Winterizing your hot tub correctly - so nothing breaks
Why good winter preparation is important for outdoor hot tubs
Winter places great demands on your garden hot tub: frost, temperature fluctuations, wind and moisture can put a strain on the technology, insulation and infrastructure. If nothing is done, pipes can freeze, filters and jets can be damaged or insulation can suffer.
So if you want to use your hot tub for longer - or at least keep it safe in winter - it's worth preparing now in the fall.
Making a decision - use in winter or winterize?
Two fundamentally different approaches:
Winter use: you stay in the hot water even in the cold season, enjoying the outdoor experience even in sub-zero temperatures. In this case, you need to pay particular attention to insulation, cover and technology.
Winter storage (non-use): You largely withdraw the hot tub from use in winter, leaving it dormant - but you must "secure" it very well to prevent frost from ruining the technology.
Depending on how often you want to bathe and how much effort you want to put in, you can opt for option A or B.
Technology & water care before winter
Cleaning and water quality
Check the pH value, disinfectant and filter status before starting any major measures. This is because clean water reduces the risk of deposits or corrosion.
Remove leaves, dirt and residues from the pool, pipes and nozzles - this way you will be optimally prepared for the cold phase.
Leave the water in or drain it?
For winter operation, leave the water in the pool and keep it at a minimum temperature - this way nothing can freeze.
When winterizing, depending on the model, the water is drained, pumps emptied and pipes dried. This is because residual water in pipes can freeze and cause damage.
Important: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your hot tub model, as technology and design vary greatly.
Optimize insulation, cover and location
Insulation and cover
Good insulation is crucial in winter to keep heat in the water and reduce energy consumption and the risk of frost.
A solid thermal or winter cover protects against heat loss, prevents snow or leaves from falling in and reduces electricity costs.
Remove snow or ice from the cover regularly - heavy loads can cause damage.
Location and surface
Position the outdoor hot tub as sheltered from the wind as possible and use a base (e.g. wood, mats) under the pool - especially if the model is not fully sunken. A cold concrete floor can radiate a lot of cold.
If possible, choose a location close to the house or in a sheltered position - so that the journey does not become difficult in winter.
Technical operation in winter (when in use)
If you want to use the hot tub even when it is cold:
Set the water temperature to a comfortable range (e.g. 36-39 °C) - this allows you to enjoy bathing despite the outside temperature.
If possible, keep the cover closed until you enter the water and put it back on immediately after bathing - this minimizes heat loss.
The pumps and filters must be operated regularly so that no water remains standing and can freeze. Some models have an automatic frost protection function.
Make sure that the paths around the hot tub are safe: icy or slippery surfaces can be dangerous. Non-slip mats or lighting are useful.
Winterizing (non-use) - step by step
If you decide against winter operation:
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Switch off the power supply - safety is paramount.
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Drain the water completely, using a submersible pump if necessary, and suck out any residual water from pipes, pumps and nozzles.
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Store filters, nozzles and accessories in a frost-free place. Check that electrical components are dry.
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Cover the hot tub with a waterproof tarpaulin and place the insulating cover on top - this will keep it protected.
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At the start of the season in spring: Refill the hot tub with water, check all connections, bleed the air if necessary and check the technology and filter system.
Common mistakes - and how to avoid them
Missing cover or poor insulation → leads to unnecessary heat loss, high operating costs or frost damage.
Leaving the water content completely unattended → especially when not in use, standing water, ice formation or algae can become a problem.
Insufficient cleaning before winter → Deposits or dirt can block pipes or damage technology.
Leave pumps & filters switched off permanently (in winter operation) → Water can stagnate and pipes can freeze.
Incorrect location and substructure → This can allow cold from the ground to enter the hot tub and cause additional stress.
Whether you continue to operate your outdoor hot tub in winter or winterize it depends on your usage habits and your desired level of expenditure. What is important, however, is that good preparation, appropriate technical checks, sufficient insulation and a high-quality cover make the difference between a damage-free winter and expensive repairs. By following the steps described here, you can ensure that nothing breaks in your garden hot tub - and that you can get back in and relax in the spring.