Is it OK to Leave a Hot Tub Empty in the Winter? The Ultimate Guide

Hey there! As a home improvement expert who has renovated and maintained hot tubs for over 10 years, I completely understand the dilemma of deciding whether or not to empty your hot tub for the winter. There are good reasons for both options, but overall keeping it filled is safest for your hot tub‘s long-term health. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right decision for your spa this winter.

Can You Leave a Hot Tub Empty in the Winter?

While it is technically possible to leave a hot tub empty in the winter, I don‘t recommend it except for a few specific situations. Draining all the water and leaving the internal components exposed to freezing winter air puts most hot tubs at high risk of damage from cracks, leaks, and more.

However, there are a couple exceptions where it may be okay:

Indoor/Climate Controlled Storage

If your hot tub will be kept somewhere indoors where temperatures stay above freezing and stable all winter, then draining it can be fine. For example, a heated basement or garage. Just make sure hard freezes are avoided.

Proper Winterization Steps Taken

If you have the hot tub professionally winterized with antifreeze added, covers in place, power disconnected etc., leaving it empty through winter can work. I‘ll go over winterization in more detail shortly.

Inflatable Hot Tub

For inflatable hot tubs without external plumbing, draining, drying, and storing the empty unit in a cold-free place for winter is often recommended.

So in summary, while I don‘t generally advise leaving a hot tub empty for winter, it can be safe in some specific situations when precautions are taken. But for most standard portable hot tubs, keeping water in it is the safest path for its health.

Dangers of Leaving a Hot Tub Empty

Let‘s go over the main risks you expose your hot tub to when leaving it empty for extended periods in freezing weather:

Freezing and Cracking – High Risk

Without water to insulate and maintain stable temperatures, the inner shell, pumps, pipes and other components can easily freeze and crack in the cold. Replacing a cracked hot tub shell can cost over $1000!

Warping Deformation – Moderate Risk

Fluctuating hot and cold temperatures make materials expand and contract, which can lead to warped or deformed parts over time without water to provide consistency.

Dry Rot and Corrosion – High Risk

Critical seals, gaskets, o-rings and moving parts rely on water to stay lubricated. In freezing air, they dry out leading to leaks, seizing up and costly repairs.

Stagnant Air and Odor – Low Risk

Stale air sitting in your hot tub with no circulation can lead to a musty, moldy smell over time. Low immediate risk, but unpleasant.

Chemical Imbalance – Moderate Risk

No water chemistry maintenance for months allows pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to get out of whack leading to problems down the road.

Higher Energy Costs – Moderate Risk

It takes a ton more energy and cost to reheat a completely cold empty tub vs. one kept partially warm all winter.

As you can see, leaving a hot tub empty exposes it to a number of problematic risks, especially cracking and leaks. Now let‘s look at how to mitigate them if you do keep it empty.

How to Prepare a Hot Tub for Remaining Empty

If you make the choice to keep your hot tub dry this winter, here are the steps I recommend to prep it:

Drain All Water

Use a submersible pump to remove every last drop of water from the inner shell, pipes and jets. Take out filter cartridges as well.

Clean Thoroughly

Use a hot tub surface cleaner to wash away any debris, dirt, oils or buildup left after draining.

Remove Accessories

Take off and safely store any removable covers, cushions, benches, steps etc. to prevent weather damage.

Disconnect Power

Shut off and disconnect electrical power sources to prevent accidental startup, damage or fires.

Seal Openings

Securely close and seal any doors, vents, cabinet panels or openings into the inner shell.

Add RV Antifreeze

Pour biodegradable RV antifreeze into jets, pumps, pipes and filter boxes to displace water.

Cover Safely

Invest in a well-secured winter hot tub cover. Ensure it‘s waterproof and impact resistant.

Taking these important steps will give your empty hot tub the best chance of making it through harsh winter conditions unscathed.

What to Do With an Empty Hot Tub in Winter

Alright, the hot tub is drained and prepped for winter. Here‘s what to do while it‘s sitting empty through those freezing months:

• Check on it frequently to ensure cover is secure, no leaks, or animals inside.
• Monitor temps and add insulation as needed to maintain above freezing.
• Periodically wipe down inside shell using hot tub cleaner to prevent mold.
• Replenish antifreeze if levels look low to avoid freezing.
• Lubricate o-rings, gaskets and seals that may dry out over time.
• Confirm no ice buildup or water inside that could cause damage.
• In early spring, test components before refilling to ensure proper function.

With vigilant care and maintenance, you can help minimize winter damage to your empty hot tub. But I still think keeping water in it is the safest overall approach.

Is it Okay to Leave a Hot Tub Full Over Winter?

For most regular portable hot tubs, I recommend keeping it filled with water over the winter months. Here are some key benefits:

Avoids Freezing Damage

The water acts as insulation against sub-freezing outside temps trying to penetrate the shell.

Maintains Plumbing System

Keeping everything submerged prevents critical parts like seals and jets from drying out.

