Hot Tub Drain Plug Replacement? Trust The Answer

Test your water first, make sure all your levels are where they should be. Improperly balanced water has a greater chance of something going wrong.

Use a non-chlorine shock to remove all organic contaminants from the water. Apply shock and let it work for about 20-30 minutes without a lid

Clean your filter, either rinse it thoroughly or better yet, use a filter cleaner to remove grease and oils. A clean filter is less likely to re-contaminate your spa water.

Finally, increase the level of sanitizer in your hot tub. It’s a good idea to have a slightly higher level than normal. It just means you know your water can run that much longer without needing more and that nothing evil can survive in the hot tub.

When to drain your hot tub

How often should I drain my hot tub?

Regularly draining and refilling your hot tub is important to keep the water clean and prevent damage. If you don’t change the water, it will become unbalanced and can begin to corrode the hot tub. Not to mention that nobody wants to bathe in old, dirty water. By regularly draining and refilling fresh water, you ensure that your hot tub is clean, clear and safe.

But the question is: how often should you do this?

With average usage, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about every three to four months. But since everyone uses their hot tub differently, the answer may vary depending on how many people use it and how often.

Hot tub manufacturers like Jacuzzi offer some handy tips for figuring out when to drain and refill. A common method uses simple math:

“Divide the number of liters of spa water by the number of bathers who typically use the tub. Then divide that number by three to find out how often you should go through the process.”

For example, if your hot tub holds 450 gallons of water and only two people use it daily, then 450 divided by 2 = 225. And then 225 divided by 3 = 75. So you would be changing your water about every 75 days.

But remember, this means you and one other person are using the hot tub every day of the week. If it doesn’t, you can probably go longer without voiding. But even if the hot tub has not been used for a few months, the water still needs to be changed.

Here are some other signs that it’s time to refill:

How to drain your hot tub for the winter

One of the advantages of hot tubs is that they can be used all year round. However, if your spa is likely to go unused during the winter season, draining it may be a good idea. Draining your hot tub for the winter months can eliminate operating costs, prevent algae growth and save you from tedious maintenance in the freezing cold!

The first step to draining your hot tub is to turn on the jets. To remove debris and mineral deposits from inside your hot tub, it is helpful to add a spa rinse when you turn on the jets. Follow the flushing instructions to ensure you are doing this correctly.

Next you need to turn off both the heater and the pump. You will also need to unplug your hot tub or turn off the circuit breaker. Then remove the cartridge from your spa filter. Clean it thoroughly and let it dry before storing it away. This will help prevent mold growth and extend the life of your filter cartridge.

Drain your hot tub of all water. You can do this through the drain hose or by pumping out the water. When you have done this, remove all of the hoses from their fittings to drain the plumbing. Open the drain valve on your pump, if you have one. To remove residual water, blow air through the nozzles with a wet/dry vacuum.

Next, use towels to dry off any remaining water in the spa. Wipe down the entire tub and let it dry completely. To protect the surface of your hot tub from the elements, apply a liberal coat of wax or vinyl conditioner. Finally, place the cover on your hot tub. To add extra protection to your hot tub from damage from the elements, it’s a good idea to fit a storage cover.

Visit Spa Bound Nanaimo today for more information on draining your spa for the winter season. Our trained experts can tell you everything you need to know about Vancouver Island hot tub maintenance. We stock the most trusted hot tub brands including Arctic Spas and Coyote Spas.

Spa Bound is a well-known manufacturer of custom pools. With a location in Nanaimo and a warehouse (currently under construction) in the Victoria area, we are able to sell hot tubs and build custom swimming pools in all areas of Vancouver Island including the mainland. We will work with you to create a pool design that suits your taste, budget and garden. As a top Nanaimo patio builder, we can also provide you with a beautiful patio area. Contact Spa Bound today to learn how you can have a beautiful backyard! For more information, visit us online at http://www.spabound.ca/.

All hot tub owners should change the water at least 3-4 times a year. But when you do it for the first time, you often wonder can I drain my hot tub on my lawn?

