Horizontal Tub Winterization Guide

This guide outlines how to safely operate, monitor, or winterize your tub based on outdoor temperatures. Freeze damage can occur during extreme cold, power loss, or if water flow slows or stops while temperatures are below freezing. Protecting your tub from freeze damage is ultimately the customer’s responsibility.

Winterization Responsibility

If the tub is exposed to freezing temperatures, proper winterization steps must be followed. Failure to properly winterize the unit may result in damage to internal components, which is not covered under warranty.

Ensure Proper Water Flow (Always Required)

Your pump and circulation system are the most critical components for cold-weather operation. Maintaining strong water flow helps prevent freezing and protects internal components.

Monitor Outdoor Temperatures

Monitor your local weather forecasts and your water temperature.

25°F and Above

If outdoor temperatures remain consistently above 25°F, you can continue using your tub normally with no special winterization required.

To help ensure proper circulation:

  • Keeping the tub plugged in at all times
  • Ensuring water is circulating continuously
  • Confirming you can feel water flow through the jet
  • Replacing dirty filters to maintain proper circulation
  • Confirming your power supply is reliable

Keep an eye on the temperature reading on your chiller. If the water temperature drops below 38°F, follow the extreme cold weather precautions below.

Extended Extreme Cold (Below 15°F for 48+ Hours)

If outdoor temperatures are expected to remain below 15°F for more than a few consecutive days, we recommend temporarily pausing use of the tub and winterizing the system to prevent freeze damage.

You have two safe options:

Option 1: Pause Plunging — Drain the Tub

If you plan to pause plunging until temperatures rise:

Steps:

  1. Drain the tub completely using the pump and hose.
  2. Once the tub is fully drained, unplug the tub from the electrical outlet to avoid damaging the pump from running dry.
  3. Remove the chiller and move it indoors. Gently tilt the chiller on its side to help drain any internal water.
  4. Remove the filter housing and move it indoors. Pour out any trapped water from the filter housing.
  5. Leave the tub empty until temperatures return to a safe operating range.

Option 2: Continue Plunging — Move the Tub Indoors

If you would like to continue using your tub during extended extreme cold:

Steps:

  1. Drain the tub completely.
  2. Remove the chiller and filter, and tilt each to drain any remaining water.
  3. Move the tub indoors.
    (The tub weighs 170 lbs when dry and with the chiller removed.)
  4. Reinstall the chiller and filter.
  5. Refill the tub with water and resume normal indoor use.

⚠️ Important Safety Notes

  • Continuous water circulation is essential to help prevent freezing and protect internal components.
  • Freeze damage can occur during extreme cold, power loss, or if water flow slows or stops while temperatures are below freezing.
  • If the tub is drained, unplug the unit to prevent pump damage.
  • Any standing water left in the system during freezing conditions may freeze and damage components.
  • Keep an eye on your chiller temperature. If water temperature drops below 38°F, take immediate action using the extreme cold weather steps above.

If you are unsure whether your Horizontal setup is adequately protected, feel free to contact us by email, text, or phone — we’re happy to help!

 

Need Help?

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Text/Call: (909) 232-8920
Email: customerservice@coldcreektubs.com