How to Drain and Clean Your Hot Tub for Winter

Proper hot tub winterization protects your investment and ensures a clean start next season. Whether closing for winter or doing a quarterly deep clean, follow this systematic approach.

Draining: Complete Water Removal

1. Turn off power at the breaker—safety first.
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain spout. Route to a suitable drainage area (avoid lawns if using chemicals).
3. Open the drain valve and let gravity work. For faster draining, use a submersible pump.
4. Remove residual water with a wet/dry shop vac or hot tub vacuum—standing water in jets and plumbing can freeze and cause damage.
5. Blow out lines with a shop vac on blow mode if your tub lacks automatic purge cycles.

Cleaning: Eliminate Biofilm and Buildup

Drained surfaces reveal the real cleaning challenge: biofilm, scale, and oils.

1. Apply a non-foaming spa cleaner or diluted white vinegar (1:1) to all surfaces. Avoid household cleaners—they cause foam issues later.
2. Scrub thoroughly with a soft nylon brush or spa mitt. Focus on waterline ring, jet faces, and corners.
3. Clean jets individually with a pipe brush if removable, or run a jet cleaner through the system before final drain.
4. Rinse completely—any cleaner residue creates foam when refilled. Use the shop vac to remove rinse water.

Filter Care

Don't neglect the filter cartridge. Soak in filter cleaner overnight, rinse thoroughly, and inspect for damage. Replace annually or if pleats are crushed/frayed.

Surface Protection

Apply a spa-specific surface protectant (not automotive products) to acrylic shells. This creates a barrier against stains and makes future cleaning easier.

Refilling and Balancing

1. Replace filter, close all drains/valves.
2. Fill through the filter compartment to purge air from lines.
3. Test and balance: pH 7.2-7.8, alkalinity 80-120 ppm, calcium hardness 150-250 ppm.
4. Add sanitizer (chlorine/bromine) and shock.
5. Run jets 20 minutes, retest, adjust.

For winter closure: maintain minimal sanitizer, run circulation periodically, and use a quality insulated cover. For year-round use: enjoy!