Should You Drain Your Hot Tub for the Winter?


As the temperatures start to drop, you’re likely wondering whether it’s necessary to drain your hot tub for the winter.

You should always drain your hot tub if it’s not going to be used throughout the winter months. However, if you’re going to continue using your spa in the winter, then it’s not necessary to drain it so long as it’s properly maintained. An empty hot tub should be winterized to guard against freezing.

Many hot tub owners believe that it is necessary to shut down their hot tub for the winter, but this is not always the case.

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Stop You From Enjoying Your Hot Tub

If you plan to use the hot tub regularly throughout the winter, then there is no need to drain it. Using a hot tub during the winter months can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Modern hot tubs are designed with excellent insulation to withstand cold temperatures, so you can continue to use yours even when the weather is chilly.

It’s important to keep an eye on your hot tub during the winter, however, especially if there is a prolonged period of extreme cold. Checking on it regularly can help you ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no issues that need to be addressed.

During the winter months, the cost of running a hot tub may increase by around $20-30 compared to the cost during the warmer months. While this increase may not be significant in the overall average of your monthly electricity bill throughout the year, it is worth taking into account.

What if There’s a Power Cut?

In general, a hot tub can go without power for up to 3 days without freezing. This is because the insulation of the hot tub and the heat retained in the water can help to prevent the water from freezing.

However, the length of time that a hot tub can go without power before freezing will depend on several factors, including the ambient temperature, the insulation of the hot tub, and the amount of heat retained in the water.

To prevent your hot tub from freezing in the event of a power outage, make sure the lid is securely in place. If the temperature is extremely cold and the power outage is expected to last for more than 24 hours, you may need to take additional steps to prevent the water from freezing.

One option is to add non-toxic antifreeze, such as propylene glycol, to the water and circulate it manually. Keep in mind, however, that once the power is restored and the threat of freezing has passed, the antifreeze will need to be drained and the hot tub thoroughly rinsed before use.

As a preventive measure, you can also set the temperature of your hot tub to its maximum setting of 104°F (40°C). This will give you a head start in keeping the water from freezing, as the higher starting temperature will take longer to drop below freezing.

The Consequences of Leaving a Hot Tub Full of Water Without Electricity

If you’ve decided that winter hot tubbing isn’t for you, you shouldn’t leave the spa full of water and without power as the water will begin to freeze within a matter of days.

When water freezes, it expands due to the formation of ice crystals. This expansion can cause significant damage to a hot tub, as the pressure from the expanding water can cause cracks and other damage to the tub’s structure and plumbing.

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s important to drain the hot tub to prevent it from being damaged by the freezing water. This means that you should drain the tub before the temperatures drop below freezing, and make sure that all of the water has been removed from the tub.

You should also disconnect the power to the tub, as leaving it on can cause the heater to malfunction and potentially cause damage to the tub.

To prevent your hot tub pipes from freezing in the winter, it’s important to winterize the tub properly. This typically involves draining the water from the tub and the pipes and adding antifreeze to the lines to prevent them from freezing.

6 Steps to Winterizing Your Hot Tub for Cold Weather

To winterize a hot tub, follow these steps:

  1. Drain the water: Begin by turning off the power to the hot tub and draining the water using the drain valve. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining the water.
  2. Clean the hot tub: Once the water is drained, clean the hot tub thoroughly. This includes scrubbing the surfaces, cleaning the filters, and sanitizing the hot tub.
  3. Remove any remaining water: Once the hot tub is clean, use a wet/dry vacuum or a towel to remove any remaining water from the hot tub. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as standing water can freeze and cause damage.
  4. Add antifreeze: Once the hot tub is completely dry, add antifreeze to the plumbing lines to help prevent them from freezing.
  5. Cover the hot tub: Use a hot tub cover to protect the hot tub from debris and the elements. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing off.
  6. Turn off the power: Once the hot tub is covered, turn off the power to the hot tub. This will help prevent any damage that freezing temperatures could cause.

By following these steps, you can properly winterize your hot tub and protect it from the harsh winter weather.

Joshua Milton

Joshua Milton is a seasoned hot tub enthusiast. With many years of experience in the industry, he offers valuable insights on hot tub maintenance, health benefits, and relaxation techniques.

Recent Posts