Winterization

If you don't plan to use your spa during the winter months you should drain and winterize the spa to avoid accidental freezing due to a power or equipment failure.

IMPORTANT: The following steps should protect your spa from freezing damage provided these instructions are followed exactly. For maximum protection against freeze damage to your spa, Watkins® Manufacturing Corporation recommends contacting your local HotSpring dealer (Mainely Tubs Spa Service Center, 207-883-9193) to schedule an in-home Winterizing Service plan.

1. Disconnect the spa from the power supply by the appropriate method:
115 volt models: Disconnect the power cord from the house receptacle, coil it and place it in the equipment compartment.
230 volt models: Trip both of the GFCI breakers located in the sub panel.

2. Remove the screws from the equipment access door; remove the door completely (for 115 volt models only).

3. Locate the main drain valve and remove the drain cap. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and route the outlet of the hose to an appropriate draining area.

4. Open the valve and the spa will drain by gravitational flow.

5. Remove the threaded cap from the secondary drain. The remaining water (about 1 gallon) will drain from the bleed line system.

6. Remove the filter cartridges, then clean and store the cartridges in a dry place.
IMPORTANT: The following additional instructions must be followed when draining and winterizing your spa in climates where the temperature falls below 32°F (0°C). A five gallon combination wet/dry shop vac (capable of blowing air as well as vacuuming) must be used to effectively remove water that is trapped inside the plumbing lines.

7. Attach the vacuum’s hose to the output (blower) side of the shop vac.                                                                  
a) Remove the filter standpipes by turning them counterclockwise.                                                                           
b) Place the end of the vacuum hose into one of the filter openings and cover the closest filter opening with a clean  rag.
c) Turn on the blower and allow it to blow out any water remaining in the plumbing lines (should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes).
d) Turn the SmartJet® lever to the second position and allow that system to purge.
e) If your spa is equipped with more than two jet systems, each jet system must be purged.
f) Allow the blower to run for 3 to 5 minutes for each jet system in order to be sure the plumbing has been completely purged of any remaining water.
g) Once no more water is being blown out of the jets, the blower can be turned off and the filter standpipes reinstalled.
NOTES:
• The standpipes may have a silicone sealant temporarily holding them in place and it may take firm pressure to get them to initially break free.
• On spas equipped with two jet pumps, each jet pump system and SmartJet® system must be purged.

8. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum side of the shop vac.
NOTE: When removing the water from jet openings, you may notice suction coming from another jet. With the help of a second person, block off any suction from the other jet using a large rag. This will help pull out the water that is trapped deeper inside the main line.
a) Use the shop vac to pull any remaining water out of the filter compartment and Moto-Massage niche, if applicable (removal of the faceplate may be necessary).
NOTE: It will be necessary to cover the drain grate tightly with a rag when vacuuming the main drain and secondary freeze drain outlets to be sure that all water has been drawn from the internal plumbing system.
Spa Care and Maintenance
b) Place the shop vac hose over the main drain outlet and allow it to draw any remaining water from the spa’s internal plumbing (approximately 3 to 5 minutes).
c) Place the shop vac hose over the secondary “freeze” drain outlet and allow it to draw any remaining water from the spa’s bleed lines (approximately 3 to 5 minutes).

9. Thoroughly dry the spa shell with a clean towel.

10. Leave the main drain valve open approximately 1/2 turn and leave the caps off of both outlets during the winter months.

11. Close the spa cover and fasten the cover tie downs. Cover the spa cover with a large piece of plywood to more evenly distribute the weight of snow and ice.
 
To Reactivate: Reinstall the filter cartridges, close the main drain, and reinstall the drain caps. Follow the Start-Up and Refill Procedures to make your Hot Tub operational.
IMPORTANT: Always keep spa covered when not in use, whether it is empty or full.

WARNING - IF THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED, DAMAGE DUE TO FREEZING WATER IN THE PLUMBING LINES MAY OCCUR!

 

If this seems too overwhelming, just call us. We'll be happy to schedule one our technicians to come winterize your hot tub.