Complete guide • Hot Spring • Quebec winters
Keep it running or close it: prepare the right routine.
A Hot Spring spa can be enjoyed year-round when maintenance, heating and monitoring continue. If you are present, a functioning, regularly checked spa can provide relaxing winter soaks in Quebec.
For a long unsupervised absence or a winter shutdown, plan complete spa winterization. Draining the shell alone is not enough: plumbing, pumps, heaters and accessories may retain water. This guide helps you prepare and understand what must be checked for your model.
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Do You Really Need to Shut Down Your Hot Spring Spa?
| Situation | Recommended Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You Are Present and Use the Spa | Keep It Running | Filtration, heating, and circulation protect the circuits while allowing you to enjoy the spa during the winter. |
| Absence of One to Two Weeks | Leave It Running and Have It Monitored | Clean the filters, adjust the water, lock the cover, and ask a trusted person to check the water level and alerts. |
| Extended Absence or Entire Season | Winterize Completely | The property will not be monitored, and a failure could go unnoticed. |
| Spa Failure in Cold Weather | Emergency Intervention | Do not simply drain the shell. Immediately protect the circuits in accordance with the manual and contact service without delay. |
Hot Spring also recommends: For a short absence, leave the spa running, sanitize the water, clean the filters, and secure the cover. A remote monitoring app can help on compatible models, but it does not replace a physical inspection.
Keeping the spa running through winter: essential checks
Maintenance continues between winter soaks. A closed cover does not confirm heater operation or sanitizer level. Regularly check water level, actual temperature, circulation, filters and control-panel messages.
- Water: maintain the specified level to prevent air intake and reduced flow.
- Filters: clean according to type; reduced flow can affect heating.
- Sanitizer: test before use and adjust based on readings.
- Cover: inspect seals, locks and sagging areas; remove snow gently.
- Absences: arrange for someone who can inspect the spa and contact service.
- Temperature: follow the manual; do not drastically lower heating assuming freeze mode is enough.
In severe cold, warm basin water does not prove every compartment is protected. Ask about approved insulation accessories for your model. Do not improvise insulation that could obstruct ventilation or cause overheating when temperatures rise.
Why the Procedure Varies by Model
The Highlife, Limelight, Hot Spot, and Freeflow collections do not all have the same plumbing, number of cartridges, electrical connection, or accessories. The manufacturing year also matters. A Moto-Massage®, waterfall, SilentFlo circulation pump, multiple filter columns, or FreshWater® salt system creates water pathways that must be treated individually.
Before you begin, record the model, year, and serial number. Then download the corresponding manual. The steps below are a general professional method; the manual for your Hot Spring model and your dealer’s instructions always take priority.
Where can you find the correct Hot Spring manual?
Select the collection and year: Highlife, Limelight or Hot Spot. For other models, use the official manual directory. A recent manual does not replace the one for an older unit.
Diverter positions, possible filter-standpipe removal and massage circuits differ. Some units also have a wireless remote to remove and store dry. Identify these items before draining.
When to plan winterization
Choose a dry day when the temperature remains above 0 °C. Start early enough to repeat a purge or obtain a replacement part if needed. Waiting until the first freezing night greatly increases the risk: a thin line can freeze before the shell is completely cold.
Schedule the service several weeks before the first freezes.
Allow sufficient light and time to inspect every circuit.
Make sure the area where the water will be discharged can accept the volume and complies with local regulations.
Keep the spa powered and heated until draining and purging can be completed on the same day.
If filling or rinsing is part of the job, also check the manual’s temperature limits. Some Hot Spring manuals advise against refilling below 10°C ambient temperature. A day just above freezing is therefore not automatically suitable for every operation.
Materials and products to prepare
| Need | Product or tool | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing cleaning | Minéraluxe Cleanse & Drain | Breaks down oils, organic residue, and biofilms before draining. |
| Draining | Submersible pump and hose | Speeds up water removal; the gravity drain can supplement the process. |
| Purge | Wet/dry vacuum with blower function, as specified by the manual | Allows you to blow out, then vacuum, hidden water from the lines and cavities. |
| Filters | Minéraluxe Filter Revive | Cleans the cartridges before they dry and are stored. |
| Surfaces | Approved compatible cleaner, soft cloths and towels | Cleans the shell, waterline, and underside of the cover. |
| Additional protection | Propylene glycol pool and spa antifreeze | Use only according to the label and model; never use automotive antifreeze. |
| Winter protection | Protection designed specifically for spas | Secure the cover against the weather without creating point loads. |
Electrical safety: Never work on the spa while it is energized. A plug-in model must be unplugged according to the manual; a hardwired model must be switched off at its dedicated GFCI breaker. Never energize an empty spa.