Here’s what I learned from owning 4 of them:

no You should not drain your hot tub onto your lawn. Spa water contains harmful chemicals like chlorine or bromine that will kill your grass and stain your manicured lawn. Instead, route your hose or drain well away from grass or vegetation, and also away from the foundation that supports the hot tub.

But that’s just the beginning of proper spa drainage.

There’s more to know about which plants and trees the water might be harming and where you should drain it.

I even cover the 1 way to drain your hot tub in just 15 minutes!

The remainder of this article will dive deep into some important questions about hot tub water and your lawn:

Is it safe to drain hot tub water onto grass?

Does water with chlorine or bromine kill weed?

Will Chlorine Water Kill Trees?

What’s the best way to drain your hot tub?

Let us begin!

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Time to drain the hot tub 😥 Ready for the new one 😂 https://t.co/HpCXSkKSIo pic.twitter.com/SDOIDN3t3h – Col (@MKcol) August 14, 2016

Is it safe to drain hot tub water onto grass?

No, it is not safe to drain the hot tub on the lawn.

While most hot tubs are known to contain harmful cleaning chemicals, other substances in the water can also damage your lawn.

When you, your friends and family use the hot tub, everything about you contaminates the water. This includes makeup products, cologne, gel, deodorant and more.

It might not be bad for your skin, but this mix is ​​certainly not good for your lawn.

Some homeowners prefer to remove all of these additives before vacuuming. If you must shower before using your hot tub, it may be okay to drain your hot tub on the lawn.

However, you still need to watch out for cleaning chemicals.

These can cause dead grass, prevent further growth and even oversaturate the surface or your lawn, damaging roots and other plant parts.

If your tester kit doesn’t list bromine, chlorine, or other treatment chemicals, you’re probably in the clear.

Despite the apparent safety of draining water that doesn’t contain any substances or chemicals, you probably shouldn’t drain it on your lawn anyway. Even if the water is free of chemicals and other additives, it can still be too warm for your lawn.

If you plan on draining your water on the lawn, at least let it cool down to avoid burning the lawn.

Of course, once you’ve drained it you want to give it a good wipe and then refill it.

But for new hot tub owners, the next question is always how long does it take to refill the hot tub. Fortunately, I have a recent article that answers this question.

But I’ll also give you some tips on how to speed up this process. And also how to do it safely since you work near high voltage equipment.

Just click this link to see it on my website.

There’s more than one way to drain a hot tub! #DIY do I see future sponsorship @RIDGIDtoday? pic.twitter.com/um2NNmMDvw – Captain Diy (@DiyCaptain) September 18, 2018

Does water with chlorine or bromine kill weed?

Chlorine and bromine are both concentrated water disinfectants.

This means they kill bacteria and other small life forms, including the grass on your lawn. It can damage the grass or even prevent it from ever growing back. You don’t typically use both in a hot tub or pool.

But both can damage your lawn. You may have to go as far as removing and reapplying weed to touch it up.

When draining the spa, you should consider the chlorine or bromine levels in your spa.

These two chemicals are never used together, so the only thing you need to worry about is checking which ones you are currently using in the water. If nothing registers, your weed should be safe from chemical damage.

However, even a little spa water with chlorine or bromine can kill a large amount of weed.

Think how quickly it will sanitize the water in your pool or hot tub. Rare use of these chemicals kills algae at a microscopic level before you even see them growing. This can happen just as quickly if you decide to drain your hot tub on the lawn.

Bromine doesn’t work as quickly as chlorine, but it’s just as deadly.

Chlorine tends to dry out the surface, which is why your skin usually feels dry when you come out of chlorinated water.

We all know how much grass and other plants need moisture! By drying out, the chlorine kills the grass effectively and quickly.

My mom’s reaction when my dad tried to empty the hot tub 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/M7xz4BRRAP — Elizabeth LaRock (@LaRockElizabeth) March 8, 2014

Will Chlorine Water Kill Trees?

Almost all plants can tolerate small amounts of chlorine – some plants even see an increase in growth and longevity after exposure to a tiny amount of chlorine!

However, there is much more than a drop of chlorine in pool and spa water.

Trees may seem like massive plants that can’t be destroyed as easily as grass, but that’s not quite the case.

