How to Winterize a Wood-Fired Hot Tub in Cold Climates

Winterize Wood Fired Hot Tub

As temperatures drop and frost settles in, your wood-fired hot tub becomes vulnerable to one of the most destructive forces in winter: freezing water. Without proper preparation, your investment can suffer from cracked wooden planks, burst plumbing, stove damage, and mold growth.

The good news? A thorough winterization process can prevent these costly issues and ensure your tub is ready to soak again when spring arrives—or even remain usable throughout the cold months if you choose. This complete guide explains how to winterize a wood-fired hot tub step-by-step, what tools you need, and how to avoid common cold-weather mistakes.

Why Winterizing Matters for Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

Wood-fired hot tubs are beautiful, rustic, and effective—but they’re not immune to winter’s effects. The porous nature of wood means it can absorb water, swell, freeze, and split if temperatures plummet and the tub isn’t drained or insulated correctly.

What Is Winterization & Why Is It Important?

Winterization is the process of preparing your hot tub for freezing temperatures by draining, cleaning, insulating, and protecting the internal plumbing and stove. It prevents freeze expansion—a process where trapped water turns to ice, expands, and damages the tub structure and fittings.

Why is winterization important for wood-fired hot tubs?
Because without it, you risk:

• Cracks in your wooden tub shell
• Frozen or burst plumbing lines
• Damaged stove or flue components
• Mold and mildew from stagnant water
• Costly repairs before spring startup

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start winterizing, gather the following tools and supplies to streamline the process:

Checklist of Essential Winterizing Tools

✅ Garden hose or drain pump

✅ Long-handled cleaning brush

✅ Non-toxic RV or hot tub antifreeze

✅ Bucket or sponge

✅ High-quality insulated cover

✅ Teflon tape for pipe threads

✅ Chimney brush and stove tools

✅ Waterproof tarp (optional)

✅ Moisture meter (optional)

Keep these tools on hand for both winter shutdown and optional cold-season soaking.

Step-by-Step Winterizing Process

Now, let’s dive into the complete winterization process.

Step 1: Drain All Water Completely

Use gravity, a submersible pump, or your tub’s drain system to fully evacuate the water. Remove all standing water from the tub, stove, and any external pipes or hoses. Wipe out any remaining puddles with a sponge or towel.

Pro Tip: If your tub has jets or piping, blow air through the system with a wet/dry vac to remove hidden moisture.

Step 2: Clean the Interior Thoroughly

Use a brush and natural cleaner to scrub the walls, benches, and floor. Make sure you clean the waterline area where residue builds up.

• Don’t use bleach—it can damage wood.
• Allow the wood to dry completely before sealing the tub or covering it.

Step 3: Apply Antifreeze to Pipes (If Applicable)

For systems with hoses, external plumbing, or drain pipes, pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into each pipe and drain outlet. Let it sit and coat the internal surfaces.

• Cap or plug all openings after adding antifreeze.
• Label the tub to remind yourself before spring startup.

Step 4: Clean and Inspect the Chimney and Stove

Sweep the chimney with a brush to remove creosote. Check for blockages, rust, or cracks. Remove leftover ash and soot from the stove and confirm all vents are clear.

Q: What should I do before restarting in spring?
A: Clean thoroughly, refill, test water balance, and inspect for damage or wear.

Step 5: Cover and Insulate

Place an insulated, waterproof cover over the tub. If your tub is in an exposed area, consider adding:

• Tarp wraps around the sides
• Straw bales for wind blocking
• Foam insulation over pipes and valves

This keeps the tub dry, reduces heat loss, and protects wood from snow or ice accumulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned hot tub owners make winterization errors. Avoid these costly missteps: