Spillover spa closing help

[jackd1987]

Hi, looking for some help closing my pool with a connected spillover spa. I've been searching but can't find an answer.

I have the pool part all completed, and have drained and blown out all of the lines for the spa. I plugged all of the jets/returns.

Not sure what to do about the spa drain. There are four of them that are a few inches up on the sides.

The options I thought are to:
1) remove all of the drain covers that are screwed on and plug them? (Read in another thread this can damage them)
2) refill the spa and treat the drain like the pool main drain? (My concern there freezing and defrosting letting air and water in)
3) leave as is, throw some plywood over the top and call it a day?
4) something else

Attached is a picture so you can see what I'm working with.

Thank you!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

That is not the typical spa we see in Northern areas.

I would remove all of the drain covers that are screwed on and plug them. Then refill the spa halfway and pour a few gallons of RV antifreeze in.

Let's see if @RDspaguy has ideas.

 

[jackd1987]

Welcome to TFP.

That is not the typical spa we see in Northern areas.

I would remove all of the drain covers that are screwed on and plug them. Then refill the spa halfway and pour a few gallons of RV antifreeze in.

Let's see if @RDspaguy has ideas.

Thank you.

I'm not surprised that it's not typical. We had a nightmare of a time with our builder.

I spoke to a guy at a little local pool shop, he also recommended removing the drain covers and plugging.

I'll plan on doing that unless someone chimes in and says otherwise.

 

[RDspaguy]

If you can plug them reliably, and get them blown out thoroughly, that will be fine. The trouble with spas isn't just getting the water out, it's keeping it out. You can winterize it completely but one loose or old plug and a good rain and it's all gone. Leaving it full is only an option if it's running. This is one reason why nobody guarantees a spa winterization.
Air lines are another issue, as they cannot be blown from the jets or water line, so must be accessed at the intake if it has no blower to the jets.
Most inground tubs are plumbed in series, from one jet to the next, but a fiberglass insert can be plumbed with manifolds like a portable, which require extra care.