Chlorinated water can harm all plants, including trees. If you plan on draining your hot tub, you want to avoid getting it near your trees.

A tree’s trunk may be fine after a light soak in chlorinated water, but the leaves are made of much softer tissue.

The surface of a leaf is brittle and fragile, absorbing liquid as soon as it touches the leaf. Chlorine is practically poison to a leaf as it follows the veins and kills it in a short time.

The biggest concern for hot tub owners to consider is that a tree’s roots can also be weakened by chlorine.

A lot of chlorine water is needed for this.

Still, it’s entirely possible to completely kill a tree by pouring enough chlorine to seep into the tree’s roots. To avoid this, you’re better off draining your hot tub in a completely different direction than when you’re near trees.

The final reason chlorinated water is so dangerous for your lawn is that it can damage the soil. Because trees need soil to grow and stay healthy, poor soil immediately has bad consequences.

In some cases, homeowners may even need to remove the surrounding soil and replant the plants with new soil.

But no worry! There are several safe, harmless ways to drain your hot tub without harming your plants.

Of course, the water in your hot tub isn’t the only thing you need to change from time to time.

Not only do the filters need to be changed every 1-2 years, but there are monthly and quarterly cleanings that ensure you are getting the longest life from your filters.

And these purifications also ensure that the water is of the highest quality for you and your guests.

In a recent article, I cover the top tips on how often to replace your filters, but also the best ways to clean them between changes, including the 1 things that are sure to ruin your filters.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

An 8C day means I can drain and refill the hot tub here at the fortress pic.twitter.com/YNR0MvKk0p – Chris Hartjes (@grmpyprogrammer) March 8, 2020

What is the best way to drain my hot tub?

There are three ways to safely and effectively drain your hot tub without damaging the plants in your garden:

Use a hose nozzle. A hose tail is a great way to remove water from your spa. Most hot tubs have a drain hole, and some even have a threaded section to add a faucet and hose. You can attach a ¾ inch spigot to this drain, connect it to a hose and let the water drain downhill through it.

A hose tail is a great way to remove water from your spa. Most hot tubs have a drain hole, and some even have a threaded section to add a faucet and hose. You can attach a ¾ inch spigot to this drain, connect it to a hose and let the water drain downhill through it. Submersible pumps are another popular method of draining hot tubs. These pumps vary in price depending on performance, brand and energy efficiency class. Lower the submersible pump until the inlet is completely submerged. Connect it to a hose, turn it on and watch the magic happen. A submersible pump is an excellent choice for people who need to drain their hot tub uphill.

are another popular method of draining hot tubs. These pumps vary in price depending on performance, brand and energy efficiency class. Lower the submersible pump until the inlet is completely submerged. Connect it to a hose, turn it on and watch the magic happen. A submersible pump is an excellent choice for people who need to drain their hot tub uphill. Using a backwash hose is not as common, but totally doable. This method only works if you have a backwashable filter. Connect the backwash hose, turn the valve to the appropriate setting (usually called “drain”) and allow it to drain.

The area where you can legally drain your hot tub depends on your local regulations.

Most cities recommend draining the hot tub the next time the drain is cleaned. To make sure you’re following the rules, always call the city before you drain your spa.

Note: Certain hot tubs can only be used with one or two methods, so check out the three options above to see which one best suits your model!

My choice of the 3 methods is definitely the submersible pump.

My submersible pump has a 25 foot hose. This way it’s EASY to empty the hot tub far away from my hot tub and the surrounding grass and trees.

Plus, there’s no more siding to remove or garden hoses to connect.

Just pop this thing in your hot tub and watch it drain off at lightning speed in minutes!

My hot tub typically takes over an hour to drain. But with this pump I can drain it in 15 minutes!

It has fantastic reviews on Amazon and comes with free shipping too.

Note that it needs to be fully submerged before it turns on.

Of course, some water will remain at the bottom of your hot tub, but this can easily be removed with a wet-dry vacuum.

CLICK HERE to check current prices on Amazon for the pump; you will thank me later!

Final Thoughts

In this article, we’ve looked at draining hot tub water and some of the dangers involved.

