Looking to drain your hot tub? Follow this straightforward guide to learn how to drain a hot tub efficiently with minimal hassle.

Key Takeaways

• Draining your hot tub every 3-4 months is recommended, but frequency varies based on usage and maintenance quality.
• Preparation and the right tools, such as a garden hose and submersible pump, are essential for an efficient drainage process.
• Post-drain maintenance involves cleaning the hot tub shell and filters, refilling with fresh water, and adjusting chemical levels to maintain water quality.

When to Drain Your Hot Tub

Knowing when to drain your hot tub ensures clean and safe spa water. Traditional purification systems recommend changing the water every 3 to 4 months for hygiene. However, this timeline can vary based on how frequently you use your hot tub and how well you maintain it. Cloudy water, unpleasant odors, or difficulty balancing chemicals indicate it may be time to drain your hot tub sooner.

Frequent use or poor maintenance might require more frequent water changes than general guidelines suggest. For daily or multiple-user hot tubs, draining every 2 to 3 months may be more suitable. Environmental factors like temperature, oils, and lotions can impact spa water cleanliness, necessitating more frequent maintenance.

Sundance Spas recommend a regular draining schedule to keep your modern hot tub in optimal condition. Their guidelines help keep your hot tub’s plumbing free of build-up and putting the water fresh and inviting.

A regular maintenance routine schedule prevents neglect and ensures you relax and enjoy the heat of your hot tub for years.

Preparing to Drain Your Hot Tub

Preparation is key before draining your hot tub. Having all necessary tools and equipment makes the process smooth and efficient. Effective drainage requires a garden hose, submersible pump, and necessary hot tub chemicals. A garden hose long enough to reach a drain and a submersible pump can significantly speed up the process.

First, turn off the power to your hot tub at the circuit breaker. This prevents the pump from running dry and damaging your hot tub’s plumbing. Attach the garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end to an area where water can safely flow away from your home.

Gather any additional equipment needed for cleaning the hot tub shell and filters after draining. A clear plan and the right tools ensure a hassle-free experience and prevent delays or complications.

Draining Your Hot Tub with a Submersible Pump

With everything prepared, you can proceed to drain your hot tub using a submersible pump:

1. Place the pump in the deepest part of the tub to remove as much water as possible.
2. Connect the outflow hose to a garden hose if needed.
3. Lay the hose downhill to let gravity assist in moving water to the drain area.

Double-check that the power to the hot tub is turned off at the circuit breaker before starting the pump to avoid potential damage. Switch on the submersible pump and monitor the draining process once everything is set up. This highly efficient method often completes the task in about ten minutes, depending on the hot tub’s size.

Monitor the hose as the water level drops to ensure there are no kinks or blockages interrupting the water flow. Using a submersible pump significantly reduces the time and effort required for draining, making it a preferred method for many hot tub owners.

Draining Your Hot Tub Using the Primary Spigot

Alternatively, you can drain your hot tub using the primary spigot. Locate the primary drainage spigot, typically found at the bottom of your hot tub. The spigot is designed to drain most of the water from the hot tub.

Attach a garden hose to the primary spigot, ensuring not to cross-thread the plastic threads to avoid leaks or damage. Open the ball valve on the spigot once the hose is securely attached to start draining the water. Direct the hose’s other end to an appropriate drain area to prevent water from pooling around your home.

Open the auxiliary spigot after most of the water has been drained to remove any residual water in the internal lines. This step ensures all parts of your hot tub’s plumbing are cleared of water, preventing potential issues from leftover moisture.

Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell and Filters

With your hot tub now drained, follow these cleaning steps:

• Thoroughly clean the hot tub shell and filters.
• Wipe down the interior of your hot tub with clean rags and a suitable spa shell cleaner to remove any residue or build-up.
• Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended cleaning products.
• Avoid household cleaners that can damage the shell.

Thoroughly rinse the shell after wiping it down to remove any remaining cleaning solution. This ensures no chemicals are left behind that could affect the spa water once you refill the hot tub. Clean the area around the jets as well, as this is a common spot for mold and mildew to develop.

Address the filters next:

• Soak the filters in a filter cleaner for at least two hours to remove impurities and ensure effective function.
• Rinse the filters bi-weekly.
• Perform a deep clean monthly to capture contaminants and maintain optimal water quality.

Clean filters are crucial for the health of your hot tub’s plumbing and water.