Winterizing a Hot Spring spa in 12 steps
1. Identify the spa and photograph the installation
Record the model, year, serial number, power supply type (115 V or 230 V), and installed options. Photograph the position of the valves, equipment compartment, filters, and accessories. These images will make recommissioning easier.
2. Clean plumbing before draining
Confirm whether a plumbing purge is needed and which cleaner suits the spa and treatment system. Minéraluxe Cleanse & Drain is an option to discuss with our team. Follow its label for dose, possible filter removal and circulation time. Operate the circuits specified by the procedure without forcing diverters; do not bathe during treatment.
Why this step matters: a spa may appear clean even when oils and biofilm are present in the pipes. Removing them before closing prevents these deposits from remaining there for months.
3. Stop the functions and turn off all power
When cleaning is complete, stop the functions using the control panel, then switch off the dedicated ground-fault circuit breaker. For a 115 V model designed to be plugged in, disconnect the cord according to the manual. Verify that the power is off before proceeding. If you are unsure about the connection, have a technician intervene.
Remember: OFF. Some installations have more than one breaker. Turning functions off at the control panel does not disconnect electrical power. Have all supply disconnects identified by a qualified person; do not touch electrical components.
4. Drain the shell
Connect the spa drain or use a submersible pump. Direct the water to an approved location, away from foundations and where there is no risk of flooding. Keep the submersible pump underwater while it is running and stop it as soon as it can no longer draw water. Then open the gravity drain, if applicable, to complete draining.
5. Remove, clean and store filters
Identify cartridge type and quantity before removal. Use a compatible cleaner, such as Minéraluxe Filter Revive when recommended by our team for your filter. Follow cleaning times and rinse thoroughly. Let cartridges dry before storing in a clean, dry, frost-free place; replace damaged ones.
Tri-X: use the current procedure for your cartridge. The Tri-X cleaning guide consulted states not to use a dishwasher. Avoid high pressure and abrasive tools. Do not automatically apply another filter’s cleaning method.
6. Remove visible water
Vacuum water from the bottom of the shell, filter well, drains, seats, Moto-Massage conduits, and accessible cavities with a wet/dry vacuum. Finish with sponges and absorbent towels. However, a dry shell does not prove that the plumbing is empty.
7. Purge circuits according to the model’s manual
Use the blower and vacuum functions of suitable wet/dry equipment, following Hot Spring connection points, order and diverter positions. Some manuals describe a combined unit of approximately 19–20 L. A “Shop-Vac” name or power rating alone does not establish the right method.
Blowing through the filter compartment and vacuuming openings may require different sequences. Do not connect a high-pressure compressor or force air into sealed components. An absence of spray alone does not prove every low point is empty.
filter columns and compartments;
therapy jets, foot jets, and suction fittings;
waterfall and other water features;
Moto-Massage conduits and bypass circuits;
bottom drain, drainage points, and accessible low points;
circulation circuit, water heater, and pumps, only according to the model manual.
8. Check the equipment compartment
Open only the panels intended for maintenance. Check the low points, drain plugs, union fittings, and visible hoses by following the Hot Spring manual. Collect any remaining water. Do not disassemble a sealed component or loosen a fitting at random: some models require a specific sequence to prevent a leak or improper reassembly.
9. Use antifreeze only as supplemental protection
After a complete purge, a non-toxic propylene glycol-based pool or spa antifreeze may be added to the circuits specified by the manual or technician. Follow the label and account for the actual volume of the lines. There is no universal amount that applies to all Hot Spring spas.
Never do this: Never use automotive antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. It is toxic. Spa antifreeze also does not replace draining and mechanically purging the lines.
10. Clean and dry the shell
Use a soft cloth and a cleaner compatible with the finish according to Hot Spring. Avoid abrasive household products and solvents. Rinse as directed and dry surfaces, cup holders and accessible recesses. Remove pillows or accessories only according to their procedure, then clean and store as recommended.