We looked at how it can harm grass and trees. But we’ve also looked at some of the really bad effects on your trees from long-term exposure.

But we’ve also covered some really easy ways to safely drain your hot tub; One of these can be done in less than 15 minutes!

In the end, when asked if I could drain my hot tub on my lawn, we answered a resounding no. At least not if you care how your lawn looks.

Here are the key points covered in this article:

Draining your hot tub water onto your lawn is not a good idea. Chemicals, foreign matter and the heat of the water can damage the plants in your garden.

Chemicals, foreign matter and the heat of the water can damage the plants in your garden. Water with bromine or chlorine will kill grass. If you treat your water with any of these chemicals, don’t dump it on the lawn.

If you treat your water with any of these chemicals, don’t dump it on the lawn. Chlorinated water can kill trees. If you add chlorine to your hot tub, make sure the drained water does not go near any of the trees on your property.

If you add chlorine to your hot tub, make sure the drained water does not go near any of the trees on your property. There are three effective ways to drain your hot tub: use a hose nipple, a submersible pump, or a backwash hose.

Now that you know the best way to drain your hot tub, make sure you know how often to change your water.

Because changing too infrequently can lead to a high bacterial load in the water. Yuck! So check out a recent article where I go over common recommendations for changing the water in a hot tub.

But I also cover how to recognize when it’s time, even if it’s ahead of your normal schedule.

Just click the link to see it on my website.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

A hot tub is a treat: there’s nothing like hot water and bubbles to soothe sore muscles and help you relax. Because of this, troubleshooting problems with your hot tub can be particularly worrying. You may be surprised when you wake up to find your hot tub drained overnight. Don’t worry – your hot tub is most likely fine and with the help of a professional it will be back to its normal bubbly self in no time.

The Arizona Pool & Pond Company maintenance and repair experts have found that the most common reason for this hot tub draining problem in Tucson, AZ is a ruptured check valve that would need to be replaced. This is an easy and quick fix, but you should entrust the repair and replacement process to a professional.

What is a check valve?

A check valve is a small device designed to allow water to flow in one direction. It has a spring-loaded “folding seat” that prevents water from flowing. If something gets trapped in this valve, such as B. Dirt, this can interfere with the flapper and prevent the valve from sealing properly. This allows the water to flow back and drain away instead of staying in your hot tub. If your spa is elevated above your pool and you find there is no water in the spa after the motor has been off all night, the likely cause is a defective check valve.

What if it’s not my check valve?

If your hot tub is draining water even when the motor is on, it is likely due to one of two issues. First, have your repair professional check the suction valves in your spa. They probably need to be set up correctly to work well. After turning off your hot tub, examine the hot tub’s return valve. Is it at least partially open? It must be partially open to allow water flow between the pool and hot tub. Consult your pool maintenance professional to find out what the ideal setting for your hot tub might be.

The second possible cause is the actuator. Actuators allow you to turn on your water features or hot tub with the push of a button. They are connected to the diverter valves and if there is a problem with any of these components it could affect the flow of water to or from your spa.

Fix your hot tub draining issues in Tucson, AZ

Get trusted pool and spa services from true professionals: The Arizona Pool & Pond Company team will keep your pool well cared for with comprehensive cleaning and maintenance services, including chemical additives, vacuuming and more. Our pool and spa specialists undergo regular training to provide you with the latest techniques and technology in our industry, as well as superior service. Call today or stop by to find out how we can help solve your hot tub draining problems in Tucson, AZ. We look forward to helping you!

Last updated on October 19, 2021

As you may already know, a hot tub needs to be drained every 3 to 4 months depending on your usage rate, water quality and other factors. Not everyone has the time or patience to wait hours to completely drain a tub with the drain plug or garden hose.

The good news is that there are several ways to drain a hot tub that can be used in addition to the drain plug or combined with other hot tub draining methods for maximum efficiency.

That’s why we’ve created the best pumps for hot tub drainage to help you speed things up.

Our top picks at a glance

Quick tips before draining your hot tub

Since you’re already planning on draining all of the water from your tub, you might as well use a sanitary cleaner or line flushing product so you’ll have a much more efficient and cleaner system when you refill later.

