Draining your hot tub is an essential part of its regular maintenance. Whether it’s to clean the interior, perform repairs, or refresh the water, properly draining your hot tub ensures its longevity and optimal performance. However, it’s crucial to follow the right steps to avoid damaging the spa or the plumbing system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of safely draining your hot tub.
Why Drain Your Hot Tub?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly discuss the reasons you might want to drain your hot tub:
- Routine Maintenance: Draining every 3-4 months helps remove oils, dirt, and chemicals that accumulate in the water over time.
- Water Quality Issues: If your water becomes cloudy, off-balance, or unsanitary, draining and refilling can help restore clarity.
- Winterizing: If you’re preparing your hot tub for winter, draining the water is a critical step in the process to avoid freezing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Hot Tub
1. Turn Off the Power
The first and most important step is to power down the hot tub to avoid any electrical mishaps during the draining process.
- Turn off the breaker connected to the hot tub. This will ensure that no electrical components are running while you work on it.
2. Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve
Most hot tubs are equipped with a drain valve for easy water removal. If your hot tub has one, you’ll use it to direct the water safely away from your home.
- Locate the drain valve, typically found at the bottom of the spa or near the equipment area.
- Attach a garden hose to the valve. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach a drainage area that’s away from your house (such as a yard or street drainage system).
- Be mindful of any local regulations on draining water to avoid harming the environment.
3. Open the Drain Valve
Once the hose is attached, slowly open the drain valve to begin the water flow.
- Make sure the hose is securely attached before opening the valve to prevent leaks.
- Allow the water to flow out naturally. Depending on the size of your hot tub, this could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
4. Use a Submersible Pump (Optional)
If your hot tub doesn’t have a drain valve or you want to drain it more quickly, you can use a submersible pump.
- Place the pump in the deepest part of the hot tub.
- Connect the pump to a hose and place the other end where you want the water to go.
- Turn the pump on, and it will remove the water quickly, often within 15-30 minutes.
5. Get Rid of Remaining Water
Even after most of the water has drained out, there may still be some residual water at the bottom of the hot tub, which is difficult to remove by gravity alone.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water.
- Wipe down the interior of the hot tub using towels or rags to ensure it is dry before you begin cleaning.
6. Clean the Hot Tub Interior
Now is the perfect time to clean your hot tub’s interior. Drainage provides access to areas that are otherwise hard to reach.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the interior surface of the tub, focusing on areas where grime and mineral deposits can build up, such as the jets, around the waterline, and the shell.
- Clean the filter if necessary (if it’s time for a replacement, go ahead and swap it out for a new one).
7. Remove and Clean the Filter
After draining the water, the filter should be removed and cleaned as part of your maintenance routine.
- Pull the filter out from its compartment, rinse it under a garden hose, and soak it in a filter cleaner solution to remove any stubborn debris and oils.
- Let the filter dry thoroughly before reinserting it.
8. Close the Drain Valve and Refill the Hot Tub
Once you’ve cleaned your hot tub, it’s time to refill it with fresh water.
- Close the drain valve tightly to prevent any water leaks.
- Begin filling the hot tub with a hose, ensuring the water level reaches the recommended line (usually around the middle of the skimmer).
- While the tub is filling, inspect for any leaks around the drain valve or plumbing.
9. Balance the Water Chemistry
After refilling the tub, you will need to balance the water chemistry. This includes testing and adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Use a hot tub water testing kit to check the water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
- Adjust the chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and wait for the water to circulate properly (this usually takes about 1-2 hours).
10. Turn the Power Back On
Once your hot tub is full and the water chemistry is balanced, turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Check the system to ensure everything is working properly, including the jets, heater, and filtration system.
- Run the hot tub for a few hours to make sure the new water is circulating properly and that everything is functioning as expected.
Conclusion
Draining your hot tub is an important part of regular maintenance that ensures the water stays clean and the spa operates efficiently. By following the above steps, you can safely and effectively drain your hot tub without damaging its components. Always remember to regularly check your water chemistry, clean the filter, and keep the interior of the hot tub in good condition. With proper care, your hot tub will continue to provide relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.