How to winterize an Endless Pools swim spa
Time to read 11 min
Winter Preparation
Endless Pools
An Endless Pools swim spa represents a significant investment. Thanks to its insulation and heating system, it can remain operational year-round, even during a Quebec winter. Many owners choose to continue swimming, training, or enjoying the spa area despite the snow and cold.
However, if you do not plan to use it for several weeks or throughout the entire cold season, it is not enough simply to turn off the power and drain the shell. Water can easily remain trapped in the pumps, heater, skimmer, drain, jets, and pipes. When it freezes, this small amount of water can expand and crack a component or pipe.
Complete winterization of a swim spa is therefore a lengthy and meticulous task. The procedure varies depending on the model, year, number of pumps, and whether equipment such as a treadmill is present. This guide presents the principles applicable to recent Endless Pools models and the practices recommended by Piscine Hippocampe. Always consult the manual corresponding to your serial number.
Important Warning
Endless Pools states that freeze damage is not covered by the warranty and recommends entrusting winterization to a local professional. If you are unsure about even one pipe, do not take the risk.
Table of Contents
Can you use an Endless Pools swim spa during the winter? Why install remote control? When should a swim spa be winterized? Before starting: accurately identify the model Materials and products to prepare How to winterize an Endless Pools swim spa: the steps How to use antifreeze without creating a false sense of security Why support the cover with closing blocks? What should be checked during the winter? The most common errors Spring start-up Frequently asked questions about winterizing a swim spa Why call on a professional?
Can you use an Endless Pools swim spa during the winter?
Yes. Endless Pools swim spas are designed for year-round use, including in cold climates. In Quebec, Piscine Hippocampe recommends maintaining a minimum temperature of 80 °F, or approximately 27 °C, when the spa remains operational. This temperature helps the system retain a reserve of heat and reduces the risk of a rapid drop going unnoticed.
Keep the spa powered, let the circulation and filtration cycles run, keep the water balanced, and check the water level regularly. A cover in good condition and properly fitted remains essential for limiting heat loss.
Freeze Protection Endless Pools Guide
Why install remote control?
A compatible remote-control option, such as the in.touch 2 system on certain equipment, allows you to check the temperature, spa status, and various settings from a phone. Depending on the configuration, the app may also send notifications. This monitoring lets you detect a temperature drop or error message more quickly and have someone intervene before freezing damages the equipment.
Compatibility must be verified based on the model and control system. An app does not replace an in-person visit: a power, Internet, or communication outage may make the spa inaccessible remotely. During an absence, always designate someone who can inspect the spa on site.
When should a swim spa be winterized?
Plan the closure before the first below-freezing temperatures. Choose a dry day that is warm enough to work without rushing. Do not wait for the first freezing night: the process takes much longer than draining a traditional spa.
A prolonged absence in the middle of winter requires a clear decision. Either the spa remains operational with reliable monitoring, or it is completely winterized. The intermediate solution of turning off the power while leaving water in the circuits is the riskiest.
Before starting: accurately identify the model
Endless Pools instructions distinguish, among other things, older Spa Series models from Fitness Systems manufactured since 2017. Current models may also include a swim area, an independent spa area, multiple pumps, or a hydraulic swim treadmill. Identify the model, year, and serial number before opening the equipment compartment.
Photograph the nameplate and the equipment compartment.
Locate all pumps, the heater, drains, and union fittings.
Check whether the spa has a swim treadmill or two independent basins.
Prepare a diagram or take photos before disconnecting a fitting.
Consult the manual for the exact model.
Materials and products to prepare
Gather all the materials before draining. Once the basin is empty, the spa must not be left unprotected while looking for a missing product.
| Equipment or product | Use |
|---|---|
| Submersible pump and hose | Speed up draining and move water away from the spa base. |
| Wet/dry vacuum | Vacuum water from the jets, filter compartments, drains, suction fittings, and lines. |
| Mineraluxe Cleanse & Drain | Clean the lines and dislodge residue before draining. |
| Mineraluxe Filter Revive | Clean the cartridges before drying and storing them. |
| 4 gallons of Dazzle Premium antifreeze | Protect circuits that are difficult to drain. The amount actually used varies by spa model. |
| Resealable bags and labels | Group and identify the O-rings, caps, and other small parts that were removed. |
| Spa cover locks | Support certain types of covers and reduce the risk of sagging under the weight of snow. |
| Heavy-duty cover and fasteners | Protect the entire outdoor spa from water, snow, and the elements. |
Have four gallons ready before starting
Piscine Hippocampe recommends having four gallons, or approximately 15 liters, of Dazzle Premium antifreeze on hand. This is not a universal dosage: the amount actually used depends on the model and the lines that remain difficult to dry.
