a great option if you don’t plan to use it during the colder months. However, it’s important to do this properly to prevent damage to the pipes, pump, and other components.
- Key Steps for Draining: Be sure to drain all the water from the spa, including the plumbing lines, to prevent any freezing that could crack pipes. Using a shop vac or air blower to blow out any remaining water in the lines is a good precaution. Don’t forget to clean and dry the filter and store it safely until spring.
Keeping It Running: If you love soaking in your spa during winter, keep it running! Just make sure to winterize your equipment and ensure everything is in top shape to handle the cold.
- Key Steps for Running: Keep the spa covered with an insulated cover when not in use, and run the pump daily to keep the water circulating and prevent freezing. Regularly check the water temperature to ensure your heater is keeping the spa warm enough.
2. Winter Spa Cover: Your First Line of Defense
A high-quality spa cover is essential during the winter months. Whether you decide to keep your spa running or drain it, an insulated cover will provide the protection it needs from cold air, snow, and debris.
Choose a Durable Cover: Look for an insulated, heavy-duty spa cover that will hold up against winter elements. The insulation helps retain heat in your spa, while the cover prevents debris from entering the water. Make sure the cover is fitted properly to avoid gaps that let in cold air.
Regular Cover Maintenance: Throughout the winter, be sure to clear snow and ice off your cover regularly. Accumulated snow can weigh down the cover and damage it over time. A clean, dry cover will not only protect your spa but also extend the cover’s lifespan.
Consider a Spa Blanket: For added protection, a spa blanket can be placed on the surface of the water before putting on the main cover. This extra layer provides insulation and helps prevent heat loss.
3. Winter Water Chemistry: Keeping It Balanced
Maintaining your spa’s water chemistry is essential to keeping your water clean, clear, and ready for use, even in the colder months. Balanced water also prevents corrosion or damage to your spa’s internal components, ensuring that everything works smoothly when spring arrives.
Test and Balance Regularly: Even if you’re using your spa less frequently, test the water regularly to ensure proper pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Imbalanced water can lead to scale buildup, corrosion, or algae growth—issues you don’t want to deal with in winter.
Add a Shock Treatment: If your spa will remain in use, giving it a shock treatment every few weeks will keep the water fresh and clean. Shocking helps break down oils, lotions, and other contaminants that can cause cloudy water or bacteria buildup.
Prevent Freezing: If you’re keeping the spa filled with water, make sure the water doesn’t freeze. Run the pump and heater regularly, especially during extreme cold, to prevent freezing in the pipes.
4. Equipment Winterization: Protect Your Pump, Heater, and Filter
Winter can be tough on your spa’s equipment, especially if it’s exposed to freezing temperatures. Protecting your pump, heater, and filter is key to avoiding costly damage during the cold months.
Draining Your Equipment (If Draining the Spa): If you’re draining your spa for the season, be sure to drain the pump, heater, and filter system completely. Leaving water inside these components can cause freezing and damage. Clean the filter, remove it, and store it in a dry place.
Running Your Equipment (If Keeping the Spa Open): If you’re keeping the spa open, keep an eye on the pump and heater. Running the pump regularly will keep water circulating and help prevent the pipes from freezing. Make sure the heater is functioning properly, as you don’t want the water temperature to drop too low.
Inspections: Regularly inspect your equipment to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to avoid more significant problems down the road.
Get Ready for Spring
Even though winter is in full swing, it’s never too early to think about the spring thaw! Keeping your spa properly winterized will make reopening it in the spring much easier. If you’ve kept it running all winter, regular maintenance will ensure it’s ready to go as soon as the weather warms up.
However, if you drained your spa, make sure to clean the components, refill the water, and balance the chemicals before reopening it. And don’t forget to give your spa cover a good clean to keep it fresh for the new season.
Enjoy Winter Without Worry
Proper winterization of your spa is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring it stays in great condition during the cold months. Whether you choose to drain your spa or keep it running, these steps will help you avoid costly repairs and have your spa ready to use all winter and beyond.
If you’d like professional help with winterizing your spa, contact Rose City Pool & Spa. Our expert technicians are here to ensure your spa is fully protected for winter. Schedule a service call today to keep your spa safe and secure during the colder months!
