Pre-Winter Hot Tub Inspection: What to Check Before the Temperature Drops

Pallett Pool & Spa
Sep 8
3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

As fall settles in and temperatures begin to drop in Mississauga, it’s the perfect time to perform a thorough inspection of your hot tub before winter arrives. Proper maintenance now not only ensures that your spa will run smoothly through the colder months but also helps prevent costly repairs and prolongs the life of your investment.

If you want to enjoy your hot tub comfortably all season long or prepare it for winterizing, this pre-winter inspection checklist will guide you through the essential steps.

1. Check Water Chemistry and Balance

Before colder weather hits, test your hot tub water to ensure it’s properly balanced. Pay close attention to:

pH levels (ideal range: 7.2 – 7.8)
Alkalinity (ideal range: 80 – 120 ppm)
Calcium hardness (ideal range: 150 – 250 ppm)
Sanitizer levels (chlorine, bromine, or alternative sanitizers)

Balanced water prevents corrosion, scaling, and bacterial growth. If necessary, shock your hot tub to eliminate contaminants and maintain crystal-clear water throughout the season.

2. Inspect the Cover and Seals

Your hot tub cover protects the spa from debris, heat loss, and weather damage, making it one of the most important components to inspect before winter.

Look for cracks, tears, or water-logging in the cover
Check that the seals are intact and provide a tight fit
Clean the cover with a gentle cleaner and apply a vinyl protectant to extend its life
Consider upgrading to a more insulated cover if your current one is worn out

3. Examine the Jets and Plumbing

Cold temperatures can cause damage if water is trapped in plumbing lines or jets.

Run all jets to ensure they’re working properly and clear of blockages
Listen for unusual noises that could indicate pump or motor issues
Inspect pipes and connections for leaks or cracks
If you plan to winterize your spa, make sure all water is drained from pipes to prevent freezing damage

4. Test the Heater and Electrical Components

Your hot tub’s heater and electrical systems will work harder as temperatures drop, so it’s important to check them now.

Test the heater to ensure it’s heating water efficiently
Inspect wiring, pumps, and control panels for wear or corrosion
Schedule a professional inspection if you notice any irregularities or malfunctions

5. Clean and Replace Filters

Filters play a key role in keeping your hot tub water clean, especially when usage might decrease during cooler months.

Remove, clean, and rinse filters thoroughly
Replace filters if they appear worn or clogged
Regular filter maintenance helps maintain water flow and extends the life of your spa equipment

6. Plan for Regular Use or Winterizing

Decide whether you will continue using your hot tub throughout the winter or prepare it for winter storage.

If you’ll keep using it, plan for regular maintenance checks and chemical balancing during the colder months
If closing it for winter, follow proper winterizing steps such as draining water, blowing out lines, and covering the tub securely

Final Thoughts

Performing a thorough pre-winter inspection of your hot tub in Mississauga is essential to protect your spa from cold weather damage and ensure a relaxing soak all season long. Taking the time to check water chemistry, cover condition, jets, plumbing, heater, and filters now can save you headaches and costly repairs later.

If you need expert help with your hot tub inspection, maintenance, or winterizing, contact Pallett Pool and Spa. Our experienced technicians can help you prepare your spa for the cooler seasons and keep it running smoothly year-round.