11. Protect the spa cover and exterior cabinet
Replace the drain plug according to the manual and check that the panels are properly closed. Place the clean, dry rigid cover on the spa and lock the fasteners, then add winter protection designed for a spa. Avoid makeshift objects that concentrate weight on one point of the cover. A protective cover does not make the cover weight-bearing: remove snow regularly, especially after freezing rain.
12. Document the winterization
Store plugs, screws and small parts in a labelled container. Record treated circuits, antifreeze use and removed consumables. Photograph the equipment compartment and final configuration. Spa power must remain disconnected, breaker(s) OFF, until a proper restart.
FreshWater salt and monitoring systems: what should you prepare?
A FreshWater salt system does not mechanically protect plumbing from freezing. Identify the system, consumables and monitoring accessories before closing. Confirm removal, storage or replacement requirements in each component’s manual.
Do not assume sensors, chlorine-generating cartridges and filters are stored the same way. Photograph locations and label parts. Never pull a cable or connector to remove a consumable.
In spring, restore required filling and circulation conditions, then follow the FreshWater startup procedure. Do not reuse an old salt dose without testing the new water. 5-in-1 strips check treatment parameters; saltwater strips measure salinity. These are different checks.
Read our FreshWater guide with videos for more about everyday operation.
FreshWater 5-in-1 test strips
For water parameters at restart and during use. Read at the time indicated on the container.
View 5-in-1 strips →
FreshWater salt test strips
For salinity in a compatible system. They do not replace chlorine and pH tests.
View salt test strips →Products and accessories: prepare the right tools
These products serve different purposes. Confirm cleaners for your treatment system and accessories for your spa’s fittings and dimensions. A protective cover or antifreeze bottle does not replace circuit winterization.
Minéraluxe Cleanse & Drain
For plumbing cleaning before draining when this purge and product are appropriate.
View plumbing cleaner →
Minéraluxe Filter Revive
For oils and contaminants in compatible cartridges, following cleaning instructions.
View filter cleaner →
Submersible drain pump
For visible basin water. It does not remove water trapped in plumbing.
View drain pump →
26 ft drainage hose
With a type F Camlock fitting. Check required adapters; diameter alone does not establish compatibility with a spa drain or pump.
Check the fitting →
Dazzle pool and spa antifreeze
For prescribed compatible applications. Confirm formulation, quantity and application points with the label and manual.
View antifreeze →
Premium winter protective cover
Exterior protection selected in the correct dimensions. It does not make the rigid cover load-bearing or eliminate snow removal.
Choose dimensions →A winter cover support block may be considered only with confirmed compatibility and positioning. Explore spa closing accessories as well.
Power failures, alarms or freezing: how should you respond?
Contact service promptly if heating stops, flow disappears or temperature falls unexpectedly. Provide the model, error message, water temperature and when the issue began. No single number of hours guarantees freeze protection for every spa.
- Keep the cover closed as much as possible to retain heat and secure access.
- Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker.
- Do not assume draining the shell alone winterizes the plumbing.
- If freezing is suspected, do not force valves, fittings or pumps.
- Do not use flames or improvised heaters in the equipment compartment.
The right action depends on the spa’s condition and weather. Do not leave a faulty spa energized merely because general winter advice recommends keeping a working spa running. Follow troubleshooting and technician instructions.
Mistakes that cause the most damage
| Error | Risk | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Drain only the shell. | Trapped water may freeze in the pipes. | Blow out and vacuum each circuit several times. |
| Wait for a night below freezing. | Freezing is possible before the work is complete. | Perform the shutdown on a dry day when the temperature remains above 0 °C. |
| Restore power to the empty spa | Possible damage to the heater and pumps. | Label the circuit breaker and leave it off until the spa is put back into service. |
| Use automotive antifreeze | Risk of toxicity and contamination. | Use only propylene glycol-based antifreeze intended for pools and spas. |
| Provide a universal antifreeze dosage | Incomplete protection or an excessive amount that is difficult to rinse. | Follow the instructions specific to the model, manual, technician, and product label. |
| Store filters while they are still wet | Odors, mold, and cartridge deterioration. | Clean, rinse, and dry the filters completely, then store them in a warm, dry place. |
| Place a load on the cover | Deformation or breakage of the cover core. | Use winter protection designed for the spa and regularly remove accumulated snow. |
After closing: the spa still needs monitoring
Visually inspect the protective cover, rigid cover, locks and panels after strong winds or heavy precipitation. Protection must remain in place without sagging or excessive snow. Never walk on the cover.