SeaKlear Spa System Flush, 1 Pint Bottle Unique formula super cleans the inside of spa and tub plumbing systems

Quickly and easily removes oily residue and deposits

Regular use prevents deposits on the heating system

No aggressive chemicals!

This particular hot tub cleaner is formulated to break down biofilm and has been known to cause nasty looking scum to reappear on your tub water. This isn’t a big deal as it just means that the product cleans the pipes well. Make sure you let it circulate for at least 20 minutes before you start draining your tub.

Turn off the hot tub You must turn off all of the hot tub’s functions and turn it off at your circuit breaker; You don’t want the hot tub heater or pump running when the water level is low. Remove and clean the filter and gather all supplies, then you can begin draining your hot tub.

A sump pump will drain your hot tub faster than any other piece of equipment, but you’ll need to be there when using it to keep an eye on the water level. If your pump continues to run after the tub is empty, the pump’s motor may burn out, so you must turn off the pump once the water is drained.

There are pumps that get the water down to just a fraction of an inch, while others require a few inches of water to function. Don’t worry, your hot tub drain should do the rest and remove any remaining water from your tub.

The 5 best pumps for draining hot tubs

Best Overall: Aquapro Drainage Pump

Aquapro Automatic On/Off 3000 GPH Pool Cover Water Removal Pump 1/4HP Easy installation for quick setup

Oil-free designs for environmentally conscious users

Can be used to drain a pool cover or pool

Solid base with wheels resists blockage from leaves and debris and keeps pump upright

Our top pick for the best pumps for draining hot tubs is the Aquapro Water Removal Pump. This pump is fully submersible and features a 1/3 horsepower pump capable of removing up to 30 gallons of water per minute.

If you have a 210 gallon capacity Intex PureSpa, you only have to wait 7 minutes to completely drain your tub.

The AquaPro is also equipped with a sensor that automatically shuts off the pump when the spa has been emptied. Because you don’t have to check the pump while it’s on, you can use this time to clean your hot tub filter or start scrubbing the hot tub cover.

Superior Pump 91025 submersible pump

Superior Pump 91025 1/5 HP submersible thermoplastic pump with 10 ft cord 1/5 HP multi-purpose pump pumps up to 1,560 gallons per hour; The pump lifts water up to a vertical height of 25 feet

Rugged thermoplastic construction; 10′ cable length

Large 1-1/4 in. NPT outlet for heavy-duty pumps; Includes 3/4 inch garden hose adapter

Removable suction strainer and handles up to 1/8 inch solids

For those looking for a durable and affordable pump, the Superior Pump 91025 submersible pump is the perfect choice.

It comes with a 1/2 horsepower motor that can drain up to 26 gallons of water per minute. You can use a standard garden hose with this pump as it comes with a 3/4″ adapter.

At its current price it is one of the best value submersible pumps today as it is made from high quality materials with an efficient all copper motor.

Wayne WaterBug submersible pump

WAYNE Waterbug 1/6 HP 1350 GPH Submersible Pump with Multi-Flo Technology – Water Removal and Transfer Pump Yellow Don’t let standing water bug you – the WAYNE WaterBUG is your new ultimate multi-purpose water removal tool. The WWB model is easy to fit in narrow spaces such as window shafts or large spaces such as…

WILL YOU REMOVE WATER FAST – Multi-Flo technology allows for easy selection of the best water removal option. This WWB water pump will practically dry your basement or garden by pumping up to 1350 GPH…

REMOVAL OPTIONS – The top drain is perfect for removing water from small or tight spaces: window wells, buckets, etc. The side drain is ideal for easily removing water from flat, open surfaces: flat…

ADDITIONAL FEATURES – Corrosion resistant brass outlets with attached cap seals fit any standard garden hose. Multi-ring suction strainer filters dirt and keeps it away from the suction side…

The Wayne WaterBug Submersible Pump is a powerful submersible pump that features Multi-Flo technology, making it one of the best pumps for draining hot tubs or simply removing water from your pool or basement.

It removes about 21 gallons of water per minute and should quickly remove all of the water in your tub. To make it more useful, the pump has been fitted with a multi-ring suction strainer that helps filter debris.

