Hot Tub Winter Closure

1 When to Perform Closure

Temporary closure of the hot tub becomes necessary when it is expected not to be used for an extended period exceeding 30 consecutive days. Typical situations requiring a scheduled closure include:

• Seasonal winter closure (if you plan not to use it)
• Extended absence of owners (vacations, work trips, vacation home closure)
• Extraordinary maintenance of the surrounding area or building
• Particularly adverse weather conditions
• Reducing energy consumption during periods of non-use

WARNING: Leaving the hot tub full of water and turned off for more than 30 days without adequate chemical treatment poses serious risks: algae and bacteria proliferation, biofilm formation in pipes, filter clogging, corrosion of metal components, possible water freezing with pipe rupture and shell damage.

2 Benefits of Proper Closure

Carefully following the seasonal closure procedure ensures numerous benefits:

• Complete protection of all components during the inactive period
• Elimination of frost risks and freeze damage
• Prevention of algae, mold, and limescale deposit formation
• Energy savings
• Longer lifespan of the hot tub and its components
• Reduced overall maintenance costs

3 Step-by-Step Closure Procedure

3.1 Disconnect Power to the System

1. Ensure the hot tub is not in use and/or running
2. Go to the main electrical panel
3. Locate the combined circuit breaker with residual current device dedicated to the hot tub
4. Move the switch to the OFF position by lowering the lever

WARNING: NEVER perform any work on the hot tub without first disconnecting the electrical power from the main panel.

3.2 Completely Drain the Hot Tub

Complete draining is essential to avoid frost damage and to allow thorough cleaning of all surfaces.

Draining procedure:

1. Connect a garden hose to the WATER OUT valve (drain) on the side of the hot tub
2. Direct the other end of the hose toward the drainage point (inspection pit, green area, authorized sewer)
3. Open the WATER OUT valve
4. Water begins to flow out by gravity
5. When the water flow stops, open the skimmer and remove the filters to drain residual water
6. A submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum can be used to remove the last 5-10 cm of water from the bottom
7. Sponge or wipe up the last pools of residual water in corners and seats

3.3 Dry the Entire Surface

After draining, thoroughly dry all surfaces to prevent mold, algae, and deposit formation during the closure period.

1. Pay particular attention to corners, recesses, and areas under seats where water tends to pool
2. Leave the hot tub uncovered for 4-6 hours on a sunny or windy day to complete natural drying

WARNING: Do not cover the hot tub with the thermal cover until all surfaces are perfectly dry.

3.4 Clean Surfaces with Appropriate Products

Thorough cleaning before closure prevents the formation of deposits, stains, and degradation during the long period of inactivity.

Products to use:

• Neutral multipurpose detergents
• Specific cleaners for acrylic and fiberglass
• Gentle degreasers
• Mild descaler for limescale deposits (only where necessary, rinse thoroughly)

Products NOT to use:

• Bleach or high-concentration hypochlorite
• Solvents (acetone, trichloroethylene, etc.)
• Ammonia or ammonia-based products, acid-based multi-purpose sprays
• Powder or cream abrasives
• Metal wool or rough sponges

3.5 Remove, Clean, and Store the Filters

Cartridge filters must be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and stored in a dry environment to prevent degradation, mold, and bad odors.

Procedure:

1. Once the filter is extracted from the skimmer, rinse thoroughly with a water jet
2. Remove dirt from between the pleats
3. For very dirty filters, soak in a solution of water and specific degreasing detergent for pool filters for the required time (indicated on the bottle)
4. Rinse again with clean water until all traces of detergent are removed
5. Let the filter dry completely in open air
6. Once dry, place the filter in a sealed plastic bag or plastic container with lid
7. Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight until reopening

NOTE: During winter closure is the ideal time to assess filter condition and possibly replace them if they show obvious signs of wear (crushed pleats, worn fabric, tears, deformations). New filters at seasonal opening ensure maximum filtration efficiency.

3.6 Disconnect Water Circuit Clamps (Only for Frost-Risk Areas)

This operation is CRITICAL for hot tubs installed in locations subject to very cold temperatures below freezing (winter minimum temperatures below -5°C for several consecutive days), such as mountain areas, the Po Valley, and Alpine and Apennine regions.

WARNING: Freezing of residual water inside pipes causes volume expansion resulting in rupture of pipes, pumps, heater, and control box. Frost damage is NOT covered by warranty and requires expensive component replacements.

Clamp disconnection procedure:

1. Open the side panels for access to the technical compartment following the manual instructions
2. Locate the clamps (hose clamps) connecting the flexible pipes to the water pump manifolds
3. Loosen the clamp screws with a screwdriver (if present) or unscrew the clamp directly with the aid of plumber's pliers
4. Allow residual water to drain completely
5. Repeat the operation for all connections: circulation pump, hydromassage pumps, heater
6. Leave pipes disconnected and open to ensure air circulation during winter
7. Label or photograph each connection before disassembly to facilitate reassembly in spring

WARNING: This operation requires familiarity with plumbing systems. If you are not confident about the procedure, contact a specialized technician. An error in disconnection or reassembly can cause leaks, malfunctions, or component damage.

3.7 Phase 7: Cover with Thermal Cover and Additional Protection

The cover protects the hot tub from weather elements, dirt, leaves, animals, and UV rays during the long period of inactivity.

Covering procedure:

1. Position the original thermal cover over the hot tub, making it adhere to the edge
2. Secure the cover with straps or locking hooks to prevent it from being lifted by wind
3. Add an additional protective layer with a waterproof material tarp (nylon, PVC, waxed fabric)
4. The additional tarp should be larger than the thermal cover and extend down the sides to the ground
5. Secure the additional tarp with elastic cords, weights, or stakes to prevent lifting by strong wind
6. Verify that the cover is well stretched and does not form pockets where rainwater or snow can accumulate
7. If heavy snowfall is expected, set up central supports (poles, inflatable cushions) to prevent excessive snow accumulation on the cover

NOTE: The original thermal cover is designed to retain heat during use, but is not intended to withstand months of continuous exposure to harsh weather elements. The additional layer protects the thermal cover itself from wear and extends its lifespan.

4 Maintenance During Closure

Even with the hot tub closed, it is advisable to perform periodic checks every 30-45 days:

• Check cover integrity and tension (restore if loosened by wind)
• Remove excessive snow accumulation from the cover to avoid deformation
• Remove stagnant rainwater from the cover by pumping or transferring it
• Check for absence of animals (mice, insects)
• Visually check for absence of leaks or obvious damage to external panels

5 Seasonal Reopening

At the end of the closure period, reopening the hot tub requires reversing all operations performed during closure:

1. Remove additional protective tarp and thermal cover
2. Visually inspect the shell and components (any frost or animal damage)
3. Reconnect water circuit clamps to pumps if previously disconnected
4. Insert clean filters into the skimmer
5. Close side panels
6. Check tub cleanliness and clean if necessary
7. Proceed with filling following the standard procedure
8. Reactivate electrical power from the main panel
9. Start the system and verify proper operation of all functions
10. Perform initial water chemical treatment
11. Start heating and wait for the desired temperature to be reached