How to Winterize Your Hot Tub in Kentucky

I get asked this question every October without fail: "Greg, should I shut down my hot tub for the winter?" And my answer is always the same, because I've been selling and servicing hot tubs in Lexington for 50 years.

Don't. Keep it running.

Why Kentucky Hot Tub Owners Should Run Year-Round

Look, wintertime in Lexington is actually one of the best times to own a hot tub. I'm serious. You've got cold air, you step outside into 30-degree weather, and then you sink into 104-degree water with jets going. That contrast alone is worth every penny. Your joints feel better, your stress drops, and you sleep deeper.

A shutdown is expensive in ways people don't think about. You're draining chemicals, you're risking freeze damage if something goes wrong, you're paying for winterization service, and then you're paying to open it back up in spring. Most of my customers who tried that approach? They switched to year-round running within two years.

The math works better than you think. Modern spas like the American Whirlpool models we stock use efficient insulation and heating systems. Yes, your electric bill will go up in winter, but it's not doubling your costs if you manage it right. And if you factor in the cost of professional winterization and spring opening, running year-round is competitive or cheaper.

If You're Running Year-Round, Here's What Changes

Heat management is different. In summer, your spa might run the heater 20 minutes a day. In January? Maybe an hour. You're fighting real temperature loss. Here's what I tell my customers:

Keep your temperature at 100-102 degrees instead of the max 104. You'll use less energy and still get all the therapeutic benefits. You'll barely notice the two-degree difference once you're in the water.

Use the cover every single time you're not in the tub. This is the single biggest energy saver. A waterlogged, torn cover? That's like having your window open all winter while the heat runs. Get a good quality cover, and use it. We stock covers here at the showroom for American Whirlpool and Vita Spa models.

Winter water care is tighter. Cold water holds chemicals differently than warm water. You'll need to test more often, maybe 3-4 times a week instead of twice. Alkalinity becomes more important in winter because the colder water is less forgiving of chemical imbalance. We've got all the chemicals you need here at 1431 Leestown Rd, and I can show you exactly what to check and when.

Filter maintenance: If you're running year-round, your filter works harder in winter because you're running longer hours. I'd recommend cleaning your filter every 2-3 weeks through the cold months instead of every 4 weeks. And have a replacement cartridge on hand. A clogged filter in January means cold water and a stressed pump.

If You Do Decide to Winterize (and Some People Will)

I get it. Some folks move south for the winter, or they've got a spa they're not using anymore. If you're genuinely shutting it down for 3 months or more, here's the right way to do it.

Step 1: Check your spa manual. Some spas have specific winterization procedures. American Whirlpool spas, for instance, have clear protocols. Don't skip this.

Step 2: Run the equipment one more time. Get the water to operating temperature, run all jets for 5 minutes, then turn everything off and let it sit for 20 minutes. This tells you if there's a problem before you drain it.

Step 3: Drain completely. Use your drain valve. Don't leave water sitting in pipes or the pump. That's how freeze damage starts. We can help you if you're unsure where the drain valve is.

Step 4: Blow out the plumbing lines. This is important. Get an air compressor and blow compressed air through all the jet lines and any accessible piping. You want to remove as much water as possible.

Step 5: Add antifreeze to the pump and lines. Not your drinking antifreeze, but RV-style antifreeze rated for the pipes in your spa. We stock the right kind, and I can tell you exactly how much you need.

Step 6: Remove or treat the filter. Take out the cartridge, clean it, let it dry fully, and store it indoors in a plastic bag. Or soak it in a bucket with cover-off, which keeps minerals from building up.

Step 7: Clean the shell. Before you cover it, wipe down the interior. A clean spa is easier to bring back online.

Step 8: Use a solid cover. A winter cover needs to be tight and secure. We can secure yours with straps or sandbags.

When to Call a Professional for Winterization

Honestly, if you're uncertain about any step, call us. We offer full winterization service, and it's not expensive compared to the cost of freeze damage. That's what happened to one customer last winter, he tried to DIY winterize, missed the drain on a jet line, and that line froze and cracked. Total repair: $800. Professional winterization would have cost $150.

Call us at (859) 255-7639. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. We'll come out, handle it right, and you won't worry all winter.

Bringing It Back in Spring

If you did winterize, don't just turn it on. Drain the antifreeze lines, refill with fresh water, test all systems, and let it run empty for 10-15 minutes before you soak. You want to make sure nothing got damaged. That's another good time to have a professional walk through it.

We offer spring opening service too. It takes the guesswork out, and you know everything's working right before you get back in.

The Bottom Line

For most Lexington owners, keeping your spa running year-round is the smarter choice. You get the best seasonal benefit (winter soaking is unbeatable), you avoid the cost and risk of shutdown, and you keep your investment in top shape. Invest in a good cover, manage your chemicals, and run your heat efficiently.

If you have questions about any of this—whether you're staying open or winterizing—stop by the showroom at 1431 Leestown Rd, or give me a call at (859) 255-7639. I'll walk you through whatever makes sense for your situation. That's what 50 years of doing this is for.