Professional submersible drain pump from the EZ Travel Collection

EZ Travel Collection Professional Submersible Drain Pump and 25′ Water Hose Sump Pump Kit for Pools, Hot Tubs, Water Tanks, Ponds & More (2,000 GPH) UP TO 2,000 GPH – This new EZ Travel Collection automatic submersible drain pump is in the Capable of pumping up to 2,000 gallons of dirty water per hour. Complete with drain hose, hose clamp and…

400 WATT MOTOR – This horsepower transfer pump will empty a hot tub in minutes. The pump requires little labor and is fully submersible. The detachable and adjustable spigot makes…

FULLY SUBMERSIBLE – This automatic sump pump is easy to use and fully submersible. The overheat protection mechanism shuts it off automatically when the waterline gets too low to…

PORTABLE AND RELIABLE – This submersible drain pump from the EZ Travel Collection combines portability, reliability and performance. Our new streamlined design with strong, impact-resistant casting includes a…

This versatile pump is made of thermoplastic to make it corrosion resistant. The Professional EZ Travel Collection Submersible Pump features a 400-watt motor capable of pumping up to 33 gallons per minute.

It comes with a 1-½ inch drain hose that is 25 feet long and a hose clamp that makes it easy to attach and detach. It also has a handle built into its design, making it easy to carry or hang in your storage space.

Green Expert 203618 1/4 HP Submersible Pump

Now on special offer! Green Expert 1/4HP Submersible Pump High Flow 1600 GPH for Fast Water Removal Household DIY Drainage Pump Suit for Garden Hoses 25ft Long Cable Easy Installation 203618 【Efficient Water Pump】High-efficiency PSC motor with steady flow channel structure generates 1/4HP output which allows for stronger power /flux conversion with lower power consumption ensures more…

【Easy Plug-in/Off Operation】The pump runs directly when turned on and removes the water level to within 0.2 inch. Designed for efficient drainage of clean or slightly polluted water from flooded homes,…

【Lightweight, Easy to Install and Use】Item Weight: 8.3lb. 25ft grounded waterproof cable with portable handle allows for convenient installation from a more remote location, no more hassles with…

【Green and Sturdy Design】Eco-friendly and ergonomic appearance fits comfortably in your home and garden and runs quietly. Fully corrosion resistant and reinforced thermoplastic construction…

The Green Expert Submersible Multipurpose Pump features a 1/4 HP motor that features thermal overload protection and is built to last for years.

It has the ability to remove 26.5 gallons of water per minute and comes with a long 25 foot power cord that is best suited for spa owners who place their tubs in their backyard. You can use a ¾ inch garden hose on this pump. A 600 gallon hot tub should only take about 22 minutes to drain with this highly efficient submersible pump.

Best Alternative: Use a Shop Vac Siphon

No products found.

Although it’s not as fast when it comes to emptying your tub compared to using submersible pumps, using a wet/dry vacuum is still a better option than emptying with just a garden hose.

Put one end of your vacuum hose into the tub and connect the other end to your vacuum. Turn it on for a few seconds until the flow starts moving. You can turn off the vacuum and disconnect the hose from it to keep the water flowing out of the tub. While you’re waiting for the water to drain, you can start cleaning the bottom and seats of your tub with your vacuum’s wand.

With its larger diameter hose, it’s more efficient at getting water out of your tub than your regular garden hose. Once the tub water level is low enough for the siphon to stop getting water out, you will need to reconnect the vacuum hose to your wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from your hot tub.

This content was previously featured on the Hot Tub Works website. Leslie’s is proud to partner with Hot Tub Works to bring you this helpful content on lesliespool.com.

Knowing how to drain a hot tub is one thing. Knowing how to drain a hot tub quickly is another. It can save so much time on hot tub maintenance! The average hot tub should be drained every 3-4 months depending on frequency of use, water quality and other factors. Using the drain plug alone or siphoning water through a garden hose can take hours and hours. In this blog, we share some faster methods to drain a spa or hot tub in minutes.

