Drain Pump For Hot Tub? 216 Most Correct Answers

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.

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:

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 labeled “drain”) and allow 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 doesn’t go near any of the trees on your property.

If you add chlorine to your hot tub, make sure the drained water doesn’t 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.

Here’s the good news: The chemical additive you use to purify the water, be it chlorine or bromine, keeps the water clean for three months or more depending on how often you use the tub, so you don’t have to empty it more often than the. But you’re going to want to replace the water and start fresh every few months or so, or your hot tub will look and feel pretty dirty — or, even worse, become contaminated with bacteria.

Methods for draining a hot tub

There are three methods for draining a hot tub: through the drain cock (also known as the drain plug), with a submersible pump, or with the help of a wet/dry vacuum. However, before you begin draining the tub, be sure to disconnect power to prevent the jets and pumps from being accidentally turned off during this process.

Also check the ordinances in your area for guidelines or restrictions on disposing of chemically treated water. Some cities may have laws about dumping pool or hot tub water onto the street or into your own yard.

Use of the drain socket

Your spa is equipped with a drain fitting, which is located on the outside of the tub near the bottom rim. (Some models have two vents, a main vent and an auxiliary vent. The main vent is used to drain the spa; the auxiliary vent is used to bleed the internal lines.)

If your drain faucet is directly above a drain in the floor, simply open the valve to allow water to flow down the drain. If the drain or sewer is further away, attach a garden hose to the faucet, position the other end of the hose over the drain, and open the valve. Note that if your drain or sewer is uphill from your hot tub, you will need a submersible pump to completely drain the tub.

It should take an hour or two for the entire tub to drain through the faucet. Depending on the contour of the tub, you may end up with a few puddles of water. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up these puddles, use your hands or a brush to scoop the water to the interior drain.

Using a submersible pump

This is a faster way to drain a hot tub since the pump forces the water out.

Begin by attaching a drain hose to the pump, then lay the pump flat on the bottom of the spa center. Check that the other end of the hose is long enough to reach the nearest drain or sewer. If this is not the case, attach a garden hose to the drain hose to lengthen it. Then just turn on the pump and let it remove the water.

To deal with the leftover puddles of water at the end, place the pump directly in a puddle to suck out the water. However, keep an eye on the pump to make sure it’s always sucking in water, as too much air can cause the pump to overheat.

Using a wet/dry vacuum

This method is slower than using a submersible pump, but faster than using the drain spout.

Attach the wet/dry vacuum hose to the machine and hold the open end of the hose in the water. Turn on the vacuum to allow water to flow through the hose. Once it does, turn off the vacuum and disconnect the hose from it. The water should keep flowing. Position the open end of the hose over a drain or sewer so water can flow directly into it.

Once the water becomes too shallow to vacuum effectively, reconnect the hose to the wet/dry vacuum and use it to vacuum up the remaining water. Make sure you vacuum up any small puddles of water at the end.

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.

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.

Hot tubs are often a valued luxury when you just want to take some time to rest and relax aching muscles, but they also need maintenance to keep working. Just like a pool, a hot tub needs proper maintenance to keep both the water and the tub clean and comfortable.

Learning how to drain and clean a hot tub is not a difficult process, but some may have difficulty getting started, including figuring out where the drain plug is on a hot tub. However, once you find the drain plug and know how to open the drain valve, draining a hot tub becomes a simple maintenance task that can be done without much fuss.

When learning how to drain a hot tub, it’s important to pay attention to the type of drain valve so you understand how the valve opens and closes. Otherwise, you might get frustrated trying to twist, pull, and push the release valve to start the release process.

Read on to learn how to properly drain a hot tub.

BEFORE YOU START

If you’re planning on draining a hot tub, it’s a good time to also flush the plumbing lines so you can remove any accumulated dirt and grime at the same time. While the following steps are general steps for most hot tubs, be sure to read the owner’s manual and manufacturer’s information for specific steps on completing this process if you have never flushed the plumbing.

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Remove the spa’s filters and set the jets to full pressure.

Pour a tube cleaning solution into the filter housing and run the jets for about 15 to 30 minutes to remove any biofilm or bacteria that may have built up in the tubes.

How to drain a spa using the drain valve

The easiest way to drain a hot tub is to learn how to drain a hot tub with a hose. By connecting a garden hose directly to the spa’s drain valve, you can direct water to a nearby drain and prevent flooding in your patio or yard. Follow these simple steps to complete this maintenance task.

STEP 1: Locate and remove the valve cap.

Make sure the spa is turned off by completely unplugging the spa or turning off the circuit breaker for hardwired spa setups. The power must be disconnected as the pumps and jets can be damaged if used when there is no water in the spa.

With the tub off, look for the valve cap. The drain valve cap is usually located on the side of the hot tub near the bottom. Its position allows the valve to drain water from the lowest point in the tub. Locate a black, gray, or sometimes white valve cap and pull it out to reveal the drainage valve.

Some hot tubs have a hollow body where the drain valve and other important components are not visible. If this is the case with your hot tub, you will need to move the panel that is preventing access to the valve.

STEP 2: Identify the type of drain valve and connect a garden hose.