Saves Energy

It takes far less energy to maintain an already warm hot tub vs. reheating one from scratch.

Allows Winter Use

Since it‘s already filled, you can still enjoy a nice soak even in the cold months!

Prevents Stale Air

Water circulation prevents air from becoming stagnant and musty smelling.

According to hot tub manufacturers, around 70% recommend keeping your hot tub filled for winter if possible. Doing so keeps your investment protected.

How to Winterize a Filled Hot Tub

Want to keep water in your hot tub this winter? Follow this winterization process:

Balance Chemicals

Test and adjust pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer for ideal water chemistry.

Add Algaecide

Prevent algae with long-term algaecide or supplemental sanitizer.

Clean Filters

Remove and thoroughly clean/replace all filter cartridges.

Check Cover Insulation

Ensure cover is well-insulated and seals tightly to trap heat.

Set to Energy Saving Mode

Program hot tub temp to a lower 80°F-90°F setting to conserve power.

Remove Accessories

Take off and properly store hot tub covers, steps, etc for the winter.

Drain Exposed Pipes

Empty any plumbing lines at risk of freezing in your climate.

Maintain Water Level

Periodically check and top off water from evaporation loss.

That covers the key steps to winterize your filled hot tub. Let‘s look at some tips for caring for it in winter.

Tips for Caring for a Filled Hot Tub in Winter

Once your hot tub is prepped for winter, here are some tips to keep it in great shape throughout the cold months:

Check and Adjust Chemicals

Test pH, alkalinity and chlorine 1-2 times monthly. Cold affects readings.

Run Filtration Cycles

Keep water moving for 8-12 hours daily to stay clean and heated.

Watch for Algae Growth

Cold can trigger algae – treat immediately if any green tint or musty smell arises.

Remove Snow Buildup

Clear snow off cover regularly to avoid collapse from excess weight.

Monitor Water Level

Check monthly and top up to avoid pump damage from low water.

Use Clarifying Agent

Prevent cloudy water by adding spa clarifier monthly.

Check Filter Cartridges

Make sure filters stay clean from debris and oils for proper filtration.

Stick to this winter hot tub care routine and your spa will stay crystal clear no matter how cold it gets!

Reopening Your Hot Tub in Spring

The cold weather is finally passing and spring has arrived! Here are the steps to reopen your hot tub after winter:

Inspect for Damage

Thoroughly check shell, cover, pipes and components for any cracks or issues.

Clean Surfaces

For empty tubs, clean inside shell, jets, pipes with hot tub cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.

Replace Accessories

Reinstall filter cartridges, pillows, covers, steps and other removed parts.

Check Seals & O-Rings

Inspect any gaskets and seals for dry rot. Replace cracked ones.

Refill If Needed

Fill or top off hot tub to proper water level and rebalance chemicals.

Power Up

Turn breakers back on and pressurize spa. Test all jets and functions.

Shock Sanitize

Add hot tub shock like dichlor to fully sanitize water and pipes from bacteria.

Return to Normal Setting

Set hot tub back to original filtration cycles and heating temperature.

Ahhh, soak in that clean hot water and enjoy your hot tub coming back to life after its winter slumber!

FAQs About Hot Tubs and Winter

Still have some lingering questions about hot tubs as colder weather approaches? Here are answers to some common ones:

Can you leave a hot tub empty in winter?

It‘s risky for most – I only recommend it for certain well-winterized hot tubs in climate controlled environments.

What temp to keep hot tub in winter?

For winter use, maintain 80°F – 90°F. Any lower risks freezing. Higher wastes energy and money.

How often to check chemicals in winter?

Test and adjust hot tub water chemistry every 2-4 weeks during winter.

Can a hot tub freeze with water inside?

Yes, if ambient temperatures are frigid enough and insulation is poor, a hot tub can still freeze even when filled.

Should you drain hot tub before winter?

It‘s smart to drain and refill your hot tub before winterizing to remove any built up contaminants and oils.

Is it cheaper to run hot tub in winter?

Keeping it heated only to 80°F-90°F and well covered saves significantly on operating costs for winter vs leaving it fully heated.

How much antifreeze in hot tub?

For an average 300-400 gallon hot tub, use 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze in the pipes and pumps when winterizing.

Where to put antifreeze in hot tub?

Add RV antifreeze via the filter housing or suction fittings depending on your model. This displaces remaining water in pipes.

Let me know if you have any other hot tub winter care questions!

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that while you can technically leave a hot tub empty for winter, it does put many components at risk of damage. For most standard portable hot tubs, keeping it filled and running through winter (albeit at a lower temp) is the safest approach.

This prevents frozen pipes, dried out seals, stale air, and more. With simple preparation and care, your filled hot tub will thrive through the cold months to provide years of reliable relaxation and enjoyment.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about properly caring for your hot tub in winter – it deserves the attention and care! If you need help winterizing or reopening in spring, I‘d be happy to take care of it for you. Just drop me a line anytime.

Stay cozy and warm!