The important things first

Before you begin, check local ordinances to ensure you can legally drain the spa. Can you drain it into the yard? Can the water drain onto the street? Is there a sewage connection nearby? There may be drafts in the area and water conservation measures are in place. If you know this information before you start, you will have no worries later.

A few times a year (or more often) it’s a good idea to clean out the plumbing in your hot tub. Bacteria, body oils and other organic matter create an ugly biofilm that lurks in the pipes and can cause skin irritation or illness. Using a cleaning product like Jet Clean will break down the biofilm so that it can be drained off. Simply add the chemical, turn on the jets and circulate for 20-60 minutes, following the label directions for timing and dosage. Don’t worry if the brownish, sudsy slime comes to the surface – it means the cleanser is working!

After the lines have been flushed, turn off all spa functions and flip the circuit breaker; You don’t want the pump or heater to turn on while the water level is low. Remove the filter to clean and gather your supplies… it’s time to drain the hot tub!

Draining the hot tub

There are a few easy ways to quickly drain a hot tub. Both methods can be used in addition to the drain plug or combined with other drain methods for maximum efficiency.

submersible pump

The quickest way to drain a hot tub is to use a submersible pump. The draining speed of the spa depends on the flow rate of the pump. For example, if you choose one that can remove up to 30 gallons of water per minute (1,800 gallons per hour), you won’t have to wait long. The math is pretty simple — a 450-gallon hot tub can be emptied in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read it right!

Automatic pool cover pumps or submersible pumps are nice because they include a sensor that automatically shuts off once the spa has been emptied. Since you don’t have to watch the pump, use this time to clean the spa filter or start the spa cover. There should be just a little water on the bottom that can be removed manually or with a wet/dry vacuum.

Buy Vac Siphon

Another quick way to drain a hot tub is to use a wet/dry vacuum to start a siphon. Insert one end of a long vacuum hose into the spa and connect the other end to the wet/dry vacuum. Turn it on for a few seconds – just long enough to deflate the hose and get the flow going. Turn off the vacuum and quickly disconnect the hose to allow the water to flow onto the floor.

While not quite as quick as using a submersible pump, this method can still drain an average sized hot tub in minutes. Due to the large hose diameter, it is much more efficient than a garden hose siphon. The beauty of using the vacuum hose is that while water is being sucked out of the spa, you can use the “wand” end to remove dirt and debris from the floor and seats. Once the water level is so low that the siphon is no longer drawing water, reconnect the hose to the wet/dry vacuum to remove the last puddles of water from the tub.

Final Tips

If you leave the spa empty for a while, don’t forget to drain water from the plumbing as well. If you leave the water in the pipes, a new biofilm can quickly form, and when refilling you are right back at the start! This can be done using a wet/dry vacuum to blow and/or vacuum out the water. Or, if your spa has one, briefly turn on the air blower and make sure all jets are open first. Remember to turn off the power again when you’re done with the air blower.

Dry the tub thoroughly with a soft towel. Next, use a spa cleaning chemical to remove stubborn scum and protect the tub surface. Finish cleaning (or replace) the filter cartridge, clean and condition the cover and hose down the spa body if it looks dirty. If you are not refilling the spa immediately, allow the filter to dry completely and store indoors.

Of course, you can also simply use the bottom drain of the whirlpool and wait several hours. On the other hand, the sooner the hot tub is emptied and cleaned, the sooner you can use it again! Hot Tub Works has everything you need to clean and maintain your freshly drained hot tub, from cleaning chemicals and replacement filters to water balancing chemicals and test strips.

A hot tub offers a soothing, relaxing experience every time you use it. It offers daily enjoyment, relief and comfort and can improve your quality of life. Since your spa takes care of you, it’s only fair that you give it a little attention in return. It doesn’t take much to maintain your spa regularly – just keep the water clean and drain, clean and refill regularly. Here’s how.

WHEN TO DRAIN YOUR SPA

Your hot tub is great at keeping itself clean. Whether you use a chlorine, bromine, ozone, or salt water system to clean your hot tub, you’ll enjoy months of pure, contaminant-free water. With any system, you will need to change the spa water every now and then.

