Winterizing your hot tub or spa in NJ

Winterizing Your  Spa
If you leave the spa unused for a long period of time in severely cold weather, you should drain the spa and winterize it to avoid accidental freezing due to a power or equipment failure. Follow these directions:
DANGER: Use only Propylene Glycol as your anti-freeze (available at most RV or marine supply stores). This is non-toxic. Never use an automobile anti-freeze (Ethylene Glycol) since it is toxic!
WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions correctly can lead to freeze damage not covered by warranty. It is strongly recommended that you contact your local dealer to perform this service.
1. Drain your spa according to the instructions in the “Draining Your Spa” section in the ownerʼs manual.
2. Remove the filter cartridge, clean and store in a dry place.
IMPORTANT:
These additional instructions must be utilized when draining and winterizing your spa in climates where the temperature falls below 32°F (0°C). A five
(5) gallon combination (vacuum/blower) wet/dry shop vac must be used to effectively remove water that is trapped inside the plumbing lines.
3. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum side of the shop vac. Vacuum all openings and orifices as follows:
a) Jet openings: start with the jets at the top and move downward (if suction is coming from another jet, block off the other jet using a large rag – this will help pull out the water that is trapped deeper inside the main line).
b) Filter suction fittings and filter compartment.
c) Main drain outlet (it may be necessary to cover the drain grate tightly with a rag when vacuuming the main drain to ensure water is drawn completely from the internal plumbing system).
4. Thoroughly dry the spa shell with a clean towel.
5. Replace the main drain cap.
6. Using a long-extension funnel, pour anti-freeze into all standpipes, filter suction fittings, jet orifices and water feature orifices. Also, add anti-freeze to the SPA FROG® injector. Add enough anti-freeze to ensure adequate protection – in many cases, you will see the liquid in the orifice, or coming out of another location.
CAUTION: Use only Propylene Glycol as your anti-freeze. This is non-toxic. Never use an automobile anti-freeze (Ethylene Glycol) since it is toxic!
7. Close the spa cover and fasten the cover tie downs. Cover the spa cover with two pieces of plywood to evenly distribute the weight of snow and ice. Secure a plastic sheet, or tarp, over the spa cover and plywood.
8. Replace the equipment access door, if removed.