Although soaking in a hot tub or spa in the middle of winter is something that many people enjoy, there are hot tub or spa owners that will want to close their hot tub for the winter season. There are precautions that should be taken to protect your hot tub or spa when winter comes along in practically every area of the country. Some individuals make the decision to drain their spa and not enjoy its therapeutic benefits during the winter and if you make that decision, it might be a good idea to contact a spa maintenance professional for advice on winterization techniques.

The biggest threat to a hot tub or spa comes during a freeze. If your spa has not been drained – or is even partially full – and is left outside in the elements where it can fall prey to the components or plumbing freezing, you can do extensive – and expensive-to-repair damage to the unit.

If you and your spa service professional opt for closing the hot tub down during the winter, you will not only want to drain the water, but to blow all of the water out of the jets to keep them from freezing and cracking. Many spa professionals also add a small amount of recreational vehicle anti freeze to the lines as further protection from freezing.

Here are some items your Florida spa service professional will check when winterizing your spa:

1. The water will be drained
2. He will check that all of the water is out of the spa
3. He will make certain all the water is out of the plumbing and pipes by using a blower or a wet vac
4. The drain plugs will be loosened and drained
5. The heater union plugs will also be loosened
6. The filters will be removed, cleaned and dried for the winter
7. Once the hot tub is drained, pipes are dried out, make certain the cover is firmly in place for the winter season

Remember though, that in Florida some of the best time for a relaxing soak in the soothing, heated waters of your hot tub when the weather turns cooler. While you may not want to make the dash from the house to the hot tub – no matter how warm – in sub zero temps, it is a serene feeling to soak while the air is cool around you. If you opt to keep water in the hot tub or spa for the winter, you will want to run the heater and electric pumps to keep the water circulating to prevent freezing and cracking of your pipes. Run your filters and pumps on the lowest levels to keep your electric bill in check. Don't give into the idea that you will save money by not running the heater or pumps because if your area experiences an overnight freeze the damage frozen expanding water will cause will cost much more than the money it takes to run the electricity.