• Dig out your owners’ manual
These are general instructions that apply to most hot tubs and swim spas, but to be safe you should read through the specific instructions for your particular model. If you can’t find your owners’ manual, most spa manufacturers will post their manuals online for download, or contact Waterbee and we’ll email the link to you.
• 2. Remove the thermal cover
If you’re feeling ambitious, this is a great time to give the cover a thorough cleaning with an approved vinyl cleaner or water
• 3. Remove the filters
This is a great time to clean the filters using a recommended cleaner and to clean the filter basket. Store the filters inside for the winter.
• 4. Drain your tub
If you don’t have an exterior drain on your tub, use a submersible pump or a garden hose (used as a syphon) to remove the water from the tub. If you do have a gravity drain, remove the cap and attach a garden hose to the spigot to direct the flow to a place that can handle it, such as your driveway. If you’re pretty sure your unit has a drain but you can’t find it along the base of the hot tub or inside the panel, check your owners’ manual. Leave the drain spout open.
• 5. Run the spa’s air blower
Replace your hard thermal cover, turn on the power or plug your hot tub in, and turn on your unit’s air blower for up to 1 minute to blow water out of the air channels. Don’t have an air blower on your model? Skip this step.
• 6. Power off
Flip the breaker switch for your hot tub or swim spa at the electrical panel and pull the outside disconnect.
• 7. Remove remaining water from inside the spa
Use towels or a wet-dry shop vac. Don’t forget the foot well.
• 8. Drain the pump housing, filter canister and heater
Now’s definitely a good time to check the owners’ manual if you haven’t already done so. Loosen the couplers on your heater and pumps and remove any bleed valves or drains on the equipment. To be extra sure all the water is gone, use a shop vac. Then tighten the couplers and plug the drains again.
• 9. Blow water from the jet piping
Make sure each jet is in the “open” position, then use your shop vac to blow air through each jet nozzle.
• 10. Clean the shell
Use an approved cleaner and make sure the tub or spa is completely dry when you’re done cleaning. Leave a large, absorbent towel in the bottom when you’re done to soak up any water that may get into the tub or swim spa over the winter.
• 11. Secure the hard cover
Winter storms could wreak havoc with your cover—make sure it’s well secured.
• 12. Secure the equipment hatch door
Keep the mice and other critters out, since they can cause expensive damage if they decide to go on a chewing spree. This step only applies to spas with a cabinet.
• 13. Secure a tarp or winter spa cover (also known as a cover cap) over your hard cover
This will help keep water from leaking into the tub or spa from the seam in your hard cover. If your hot tub has a wooden cabinet, the tarp or winter cover will help protect it, too.