If you’re using a traditional chlorine or bromine system, you should change the water in your spa about every three to four months. When you use the FreshWater® saltwater system, you’ll need to change the water in your spa a lot less—just once a year.

Discover the FreshWater® saltwater system.

Remember, if your service contract includes cleaning service, your dealer will drain and clean your spa regularly so you can enjoy all the benefits of your spa without lifting a finger.

HOW TO DRAIN YOUR SPA

Draining your hot tub is a fairly simple process, especially if you installed your hot tub near a drain when you installed it. However, it involves a series of steps that start with collecting the equipment you need for the job.

Gather gear. You will need a garden hose long enough to reach from your hot tub to a drain. If you’re the type who always wants the perfect tool for a job, invest in a submersible pump. You will also need clean rags and a spa bowl cleaner.

Drain your hot tub. Depending on the size of your spa, it should take about an hour to drain the water with the hot tub’s drain spout, or ten minutes to drain with a submersible pump.

To empty via the tap:

Turn off power to the spa at the circuit breaker. You don’t want the pumps or jets running when there is no water in the spa.

Next, find your drain faucet. Your spa model may have two spigots, a primary spigot and an auxiliary spigot. Use the primary spigot to drain most of the water, then open the secondary spigot to drain the internal vent lines.

Attach the garden hose to the spigot, being careful not to intersect. The spigot threads are plastic and can break if you use too much force. Run the other end of the hose downhill or on level ground to your drain. Trying to run the hose uphill drains some water, but not all. It is best to transport the water to an existing drain to prevent damage to your lawn or patio.

Open the ball valve on your faucet to allow the water to drain.

Drain with a submersible pump:

Turn off power to the spa at the circuit breaker.

Place the pump in the spa.

If your pump’s drain hose isn’t long enough to reach a drain, connect it to a garden hose.

Turn on the pump and drain the spa.

When the hot tub is empty, turn off the pump, remove it from the spa, disconnect the hose and return it for storage.

Clean your empty spa. Once the water is drained you can easily inspect and wash the inside of the bowl and remove and clean your spa filters before refilling.

Luckily, your hot tub shell is designed to resist dirt and stains, and cleaning requires no more than a soft, damp rag. Many household cleaners can be harmful to your bowl, so check your owner’s manual before using any. When you’re done, rinse the bowl with clean water.

Cleaning your hot tub’s filters is even easier than cleaning the bowl and should be done monthly.

Remove the filter compartment cover.

Remove any floating objects from the compartment.

Rotate the filter mount handle to unlock the filter and mount.

Remove the filter cartridge and holder.

Soak your filter in a degreaser such as FRESHWATER ® Spa Filter Cleaner according to package directions.

Flush the filter clean with a garden hose, spraying from all angles to ensure you have washed away any residue.

Replace the filter and lock the handle. Don’t overdo it.

Fill up your hot tub. You can fill up your hot tub by inserting the hose into the spa and turning on the water. If you choose this method, you could accidentally stumble into a trap: an airlock.

An airlock is an air pocket that becomes trapped in your spa’s plumbing when it is filled with water. One or more air bubbles can cause the spa to malfunction and damage jets and circulation pumps if you run them with air inside. Air bubbles are relatively easy to remove, although the best method will vary by spa model. If you are unsure, contact your spa dealer for information on the best way to remove them.

To prevent air bubbles from forming when refilling, you simply need to fill the spa using the correct fill tube rather than plugging the hose directly into the spa sleeve. For example, on some spas it is correct to insert a hose into the hollow riser tube below the filter. Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly where the fill tube is located in your hot tub. Depending on the size of your hot tub and the size of your refill hose, it should take about as long to refill as it does to drain from the faucet.

Watch this video produced by a Hot Spring dealer in Albuquerque, New Mexico to see exactly how easy it is to drain and refill your hot tub.

Maintaining your spa before a vacation or between seasons should only take about two and a half hours. With plenty of time before and after the cleanse, you can relax, attend to other chores, or bake a cake to celebrate when you’re done!

Hot Spring Spas believes that caring for your hot tub should be easy so you can spend more time soaking and less time maintaining it. To find a hot tub that fits your lifestyle and budget, request a quote today.