How to winterize your spa

Unlike pool winterization which is highly recommended, winterizing an outdoor spa is less common because many of you enjoy its benefits in a snowy setting! However, in regions where frost is common, the cold can damage the tank or the hydraulic system. In this case, winterizing an outdoor spa is highly recommended.

Enfin, sachez que pour maintenir l’eau à une température idéale en hiver, votre spa consomme plus d’énergie : attention à l’augmentation de votre facture d’électricité !

Here are our tips for protecting your hot tub or inflatable spa from freezing.

Passive or active winterization ?

If you have an embedded or hard-shell spa you can choose to winterize your outdoor spa in passive or active mode.

1. Active winterization: this involves keeping your outdoor spa filled with water. You will need to activate the filtration and treat the water regularly over the winter.
2. Passive winterization: if winters are particularly vigorous in your area with repeated freezing episodes, turning off your spa after draining the water completely is recommended.

If you have an inflatable spa, go to the dedicated paragraph below.

1. Winterize your outdoor spa in active mode

• The right time from early to late October depending on the temperatures in your area.
• Draining: Start by draining the water from your spa completely.
• Cleaning: apply the quarterly cleaning procedure (tank, lid and water line) without forgetting to clean the filter and change the cartridge if needed.
• Add water: Refill your spa with water (about 2/3 full).
• Check the pH: it should be between 7.2 and 7.9 .
• Water temperature: raise the water temperature to 35°C
• Disinfection: add your usual disinfectant (salt, bromine, chlorine,...)
• Filtration: activate filtration for 8 hours.
• Winterization product: pour the product according to the manufacturer's directions directly into the water to prevent scaling, algae and other bacteria.
• Set the filtration time to one hour per day.
• Cover your spa with a suitable cover.

2. Winterize your outdoor spa in passive mode

• The right time? As soon as the water temperature reaches 12°C.
• Turn off the power then turn off the waterjets.
• Drain all the water: you can use either a flow-through method (if your spa is equipped with a suitable valve) or a pool vacuum pump, along with a suitable garden hose.
• Cleaning: apply the quarterly cleaning procedure (tank, lid and water line) without forgetting to clean the filter and change the cartridge if needed.
• Remove filters: after thorough cleaning, dry them thoroughly. Store them in a clean, dry place until the next season.
• Purge the pumps and pipes (hydraulic circuit): using a vacuum cleaner or cloth, clean and dry carefully to preserve them from freezing. There should be no trace of moisture left!
• Cover your spa with a suitable cover.

3. Hivernage d’un spa gonflable

• The right time? Early to late October. Choose a sunny day to dry your spa.
• Unplug the power
• Drain all the water: open the drain valve and connect it to a suitable garden hose.
• Clean the shell and mat: Clean the outside and inside of the spa with a damp sponge and cleaner, not to mention the floor mat.
• Remove filters: after thorough cleaning, dry them thoroughly. Store them in a clean, dry place until the next season.
• Dry the structure with a soft cloth. If possible, leave your hot tub in the sun to prevent mold from forming during storage time.
• Deflate and store the structure in a dry place using the manufacturer's recommendations.

Conclusion

Vous l’avez compris, l’hivernage de votre spa dépend de votre usage et est optionnel. Si vous possédez une sonde connectée ICO, consultez cet article pour savoir comment hiverner votre ICO.