Winterising Your Hot Tub — Should You and How?

Every winter, hot tub owners across Lincolnshire and surrounding areas face the same question: keep it running, or shut it down? The honest answer is that keeping it running is almost always the better option — and here's why.

Why you should keep your hot tub running in winter

A hot tub that's kept at temperature in winter is far less likely to suffer damage than one that's been drained. Here's why:

• Freeze protection — modern hot tubs have built-in freeze protection that runs the pumps when temperatures drop near zero. If you drain the tub, this protection disappears.
• Residual water — even after draining, water remains in the pipes, pump housings and heater. In a hard freeze, this can crack components and cause serious (and expensive) damage.
• Running costs — a well-insulated hot tub costs surprisingly little to maintain at temperature through winter. A heat pump makes this even more economical.
• It's actually lovely — using a hot tub in winter, surrounded by frost or snow, is one of the best experiences it offers.

When winterising (draining) does make sense

There are situations where draining for winter is the right call:

• The tub will be genuinely unattended for more than 6 weeks
• There is no power supply and therefore no freeze protection
• The tub is damaged and not safe to run
• It's a seasonal property (holiday let) and won't be used until spring

How to properly winterise a hot tub

If you do need to drain and shut down for winter, do it properly to avoid freeze damage:

1. Drain the tub fully using a submersible pump
2. Use a wet/dry vacuum or air compressor to blow out every jet, pipe and fitting — residual water in pipes is the enemy
3. Remove and store the filters dry
4. Leave the drain valve open so any water that does get in can escape
5. Place the cover on but don't lock it down completely — allow ventilation to prevent mould
6. Disconnect power at the isolator

Reopening in spring

When you're ready to restart:

1. Inspect all jets and fittings for frost damage before refilling
2. Fit clean filters
3. Fill through the filter housing to reduce airlocks
4. Power on and check for leaks before the tub reaches temperature
5. Balance the water chemistry before use

If you're not confident doing this yourself, or if the tub has been in cold storage, book a recommissioning visit with us before the season starts.