How to Unwinterize Your Hot Tub (Without the Headache) – Minnesota Spring Guide

Brad Rondeau
May 2
2 min read

If you used RV antifreeze to winterize your hot tub, opening it back up for spring isn’t as simple as just filling it and turning it on.

Done incorrectly, leftover antifreeze, bacteria buildup, and clogged plumbing can lead to cloudy water, bad smells, or even equipment damage.

Here’s how to unwinterize your hot tub the right way—and when it might make more sense to call in the pros.

Step 1: Inspect Before You Fill

Before adding any water, check:

Plumbing connections
Pump unions
Cracks or damage from freezing temps

Minnesota winters are no joke—small cracks can turn into big leaks fast.

Step 2: Flush Out RV Antifreeze

Even though RV antifreeze is non-toxic, it should NEVER be left in your system.

Fill the hot tub above jets
Run pumps for 15–20 minutes
Drain completely

This first flush removes most of the antifreeze sitting in your plumbing lines.

Step 3: When Unwinterizing Deep Clean the Plumbing (Most Important Step)

This is where most DIY jobs fall short.

Over winter, your plumbing can develop:

Biofilm (bacteria buildup)
Residue from antifreeze
Hidden contaminants

Using a professional-grade line flush:

Breaks down buildup inside pipes
Restores proper water flow
Prevents cloudy or foamy water later

Run jets 20–30 minutes, then drain again.

Step 4: Clean or Replace Filters

Your filters have likely been sitting all winter.

Rinse thoroughly
Use a filter cleaner soak
Replace if worn or clogged

Step 5: Final Fill + Startup

Now you’re ready to:

Refill with fresh water
Power on the system
Check for leaks or airlocks

Step 6: Balance Your Water

Proper water chemistry is key to a safe soak:

pH: 7.2–7.8
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Sanitizer: Chlorine or Bromine

Finish with a shock treatment to sanitize everything.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the plumbing flush
Reusing dirty filters
Heating water before fully cleaning the system
Assuming clear water = clean water

💡 Want to Skip the Hassle?

Unwinterizing a hot tub the right way takes time, chemicals, and experience.

That’s where we come in.

✅ Flush & Fill Spring Opening Service Includes:

Full drain & refill
Professional line purge treatment
Filter cleaning or replacement
System inspection
Complete water balancing

🚿 Get Your Hot Tub Ready—The Easy Way

Let us handle the dirty work so you can enjoy crystal-clear, perfectly balanced water from day one.

👉 Book Your Spring Hot Tub Opening Today

Call or text 612-483-3113

📍 Serving Minnesota Homeowners

Fast, reliable, and professional hot tub water care you can trust.