It’s getting chilly out there! Jack Frost is going to be nipping at your nose in no time! With winter quickly approaching, it’s time to prepare your spa system for the cold winter nights by draining and flushing your spa. Below are some great tips to maintain your spa for the upcoming frosty nights.
- 24 hours before draining your spa, add Whirlpool Rinse. Whirlpool Rinse helps remove and dissolve bath and body oils that have accumulated in the plumbing lines. This build up can sometimes impair proper jet action.
- To remove old water from the spa, simply drop in the submersible pump.
- While you are waiting for the submersible pump to remove water, remove your filter by reaching into the skimmer. Take your cartridge filter and place it into a bucket of water mixed with Filter Cleaner solution. This will help degrease the filter.
- Once the water has drained, use a Shop-Vac to remove any remaining water.
- Use Spa Polish to wipe down the spa. This will give your acrylic a protective coat.
- To ensure all debris is removed, finish cleaning your spa filter with a cartridge cleaner.
- Place your filter back into the skimmer and refill your spa.
- Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to enjoy your spa!
If it seems too much of a hassle to flush and drain your spa, but you plan on using your spa during the winter months be sure to check the following.
- Familiarize yourself with any operating instructions that came with your spa system.
- Check for a freeze protection system. If your spa has one, set it to auto. If it does not, you will need to set your time switch to cycle. In colder areas, you may need to do this at least 15 minutes of every hour.
- Keep the temperature warm and constant to help use less energy.
- If you run your air jets during winter, be sure they are off when the spa is not in use. They can greatly increase energy consumption.
- Be sure to clean your spa before the weather gets too miserable. You will need to flush your plumbing with Spa System Flush to help remove any build up.
- Worn out covers are a nightmare and will cost you money by letting heat energy escape. If your cover is in good condition, be sure to treat it with 303 Protectant.
- To help save energy, a floating thermal blanket is a great investment.
- Watch your water levels, especially if you do not plan to use your spa every day. Too much water loss can shut down the pipes which means the water will not circulate and the heater will not run, causing your spa to freeze.
- Monitor your water temperature.
- Be sure to protect your cover and woodwork from harsh weather.
- Have a contingency plan in place in case you lose electrical power where you live.