Winterization Guide — Icebound Pro Chiller

Winterization Guide — Icebound Pro Chiller

As cold weather approaches, it’s important to properly drain and protect your Icebound Pro Chiller to prevent damage from freezing water. Even small amounts of trapped water can expand and cause internal leaks or cracks if temperatures drop below freezing.

Follow this simple guide to safely prepare your system for winter storage or extended periods of non-use.

Step 1: Power Down and Drain the Tub

  1. Turn off your Icebound Pro Chiller using the control panel and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. Drain your tub completely before proceeding. Open the tub drain valve or disconnect the lowest hose to let water flow out.

  3. If your drain setup is elevated, use gravity or a small submersible pump to assist with drainage.

💡 Note: Draining the tub first prevents water from spilling out of the hoses in later steps — especially if your setup doesn’t include ball valves.

Step 2: Disconnect the Water Filter Housing

  1. Close any ball valves installed on the tub or chiller ports (if applicable).
  2. Unscrew the clear filter housing from the filter base and remove the filter cartridge.

  3. Clean the filter thoroughly, then pour out any remaining water inside the housing and let the filter dry completely.

  4. Store both the filter and housing indoors in a dry place.

Note: Leaving your filter and filter housing installed with water inside can lead to mildew, odors, or buildup over time. Or even cracking in freezing conditions.

Step 3: Disconnect the Hoses and Strainer

  1. Detach both water hoses from the chiller’s WATER INLET (strainer side) and WATER OUTLET.

  2. Be prepared for some water to spill out of the hoses when you disconnect them.

  3. Remove the clear strainer housing and empty it completely. Inspect the O-ring and mesh strainer; clean and dry them, and store them in a small bag so they don’t get lost. You can also store the piece fully assembled. 

  4. There is no need to remove the small O-ring installed at the chiller inlet.
  5. Wipe down all fittings and allow them to air-dry before storage.

Step 4: Drain the Chiller

  1. Tilt the chiller slightly backward to allow water to flow out of the drain outlet at the bottom.
  2. If possible, briefly connect a shop vac to the outlet port to suction out residual water. This prevents hidden pockets of water from freezing and expanding inside the pipes.
  3. Tip: After draining, lean the chiller back slightly until the fan cage rests on a sturdy 4x4 block of wood. This keeps the water ports from touching the ground and allows any remaining water inside to drain out completely.

⚠️ Important: Never blow compressed air directly into the chiller; this can damage internal seals.

Step 5: Protect the System

  • Store the chiller indoors (garage, basement, or climate-controlled storage) if outside temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
  • If indoor storage isn’t possible, keep it covered and elevated on a dry surface, away from direct exposure to snow or ice.

  • If your chiller’s GFCI is located on the power cord, make sure it stays dry, especially when used outdoors. You can cover it with a plastic bag or protective sleeve to prevent water from getting in. (Newer models have the GFCI built into the chiller instead of the plug.)

Step 6: Optional Tub Protection

If you’re leaving the tub outdoors:

  • Make sure it’s completely dry inside and out.
  • Leave the lid cover clipped on to prevent water or snow from entering.
  • If your area gets heavy snow or ice, place a light tarp or plastic sheet over the top for extra protection.

Step 7: Restarting in Spring

When warmer weather returns:

  1. Reconnect all hoses, fittings, and the strainer.
  2. Reinstall the filter and housing, checking all O-rings are seated correctly.
  3. Check for leaks before plugging the chiller back in.

  4. Go through the normal startup process, and if you notice any trapped air, press and hold the red button on the filter housing to release it.

    Tip: If you’re using a garden hose, press the hose directly against the inside surface of the water port that leads to the chiller’s inlet port. This helps flush out any trapped air in the system — the easiest and most effective way to ensure smooth water flow.

🧊 Keep It Simple. Keep It Safe.

Proper winterization keeps your Icebound Pro Chiller running at peak performance for years to come.

A few extra minutes before the freeze can save your pump, fittings, and cooling core from costly damage, so your next plunge starts perfectly clean, clear, and ready to chill.


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