How to winterize an Endless Pools swim spa: the steps
1. Choose a mild, dry day
2. Clean the lines before draining
3. Turn off the power
4. Completely drain the pool
5. Remove and clean the filters
6. Vacuum the plumbing in the filtration compartment
7. Dry the jets, suctions, and air lines
8. Open the equipment compartment
9. Drain the pumps and heater
10. Vacuum the ozonator, drain, and secondary circuits
11. Protect difficult areas with Dazzle Premium antifreeze
12. Treat the treadmill and special equipment separately
13. Store the seals and leave the unions open
14. Thoroughly dry the shell
15. Close and protect the spa
1. Choose a mild, dry day
Start before freezing temperatures arrive and allow several hours. The area around the spa must be clear, the ground safe, and the water discharge planned away from the foundation and the electrical compartment.
2. Clean the lines before draining
Add Mineraluxe Cleanse & Drain according to the Piscine Hippocampe procedure and the product instructions. For typical swim spa volumes, our procedure generally calls for two bottles, followed by circulation for 20 to 60 minutes. This step helps loosen accumulated residue in the plumbing before draining the water.
3. Turn off the power
Turn off the spa's circuit breaker or disconnect switch before draining. Clearly identify it so no one accidentally turns the power back on. Never operate a pump or heater when the pool is empty.
4. Completely drain the pool
Open the drain according to the manual and use a submersible pump to speed up the process. Direct the water to a suitable location. The built-in drain may leave some water at the bottom; remove it afterward with the wet/dry vacuum.
5. Remove and clean the filters
Remove all cartridges. Clean them with Mineraluxe Filter Revive, rinse them thoroughly, let them dry completely, and store them in a dry, frost-free place. Do not leave wet cartridges in the compartment.
6. Vacuum the plumbing in the filtration compartment
Apply suction to the openings connected to the filters to empty the lines. Work on one opening at a time and repeat the process until no more water comes out elsewhere in the pool.
7. Dry the jets, suctions, and air lines
Open the air controls. Vacuum each jet, the floor suctions, and the other openings. Depending on the model, some jets are difficult to access; alternate between vacuuming and blowing when the manufacturer's procedure and the equipment allow it.
8. Open the equipment compartment
Remove the necessary panels to access the pumps, heater, and pipes. Take photos before beginning any work. Each swim spa may have a different configuration, particularly if it includes two pools or multiple massage systems.
9. Drain the pumps and heater
Loosen the unions one at a time and collect the water with the wet/dry vacuum. Remove the drainage plugs from the pump housings. Make sure the heater and the low points in the plumbing are completely drained.
10. Vacuum the ozonator, drain, and secondary circuits
Vacuum the ozone line, side drain, main drain, and every auxiliary circuit. The goal is to remove water wherever it can accumulate, not only from the visible lines in the basin.
11. Protect difficult areas with Dazzle Premium antifreeze
After removing as much water as possible, pour Dazzle Premium antifreeze designed for pools and spas into lines where water could remain trapped: the drain, skimmer, filtration plumbing, hard-to-reach jets, suction lines, and other at-risk circuits. Use the amount required for the model. Never use automotive antifreeze.
12. Treat the treadmill and special equipment separately
If the spa has a treadmill, disconnect the plumbing from its heat exchanger according to the manual and vacuum out all the water. Also check every area of a dual-basin model. A generic shutdown can easily overlook a specialized circuit.
13. Store the seals and leave the unions open
Place the removed O-rings and gaskets in a labeled bag. Endless Pools recommends leaving the unions open so residual moisture can evaporate. The parts should be easy to find when restarting the system.
14. Thoroughly dry the shell
Vacuum the remaining water from the floor, seats, around the jets, beneath the accessories, and under the treadmill, if present. Take the necessary time: draining and drying a swim spa is a lengthy process, and the quality of this step determines the protection against freezing.
15. Close and protect the spa
Securely replace the mechanical compartment panels. Depending on the type of cover, add spa closing blocks to support its structure. Then cover the outdoor spa with a sturdy, securely fastened tarp to prevent rain and snow from entering the empty basin.
