How to Winterize a Hot Tub: Seasonal Shutdown Checklist to Prevent Freeze Damage

Winterization means shutting a hot tub down for the season so water does not freeze in the plumbing. It is different from winter care, which assumes you are keeping the tub running and soaking through cold weather.

If you are still shopping, start here: Luxury Spas hot tubs. This winterization guide is designed to reduce risk and keep seasonal shutdown straightforward.

Table of Contents

1. When should you winterize vs keep it running?
2. Before you start: what you need
3. Step-by-step: how to winterize a hot tub
4. Trapped water: the part that causes freeze damage
5. Cover, cabinet, and accessories
6. Spring startup: bringing it back online
7. Common questions
8. Need help?

When should you winterize vs keep it running?

Winter care (keeping the tub running) usually makes sense if you plan to soak weekly and you have reliable power. Winterization makes sense when the hot tub will be unused for an extended stretch, the property will be unoccupied, or you’re in a freeze-prone area where outages are a concern.

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Before you start: what you need

You don’t need a complicated kit. You do need time, a drain plan, and a clean place to store small parts.

Safety first: always turn power off at the breaker before draining or opening any service panels.

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Step-by-step: how to winterize a hot tub

1) Power down at the breaker

Turn off power at the breaker before you start. Do not rely on the control panel alone.

2) Remove the filter and set it aside

Remove the filter before draining. Rinse it, let it dry, and store it in a clean place. If you prefer, do a deeper clean and store it dry for the season.

3) Drain the spa completely

Use the built-in drain method for your spa and direct water safely away from the foundation and walkways. Let it drain fully.

4) Clean the shell (only when empty)

Once drained, wipe down the shell with a spa-safe, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid household cleaners that can leave residue or create foaming when you refill later.

5) Remove and store pillows and small accessories

If your spa has removable pillows, take them out and store them indoors. This helps preserve materials through temperature swings.

6) Leave the tub clean, dry, and closed up

The goal is a clean interior, no standing water in the shell, and the cover secured.

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Trapped water: the part that causes freeze damage

Draining the shell is necessary, but it is not the whole job. Freeze damage usually comes from water left in low spots: jets, lines, pump housings, and equipment areas.

A practical, low-risk approach (with the spa empty and power OFF) is:

• Open any diverters and air controls so water isn’t “trapped” behind closed pathways.
• Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to blow air into jet openings and suction fittings in short bursts. Keep towels handy for mist and splashes.
• Wipe up any water that appears in the footwell and re-check low spots.

Avoid improvising with automotive antifreeze. If any antifreeze is used at all, it should be spa-appropriate and only used when you are certain it is compatible with your specific setup. When in doubt, use a technician.

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Cover, cabinet, and accessories

A winterized spa should be closed up clean and dry.

• Clean and condition the cover exterior so it holds up through winter weather.
• Make sure the cover closes flat and seals properly.
• If you opened any access panels, reinstall them carefully to keep the cabinet protected.

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Spring startup: bringing it back online

When you’re ready to reopen, treat it like a careful first fill.

• Inspect the equipment area for anything obvious (loose fittings, debris, or signs of moisture).
• Reinstall a clean filter.
• Fill to the normal operating level.
• Power on at the breaker and let the system circulate.
• Test and balance water before your first soak.

If anything looks off (unusual sounds, weak circulation, error codes), stop and contact support or a local technician rather than forcing it.

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Common questions

Is winterization required every winter?

No. If you use your spa consistently and can maintain water weekly, winter care (keeping it running) is often simpler than shutting down and reopening.

Can I just drain it and call it done?

Draining the shell is necessary, but trapped water in plumbing is what causes freeze damage. If you can’t confidently purge lines and low spots, get a technician involved.

Do I really need to remove pillows?

If your spa has removable pillows and you are shutting down for a while, storing them indoors is a simple way to preserve materials.

What if I’m winterizing because I’m traveling?

If the spa will be unattended and you’re concerned about outages and deep freezes, winterization can be the safer choice. If you plan to keep it running, arrange for someone to check it weekly.

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Need help?

Final thoughts and about Competitors Outlet

Winterizing is one of those tasks where doing the basics well matters more than doing a lot. If you can confidently drain, clean, and make sure water is not sitting where it can freeze, you’re in good shape. If you can’t, it’s worth paying for help once rather than paying for freeze repairs later.

I’m Shelly LeSun, co-founder of Competitors Outlet—16-time marathoner and counting, triathlete, and strength athlete. I come from a product development background, so I pay attention to the details that matter: build quality, real-world upkeep, and whether a setup stays reliable over time.

We built Competitors Outlet around one belief: everyone deserves an outlet. A place to channel effort into something that makes you stronger. Our job is to help you choose equipment that earns its place—supported by straightforward guidance and real human support before and after you buy.

Performance, Powered.