SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
1B
FALL HOME
THE COASTLAND TIMES
IMPROVEMENT Winterizing your hot tub and pool By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@ thecoastlandtimes.com
As autumn settles in and the days grow cooler, homeowners across the region are preparing their properties for winter. While raking leaves, sealing windows, and servicing heating systems often top the seasonal checklist, one important task should not be overlooked: winterizing your hot tub and/or swimming pool. Properly shutting down these backyard amenities is crucial in protecting costly equipment from the damage that freezing temperatures can cause. Whether you own a pool which provided hours of summer fun or a hot tub that you hope to enjoy during the colder months, taking the right steps now can save you time, money, and frustration come spring. Water left in pipes, pumps, and filters can freeze and expand, causing cracks and leaks that are often expensive to repair. Even small amounts of moisture can wreak havoc once temperatures dip below freezing. Covering and securing your pool or spa also prevents debris from settling in during the off-season, reducing cleanup time when warmer weather returns.
Bradley Musika, owner of High Seas Pools & Spas, emphasized the importance of being thorough when preparing for winter. “The best thing people can do for themselves to winterize their pool and/ or spa is to drain all of the water out of all the valves and piping in the system,” he said. “The problem we see is that sometimes the weather gets cold enough to freeze stuff up, and everyone’s pipes burst. It’s always better to be prepared for that.” Most pool professionals recommend closing your pool when the average daily temperature consistently falls below 65 degrees. Musika noted that the majority of pool companies wrap up contracts around mid-to-late October, saying, “The best time to winterize is between now and November. That’s when we’re
closing up pools that aren’t heated.” Ty pical steps include balancing the water chemistry, lowering the water level, draining equipment, and adding winterizing chemicals to prevent algae growth. A durable pool cover is then installed to keep out leaves, dirt, and wildlife. For in-ground pools, attention to detail is critical—lines should be properly blown out and sealed, and pumps and filters should be drained completely. Unlike pools, many homeowners choose to use their hot tubs yearround. If that’s your plan, be sure to keep it running consistently, check the water chemistry frequently, and maintain a snug, insulated cover to hold in heat. If you plan to shut down your hot tub for the season, draining
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it thoroughly is essential. Remove all water from the plumbing lines, pumps, and jets, and dry the shell completely to avoid cracking. While handy homeowners may be tempted to take on winterization themselves, Musika offered one piece of advice above all: “Have a professional do it for you. Best advice is if you have a vendor, make sure they’re trusted and know what
they’re doing.” A qualified technician can ensure water is removed from pumps, hoses, and lines, plugs are properly pulled, and that nothing is overlooked. For many homeowners, the peace of mind is worth it. Think of winterization as insurance for your outdoor retreat. By preparing your pool or hot tub before the first hard freeze, you extend the life of your equipment, preserve your
water features, and avoid headaches when warmer days return. As Musika put it, “Now really is that time where you should be contacting a trusted local vendor if you don’t have one.” This fall, as you check off your seasonal home improvement list, give your backyard oasis the care it deserves—so it’s ready to welcome you back when the sun shines again.
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