Should I empty my hot tub in winter?

As the winter season approaches, you may be wondering whether it's a good idea to empty your hot tub or leave it filled. The answer depends on a few factors, including the location of your hot tub, the type of hot tub you have, and your personal preferences. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of emptying your hot tub in the winter and help you decide what's best for your situation. 

If you are keeping the spa running through the cold months and your last full water change was a few months ago, plan one before winter soaks step up: see how often you should drain and refill.

One of the main advantages of emptying your hot tub in the winter is that it can help to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. If water is left in the hot tub and the temperature drops below freezing, the water can expand and cause damage to the hot tub itself, as well as any pipes or hoses connected to it. By emptying the hot tub, you can prevent this type of damage from occurring.

On the other hand, leaving your hot tub filled can also have some benefits. For example, if you live in a warmer climate or your hot tub is located in a sheltered area, you may not need to worry about freezing temperatures. In this case, leaving the water in the hot tub can save you the time and effort of draining and refilling it later.

Another consideration is the type of hot tub you have. If you have a portable hot tub, it may be easier to drain and store it for the winter. On the other hand, if you have a built-in hot tub, it may be more difficult to drain and could require professional assistance.

Ultimately, the decision to empty your hot tub in the winter comes down to your personal preferences and the specific circumstances of your hot tub. If you're not sure what to do, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

In conclusion, whether or not to empty your hot tub in the winter is a personal decision that depends on the location of your hot tub, the type of hot tub you have, and your own preferences. By considering these factors and seeking the advice of a professional, you can make the best decision for your situation.

Keep it running or drain it? A quick decision guide

How frost protection works

A powered spa watches its own water temperature. If the water or the equipment gets close to freezing, the control system runs the pump to keep water moving and switches the heater on as needed. Moving, warm water does not freeze in the pipes. That protection only works while the spa has power and water. A spa that is switched off with water in it has no protection at all, and frozen water expands enough to crack pipework, unions and pump housings. Frost damage is not covered by the warranty.

Running costs in winter

A spa uses more electricity in winter because it loses more heat to the cold air. Even so, a spa kept running with a good cover is usually the better choice than draining and refilling, which means reheating a full tub from cold mains water. To keep winter costs down:

• Keep the cover closed and the straps fastened.
• Avoid big temperature swings. Hold a steady temperature, or use Economy mode if you are away.
• Check the cover for waterlogging and the hinge seal for escaping steam.
• Shelter the spa from the prevailing wind where you can.

Our winter hot tub tips cover using the spa in cold weather. If you're only away for a week or two, see how to leave your hot tub while you're on holiday.

How to winterise a hot tub, step by step

If you decide to drain for the winter, every last drop of water must come out of the pipework, not just the shell. This is why we recommend our spa winterising service. As a guide, this is what a full winterise involves:

1. Flush the pipework. Add a pipe cleaner such as Spa Flush with the spa full and running, following the directions, to loosen build-up before draining.
2. Remove and clean the filters. Soak them in filter cleaner, dry them fully and store them indoors.
3. Switch off at the isolator and drain the spa through the drain valve. Our drain valve guide explains how.
4. Remove the last water. Use a submersible pump for the footwell, then a wet and dry vacuum on each jet and the filter housing to pull water out of the lines.
5. Drain the equipment. Loosen the unions on the pumps and heater so trapped water can escape. Leave them loose over winter.
6. Dry and clean the shell and leave the drain valve open.
7. Clean the cover, refit it and lock the straps so rain, leaves and animals stay out.
8. Keep the power off until you are ready to restart in spring.

Our article on winterizing your spa goes into more detail, and our spring start-up service can get it running again.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to drain my hot tub for winter?

Not always. You save on heating while it is off, but you need to winterise it properly and then refill and reheat it from cold in spring. If you will use the spa at all through winter, keeping it running is usually simpler.

Can I just leave it switched off with the water in?

No. Without power there is no frost protection, and freezing water can crack the pipework and pumps.

What if the power goes off in a cold snap?

Keep the cover on, check the water daily, and call us for advice before draining. Once power is back, check the pumps are running.

Should I change the water before winter?

If a water change is due, do it in late autumn or a mild spell rather than in freezing weather.