Drain, Refill, and Refresh – Just in Time for Holiday Lights
Drain, Refill, and Refresh—Just in Time for Holiday Lights
As the weather cools and the pool settles in for its winter rest, it’s a good moment to think about two seasonal tasks: refreshing your hot tub water and prepping your holiday lights. Both are easier to handle now—before winter really settles in.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Hot tub water should typically be changed every 3–4 months, but tackling this chore in the middle of January is nobody’s idea of fun. Take advantage of the milder temperatures now and get ahead of the deep-winter chill.
Holiday lights, too, are much easier to hang before frost and wind complicate things. You don’t need to turn them on yet—but getting them in place early means one less cold-weather job later.
Prep the Spa Before You Drain
Before draining your hot tub or spa, add a pipe-cleaning product such as Swirl Away. This helps flush out buildup inside the plumbing lines, ensuring cleaner, fresher water when you refill.
While the cleaner works its magic, head to the attic, basement, or garage and pull out your holiday lights. Now is the perfect time to untangle last season’s mess, check for burnt-out bulbs, and make sure everything is ready for display.
Drain, Decorate, and Clean
Once you begin draining the hot tub, start hanging your holiday lights. You don’t need to switch them on yet—just get them in place while the weather is still manageable.
After the tub has emptied, pause your decorating and wipe down the shell, clearing any dirt or residue. This is also a great time to perform jet maintenance—you can follow the steps in this resource: https://www.rrpools.ca/blog/hot-tub-jet-maintenance/
Refill and Finish Your Display
With the tub clean and the jets ready, place your garden hose in the spa and begin refilling with fresh water. While the tub fills, return to your holiday setup to complete the display. And yes—it’s never too early to bring out the inflatable snowmen.
Ready for the Season
Once the tub is full, bring it up to temperature. Then, stop by your local spa professional for a water test to ensure your water is balanced and ready for your first soak.
Add your chemicals, pour some eggnog, step into the warm water, and enjoy a well-earned moment of relaxation—made even better by the glow of your freshly hung holiday lights.
About The Author:
Stephanie Burke, Retail Manager & Water Care Specialist at R&R Pools, has more than 15 years of experience in the pool and spa industry, helping homeowners understand water care, solve common pool problems, and keep their water clean and balanced.
