outdoor hottub/spa closing

Originally Posted By: aobrien
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Does anyone know what procedures to take in order to close a hottub for the winter months in Canada. Electric bills are too high.


Thanks


Originally Posted By: mboyett
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Unplug it icon_biggrin.gif


Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
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If you let it freeze you can use it for a Hockey Rink. icon_biggrin.gif icon_biggrin.gif icon_biggrin.gif


Originally Posted By: rcooke
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aobrien wrote:
Does anyone know what procedures to take in order to close a hottub for the winter months in Canada. Electric bills are too high.

Thanks

I would drain it and then make sure I put some 40 degree wind shield fluid through the pump so it does not split when the weather turns colder.
Not a lover of plumbing anti freeze as it kills the grass. The best idea is to pay an expert to do it for you and stay and see what he does.


Originally Posted By: lkage
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rcooke wrote:

The best idea is to pay an expert to do it for you and stay and see what he does.[/quote]

I use this method when I don't know. If it's complicated, I take notes. Usually ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif) I can then do it myself.


Originally Posted By: mlong
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rcooke wrote:
aobrien wrote:
Does anyone know what procedures to take in order to close a hottub for the winter months in Canada. Electric bills are too high.

Thanks

I would drain it and then make sure I put some 40 degree wind shield fluid through the pump so it does not split when the weather turns colder.
Not a lover of plumbing anti freeze as it kills the grass. The best idea is to pay an expert to do it for you and stay and see what he does.


Just draining it won't quite do it. There are often loops in the plumbing of a spa that prevent it from completely draining with gravity, or even with a pump. After draining it as much as possible, use a wet vac to suck out the water at the jets, drains, etc. If possible, disconnect the union at the pump(s) and do the same. Then I would inject RV antifeeze into the pump with something like a turkey baseter (not sure I'm spelling that right) (big hypodermic needle). Oh yea, then pray to the weather gods.

You may also want to hire an expert to do it.

My best recommendation, however, is not to drain it. The bitter cold can be hard on your pump seals (unless you have your pump filled with antifreeze) and also hard on the seals at your jets, drains, etc. If I were you, I'd turn the temperature down to 40-45 F and keep it running. Of course, if your in an area that may be prone to extended power outages in the winter, you may want to drain it anyway.


--
Mark Long
Peace of Mind Home Inspections
http://www.pomhi.net

Originally Posted By: pehrenpreis
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These might help.


http://www.spadepot.com/spacyclopedia/winter.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/mi2/hottubs/winterizing.html


--
Peter Ehrenpreis

NOVA NACHI Chapter Vice President

"NACHI, the right choice"

Originally Posted By: rcooke
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



pehrenpreis wrote:
These might help.

http://www.spadepot.com/spacyclopedia/winter.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/mi2/hottubs/winterizing.html


Great sites thanks Fred . An added bit of information for all those who go south for the winter .
Dish washers and other things that do not like to go dry as the pump seal likes to be kept wet is to take some vegetable oil
( Corn or and other ) put in a couple of ounces on the top of your antifreeze it helps to stop the liquid
from drying out and helps the seals to stay soft.
This also works for floor and other Drains ect.


Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Arthur:


I have a Inground Pool and Spa.

The best way to Winterize the Spa equipment is to have the service professionally performed.


Originally Posted By: aobrien
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Thanks for all the Info I may just keep it open for one more year.


Nothing is easy these days.