Check for new water collecting in the shell or accessible recesses. Torn protection, a poorly seated cover or water ingress can undermine a correctly completed closing. Do not add random chemicals; correct the entry point and have affected circuits checked.
Record the date, treated circuits, removed parts and antifreeze used. Label the installation “winterized spa — power OFF — do not start.” Keep chemicals in their original packaging, separately from small parts.
How to put the spa back into service in spring
- Remove winter protection and inspect the shell, cover and equipment compartment.
- Keep power disconnected while checking parts, drains and fittings. Remove temporary plugs and confirm reassembly according to the procedure.
- If antifreeze was used, follow the Hot Spring protocol and product label for recovery, rinsing and disposal. An initial rinse fill followed by draining may be required.
- If flushing requires pump circulation, fully reassemble and fill the spa to its specified level before restoring power. Disconnect power again before each drain.
- After the prescribed rinse, perform the final fill according to the manual. Reinstall filters and consumables at the specified stage; fill through the indicated compartment to reduce air pockets.
- Check level and leaks, then restore power according to startup instructions.
- Check priming, heating, jets and circulation. Stop and seek advice if flow is absent or an alarm persists.
- Balance the water, restart the compatible sanitizing system and verify readings before bathing. Arrange an in-store water test if needed.
Beware of air in the lines: If a pump does not prime or the flow remains low, turn off the power. Do not let a pump run dry. Consult the manual or call service.
FAQ — Winterizing a Hot Spring Spa
Is it better to close the spa or use it all winter?
When it is functioning, monitored, and properly maintained, keeping it filled and heated is generally the best choice. Hot Spring emphasizes that winter is an excellent season for use and that complete winterization is complex.
At what outdoor temperature should it be closed?
Plan ahead of the first freezes and work on a dry day above 0 °C. Do not wait for a cold snap.
Can I simply drain the spa and turn off the power?
No. The plumbing, pumps, and heater may retain water even when the shell is empty.
Is a Shop-Vac enough?
It is useful for removing visible water and working on openings, but purging is more reliable with a blower that has sufficient airflow and a method suited to the model.
How much antifreeze should I add?
There is no universal amount. After purging, use only a propylene glycol pool/spa product, in the specified circuits and according to the label, manual, or technician’s instructions.
What should I do with Tri-X filters?
Clean them using an approved method, rinse without high pressure, let them dry, and store them away from freezing temperatures. Consult the model manual.
Should I remove the FreshWater salt cartridge?
The procedure depends on the system and the year. Turn off the power and follow the Hot Spring manual or Piscine Hippocampe’s instructions; do not leave a consumable in an unprepared circuit.
Can snow be left on the cover?
No. Remove it regularly with a non-abrasive tool. Ice and wet snow create a significant load that the cover is not designed to support.
Can I close a Hot Spring spa myself?
Yes, if you know your model, have the required equipment, and follow its manual. If a line is inaccessible, the spa has multiple plumbing options, or freezing weather is approaching, professional service reduces the risk.
Does Piscine Hippocampe offer this service?
Yes. The team offers seasonal spa opening and closing, maintenance, repairs, and water analysis. Contact us to confirm availability and get a quote.
Prepare your winterization with Piscine Hippocampe
Our Delson team helps Hot Spring owners on Montreal’s South Shore with maintenance, water testing, parts and seasonal service. Confirm availability and scope for your model and service area.
Information to prepare for service
- Model, year and serial number.
- Photos of the spa, access and equipment compartment.
- Treatment system: FreshWater, another system or manual care.
- Symptoms, recent repairs and access restrictions.
- Departure date and whether anyone will check the property.
Confirm the service scope: preliminary cleaning, draining, purging, consumables, protection and restart. Equipment availability and required work depend on your installation.
Plan before freezing weather
Request my quote →Get more from your spa
Hot Spring references : manuals by collection and year, maintenance tips. Your unit, consumable and accessory manuals guide the procedure.