Utah winters are long, cold, and often extreme. If you own a hot tub in Park City, Heber, Deer Valley, or Salt Lake City, you may be wondering if it’s necessary to winterize it during the colder months.
The answer depends on how you plan to use your spa. If you are not going to use your hot tub for several weeks or more, or if you will be away from the property, winterizing your hot tub is the smart choice. It can help you avoid serious damage and costly repairs.
Here is what you need to know.
What Does It Mean to Winterize a Hot Tub
Winterizing your spa means safely draining the water, clearing the plumbing lines, and shutting down the system so nothing freezes or cracks during cold weather. It is a key step for any spa that will sit unused in freezing temperatures.
This is especially important for vacation homes and second properties in areas like Deer Valley and Heber, where spas are often unattended for part of the year.
If you’re unsure whether to winterize or keep your spa running through the season, check out our guide on hot tub not heating in Park City to understand how winter impacts spa performance.
When You Should Winterize Your Spa
You should winterize your hot tub if:
You will not be using it for four weeks or more
The property will be unoccupied during winter
The power may be shut off at any point
You want to reduce your energy or maintenance costs during colder months
If you live in the home full-time and use the spa regularly, you may not need to winterize. In that case, keeping it running with routine maintenance is a better option. Learn more about ongoing spa care in cold weather on our blog.
What Can Go Wrong if You Skip It
Skipping winterization can lead to some serious damage. Frozen water expands and can crack your hot tub’s pipes, damage the heater, and destroy the circulation system.
Some of the most common problems we see include:
Frozen water lines
Cracked pumps or fittings
Burned out heaters
Water left inside the spa turning slimy or moldy
High-cost repairs come spring
These issues are especially common in properties where the hot tub was only partially drained or shut down without full winter prep.
How to Winterize a Hot Tub the Right Way
If you are doing it yourself, here are the basic steps:
Turn off all power to the spa at the breaker
Drain the water fully using the spa drain and a sump pump if needed
Remove the filter and clean it
Use a shop vacuum to blow out all jets, valves, and plumbing lines
Leave all drain caps and unions open to release hidden water
Wipe down and dry the spa shell
Place a moisture absorber or spa-safe antifreeze in the equipment area if needed
Cover your spa securely with a heavy, insulated cover
Need help with filters? We wrote a full guide on how to clean a hot tub filter and how often it should be done.
Can I Just Turn Down the Temperature
Some owners ask if it is enough to just lower the spa’s temperature during winter. That can work only if you check the spa regularly and leave the power on all season. But it is risky if:
You are not living in the home full-time
There is a power outage while you are away
The heater or circulation pump stops working
The water level drops too low to heat safely
Unless you are actively monitoring your hot tub, winterizing is the safest option.
Professional Winterization Services for Utah Homes
At Spa Tender, we provide full-service hot tub winterization across Park City, Heber, Deer Valley, and Salt Lake City. We know the local conditions and how to protect your spa from freeze damage.
If you are not sure whether your hot tub needs to be winterized, just reach out. We will give you a straightforward answer and walk you through your options.
Read our latest customer reviews or explore local testimonials to hear directly from Utah homeowners who rely on us year-round.
Ready to Winterize Your Hot Tub
If you are planning to shut down your hot tub this winter or want help keeping it running safely, we are here to help. Spa Tender has helped hundreds of spa owners throughout northern Utah prepare for winter and avoid costly damage.
Call or Text Spa Tender at (435) 901-9912
Or schedule service online at https://spatender.com
Thinking About Upgrading Before Winter
Some spas handle cold weather better than others. If your current system is outdated or unreliable, take a look at our current pre-owned hot tubs for sale. All units are fully tested and ready for winter in Park City and beyond.
