Best pool and spa technicians near Summit, NJ

To refill a hot tub after winter, start by opening up the tub and giving it a quick cleaning. If you use antifreeze, drain out the water then grab a hose and thoroughly clean the tub shell out, spraying water into each jet of the tub. 

Reconnect the hot tub and turn the power back on. When it’s time to fill the tub again, insert the hose into the filter well (if available). Avoid trapping too much air in the water lines, which can cause the pump to lock up when it starts again. Add the necessary chemicals and start the heating process. It will take some time—most of a full day—for the water to heat up again.

Whether you can repair a hot tub depends on the severity of the problem and the location. With the right tools and knowledge, you can fix problems like small leaks or switching out a dirty filter. However, electrical and plumbing issues require a licensed professional due to the inherent risk, particularly when mixing water with electricity.

If water is left inside the hot tub pump over a cold winter, it could freeze and severely damage the pump, water lines, and jets. That can cause leaks, which require very expensive repairs. Freezing or leftover water can stain and damage the hot tub shell, which leads to replacement. Even in mild climates, leaving sitting water in the tub or pipes for a long period of unuse is a bad idea, since disinfecting chemicals fade and the water can develop bacteria, algae, and other big headaches when it’s time to use the tub again.

For a fully-foamed hot tub, freezing typically occurs when the temperature drops below 28 degrees Fahrenheit and remains at or below this level continuously for a minimum of 36 hours. If your hot tub and pumps are still operational, however, the water circulates, and this continuous movement helps prevent freezing, even in very cold conditions. This circulation, along with the insulation provided by the foam, helps maintain the water temperature and prevent it from freezing during extended cold periods. Still, if you’re not planning to run it regularly, be sure to winterize the hot tub properly to prevent damage from freezing.