The weather is turning cooler, days are getting shorter. Time to time to think about putting away your inflatable hot tub!
Most brands recommend putting away your inflatable hot tub once temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). The process of tearing down and storing an inflatable hot tub is straightforward and only requires a hose, cleaning liquid and towels for drying. Plan ahead on how you will package the hot tub and where you will store it. Manufacturers recommend storing the hot tub in a dry location that will be safe from small animals like mice. They recommend the pump is stored inside so it does not freeze.
NOTE: These are general instructions, your inflatable hot tub storage directions may vary slightly but will likely be similar.
Before you start unplug the power cord. Water and electricity don’t mix.
Remove the filter housing from inside the hot tub. Next remove filter from the housing. If the filter is relatively new you can rinse it off with fresh water, let it dry and use it when you set up the hot tub again. If it is an old filter or visibly dirty throw it out.
Place stop caps over debris screen pipes inside the hot tub. This stops the water from flooding out when you disconnect the pump. Later these will be taken off to drain the water out.
Disconnect the pump from the hot tub and move it out of the way for cleaning. Spray the pump with an antibacterial cleaning liquid, and wipe it dry with towels or microfiber cleaning cloths. The pump may not look dirty but chemicals and dirt splash on the pump and need to be cleaned off before storing. Clean any pipes and dry them for storage.
Screw the hose adapter to the lower water pipe. Attach a hose to the adapter and place the hose where you want the water to drain. It is important to select a drainage spot that does not put the hot tub water on grass or plants. The chemicals in the hot tub can kill your plants and grass.
Reach into the hot tub and remove the lower stop cap to let the water flow out. If your hot tub has a plug at the bottom remove this once the water drainage has slowed to help get the water out. Once there is only a small amount of water in the hot tub turn the hot tub over so the bottom side is up. Remove any remaining water.
Clean bottom of hot tub: With the hot tub bottom side up and inflated clean the bottom with antibacterial cleaning liquid and wipe it dry. If the bottom is hard to clean you can use more pressure when it is deflated to clean it. Turn the hot tub right side up when done.
Give the hot tub a thorough cleaning with the antibacterial cleaning liquid. The hot tub may not look dirty but there are chemicals, grim and oils that have built up on the walls. Make sure to clean in the nooks and crannies. When you have finished cleaning rinse the hot tub off with fresh water. Dry completely. Some hot tub owners use a wet vac to get the last water out of the bottom. You must make sure the hot tub is completely dry so nothing grows in it while it is in storage.
Once the hot tub is dry open the valve to deflate it. Do any final cleaning and drying of the bottom, outside and inside of the hot tub. Carefully fold the hot tub to remove any remaining air. Some hot tub owners sprinkle talcum powder on the liner so it doesn’t stick together when you set it up again and to absorb any small amounts of remaining moisture.
Clean the hot tub cover with the antibacterial cleaning liquid and dry thoroughly. Make sure to focus on the water touching of cover removing water marks and chemicals.
Now is the time to do any repairs on the hot tub or cover so it will be ready to use when you set it up again. It will be twice as hard to remember what needs repair in the Spring when you want to start using it again.
Make sure you have gathered all the parts needed for your hot tub and keep them with the hot tub so you have everything when you set it up again. If you can’t get your hot tub back in its original package or you don’t have it use a large bag or container to store the hot tub in. The hot tub should be stored in a dry location that is free from mice and other animals that may chew on it. The pump needs to be stored inside so it does not freeze and get damaged.
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