Air pressure
If a compressor is used, Endless Pools asks that you do not exceed 10 psi. Excessive pressure can damage fittings or plumbing. A wet/dry vacuum is often the safest tool for a homeowner.
How to use antifreeze without creating a false sense of security
Dazzle Premium antifreeze provides additional protection in circuits that are difficult to drain. It never replaces draining, vacuuming, and drying. Pouring antifreeze into plumbing that is still full of water can dilute it and reduce its protective capacity.
Have four gallons available before starting the work.
First remove as much water as possible with the vacuum.
Target the drain, skimmer, suction lines, filtration, and hard-to-access jets.
Follow the product label and the procedure corresponding to the model.
Never use automotive antifreeze or a product not intended for a pool or spa.
Why support the cover with closing blocks?
A swim spa cover may need to support significant weight during the winter. Depending on its type, span, and condition, closing blocks placed inside the basin can help support the structure and limit sagging. Their number and position must be adapted to the cover.
Blocks do not replace winter maintenance. Regularly remove accumulated snow and water, check the fasteners after strong winds, and make sure the tarp remains watertight. Endless Pools recommends additional interior support in regions with heavy snowfall.
What should be checked during the winter?
- The cover and tarp are always securely fastened.
- No excessive accumulation of snow or water deforms the cover.
- No water enters the empty basin.
- The exterior panels remain in place, and no animal enters the equipment compartment.
- The circuit breaker remains clearly identified and switched off until start-up.
The most common errors
| Error | Risk |
|---|---|
| Cutting power without closing the spa | Water remains in the lines and can freeze quickly. |
| Draining only the shell | The pumps, heater, and low points can retain a significant amount of water. |
| Starting too late | A first night below freezing can damage the system before the work is even finished. |
| Relying solely on antifreeze | Antifreeze can be diluted and lose its effectiveness if the plumbing has not first been properly drained. |
| Restoring power to an empty spa | The pumps and heater can be damaged almost immediately. |
| Forgetting the swim current | On some models, the heat exchanger and swim-current plumbing form a separate circuit that must also be winterized. |
| Leaving the cover unsupported | The weight of snow can bend or collapse the cover and encourage water infiltration. |
| Losing union gaskets | Missing or improperly replaced gaskets can cause leaks and delay spring start-up. |
Spring start-up
Reopening must also be methodical. Remove the cover and blocks, inspect the shell, replace the gaskets, close the unions, and check every plug. Fill the spa through the filter compartment to reduce the risk of an air lock. Do not restore power until the water level is adequate and all pumps can be primed.
Pool and spa antifreeze must be drained according to the product instructions and Piscine Hippocampe’s procedure. Once circulation is restored, inspect each connection for leaks, clean the water as needed and have a sample tested before resuming the maintenance routine.
Frequently asked questions about winterizing a swim spa
Can an Endless Pools swim spa be left running in winter?
Yes. It is designed for four-season use. Piscine Hippocampe recommends maintaining at least 80 °F, keeping the water balanced and monitoring the system regularly.
Is it better to keep the spa open or winterize it?
If the spa can be monitored and used, keeping it running avoids a complex shutdown. Complete winterization becomes appropriate during an extended shutdown or when no one can maintain it.
Can you simply lower the temperature?
You can lower the temperature while keeping the spa powered, but do not go below the minimum of 80 °F recommended by Piscine Hippocampe during the Quebec winter.
Why are four gallons of antifreeze required?
This supply makes it possible to treat the various circuits that are difficult to drain. The amount actually used varies by model; four gallons must be available before starting.
Can automotive antifreeze be used?
No. Use only antifreeze designed for pools and spas, such as Dazzle Premium, according to its label.
Does remote control prevent freezing?
No. It allows you to monitor the temperature and certain messages more quickly, but it depends on electricity, the Internet and system compatibility. A physical inspection is still necessary.
Are blocks under the cover always necessary?
They are strongly recommended for certain types of covers or when the span and snow accumulation require additional support. Their installation must be adapted to the model.
Why call on a professional?
A technician experienced with Endless Pools knows the hidden lines, pumps, drains, heat exchangers and model-specific features. A single forgotten line can lead to a costly repair.
Need help closing your Endless Pools swim spa?
Piscine Hippocampe supports swim spa owners in Delson, on Montreal’s South Shore and in the surrounding areas. Contact our team before the first cold nights to verify your model, obtain the right products or schedule professional winterization.
