Preparing Your Hot Tub for Fall & Winter

The Ultimate Hot Tub Maintenance Calendar 

Hot tubs are one of the best investments for year-round relaxation and wellness. But here in Kansas City, where the weather can swing from humid summers to icy winters, proper care of your hot tub is essential.

We’ve created this guide to cover how to prepare your hot tub for winter AND provided a hot tub maintenance calendar that you can follow all year. Whether you’re new to spa ownership or a longtime enthusiast, we hope this helps keep your hot tub safe, efficient, and ready whenever you need it.

By maintaining your spa throughout the year, you’ll avoid costly repairs and enjoy uninterrupted relaxation. Benefits of proper hot tub maintenance include:

• Helping prevent frozen pipes during freezing winter nights.
• Lower energy costs by keeping your spa insulated.
• Protecting your hot tub cover and seals from snow, ice, and UV damage.
• Maintaining safe water chemistry during heavy holiday use.

How to Prepare Your Hot Tub for Fall & Winter in the Kansas City

Deep Clean Before the First Freeze:
The best time to drain, clean, and refill your hot tub is in early fall. Kansas City’s mild temperatures in September and October make it easy.

Drain and scrub the shell.
Soak filters in cleaner and replace them if needed.
Refill with fresh water and balance the pH using SpaGuard or SpaPure water care products.

Inspect & Upgrade Your Hot Tub Cover:
Your cover is your first line of defense against KC winters.

Look for sagging, cracks, or waterlogging.
Make sure it seals tightly to reduce energy loss.
If it’s worn out, you can explore Hot Spring® accessories for insulated, weather-rated covers.

Check Jets, Seals, and Plumbing: 
Test all jets.
Inspect for leaks and tighten seals.
Schedule a professional inspection through our Hot Tub Service Requests.

Balance Water Chemistry for Winter:
Maintain pH between 7.2–7.8.
Monitor calcium hardness (KC water is naturally hard).
Use Natural Chemistry products to keep water clear.

Improve Energy Efficiency:
Lower the water temp slightly when not in use.
Keep the cover locked.

Safety Tips for Cold Weather Soaking: 
Keep paths to your spa shoveled and salted.
Use slip-resistant mats near your hot tub.
Lock your cover when not in use.

The Ultimate Kansas City Hot Tub Maintenance Calendar 

January: Mid-Winter Spa Care
Test water chemistry twice a week.
Remove snow/leaves/other debris from the cover.
Run jet cycles to help prevent frozen lines.

February: Filter & Safety Checks
Rinse filters every two weeks.
Inspect the cabinet for condensation.

March: End-of-Winter Inspection
Plan for a spring drain/scrub/refill.
Check the cover for any waterlogging.
Add water clarifier if water is cloudy.

April: Spring Cleaning
Drain, scrub, and refill.
Deep clean filters or replace with new ones from Hot Spring® Water Care.
Test GFCI breaker for safety.

May: Pre-Summer Tune-Up
Balance water carefully.
Replace filters if over 12 months old.
Add a mineral sanitizer such as Hot Spring® FreshWater® Mineral Spa Sanitizer.

June: Summer Water Level Checks
Monitor evaporation.
Switch to economy mode if you soak less.
Inspect decking for excessive settling.

July: Party Season Care
Shock water weekly (summer parties mean more bathers).
Clean sunscreen buildup from the waterline.
Keep spa shaded.

August: Mid-Summer Filter Care
Do a filter soak.
Watch for algae growth.
Prep for fall deep cleaning.

September: Fall Deep Clean
Drain, scrub, and refill.
Replace cover if aging via Hot Spring® accessories.
Balance water carefully for high-use season.

October: Cold-Weather Prep
Inspect cabinet insulation.
Rinse filters after football gatherings.

November: Holiday Season Soaks
Shock water after Thanksgiving.
Monitor saltwater spas closely.
Inspect steps, mats, and rails for safety.

December: Winter Hot Tub Checkup
Confirm heater efficiency.
Sanitize after holiday parties.
Enjoy peak spa season in KC!

Professional Hot Tub Services in Kansas City 

Some tasks are best left to professionals:

• Drain & Refill Service – book through Hot Tub Services.
• Winterization – for spas you won’t use in cold months.
• Cover Replacement – available in Accessories.
• Free Water Analysis – offered in-store, schedule here.

Tip: Trade in your old spa with Hot Tub Trade-Ins.

Ready to prepare your hot tub for Kansas City’s winter? Visit Hot Spring Spas of Kansas City for professional service, insulated covers, and the latest energy-efficient hot tubs.

Call us today or stop by our KC showroom, your perfect soak is waiting, no matter the season!