Check the drain valve to see how it works before proceeding. Some drain valves work with a standard ball valve lever that only needs to be rotated 90 degrees to open or close the drain. These are the easiest to identify and use, but there are several other types of hot tub drain valves. There are valves that open by twisting the valve and pulling out to drain the water, and valves that need to be pulled all the way out to connect the drain hose and then pushed half back in to start the water flow.

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If you are unsure how your drainage valve works, read the instruction manual and consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions. Once you locate and identify the drain valve, connect a garden hose to the valve and run the garden hose to a nearby drain.

Enough water comes out of a typical hot tub to damage the grass or plants in a garden, and it might even loosen soil or rocks that are currently supporting the patio. In addition, the chemical content of the water can also damage the soil and vegetation, so finding a suitable place for the water to drain is important.

STEP 3: Open the valve to drain the spa.

The garden hose directs the water from the hot tub to where you want it, so all you have to do is open the drain valve and drain the water from the hot tub. If there is a handle or lever on the drain valve, turn it to the open position and wait for the water to drain from the tub.

The emptying process can take up to 2 hours, but you don’t have to supervise that it is set up correctly. Just make sure the hose is actually draining to the correction site and then check regularly and at the latest after 1 to 2 hours.

How to drain a hot tub with a submersible pump

Draining a hot tub through the drain valve can take up to 2 hours. If you don’t have time to wait, consider using a submersible pump to drain the hot tub in just minutes.

STEP 1: Turn off the power and connect the pump.

Unplug the spa from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker to prevent accidentally turning on the spa while you are working. This is to ensure that the spa jets and pump are not active when the spa is empty as this can cause damage to the components.

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Plug in your submersible pump and connect a drain hose that can quickly and effectively drain water from the spa to a convenient drainage location away from the garden, patio and home. A submersible pump drain hose is a special type of hose designed for use with a submersible pump.

STEP 2: Route the hose to an appropriate drainage point.

The drain hose from the pump must be routed to a location where the chlorinated water will not damage surrounding vegetation or cause soil erosion problems due to high water volume. A good idea is to run the hose to a sanitary sewer so that the dirty water is sent to the treatment plant.

Alternatively, if the pH of the water is relatively close to neutral (7), the water can be drained into the lawn without damaging the grass, although other plants may be more sensitive to the chemicals than grass, so draining is recommended to avoid the jacuzzi in the garden. Also, do not drain the spa down drains as these drains feed directly into local streams and rivers.

STEP 3: Drain the spa.

Place the submersible pump in the deepest part of the hot tub and turn it on to begin pumping water out of the tub. Make sure the water is draining to the right place and keep a close eye on the pump so you know when to turn it off. If the pump continues to pump after all the water has been removed, it may become damaged and stop working. However, a pump with a float switch will turn off automatically when the water reaches a certain level.

After the water has been pumped from the tub, turn off and unplug the pump, remove it from the spa and disconnect the drain hose. Allow the pump and hose to dry before storing safely in a shed or garage.

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Drain the spa regularly for cleaning and maintenance.

Draining a hot tub may seem like a time consuming process. Some may even try to avoid this task by maintaining water chemistry and keeping the tub covered when not in use.

However, with each use of the hot tub, dirt, oil, skin and hair are dislodged from the users and remain in the hot tub. This organic debris collects on the sides, bottom, and even in the jets of the spa, forming a layer of dirt that continues to build up with each use.

To ensure you are not relaxing in a dirty hot tub, it is recommended that the tub be drained, cleaned and refilled at least every 3 to 4 months. The frequency depends on how often the hot tub is used and how many people use it regularly.

So you’re looking forward to a good soak in your hot tub, but you notice discoloration in the water or a bad smell. This can be a sign of biofilm build-up in your plumbing. But can you get rid of biofilm without draining a hot tub?

I did the following:

It is possible to remove biofilm in a hot tub without draining it. Adding 1 gallon of white vinegar to the water can kill the biofilm (but will also lower the pH). The addition of additional chlorine is ineffective in removing biofilm. But preventative maintenance every time the hot tub is drained is the best solution.

But that’s just a quick answer.

So in this article we will look at how to prevent biofilm in the first place. And we’ll go through step-by-step how to get rid of biofilm with vinegar, including how much to add and then how to adjust the pH.

And we’ll look at other possible biofilm removal methods, most of which can be done without draining the spa.

Let’s get into that!

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.

Biofilm – Your Hot Tub’s Dirty Little Secret https://t.co/mtGZ4g56tS pic.twitter.com/xy67Y30n2l – E-Z Test Pools (@eztestpools) November 6, 2015

What does biofilm look like in a hot tub?

Biofilm is a greasy, slimy substance that accumulates in the pipes and is present on the filter(s). It is made up of dead skin, sweat, and oils from body lotions, deodorants, and perfume. But it’s rarely seen unless there’s a significant amount in a hot tub.

So in most cases you don’t really see biofilm; You only see the effects of it.

Cloudy or smelly water is a sure sign that something is wrong. This can be caused by a chemical imbalance, which is easily checked with test strips, but is often due to a build-up of biofilm in the plumbing.

You can also see foam on the water surface, which is also a sign of the presence of biofilm.

Shocking with chlorine is one way to get rid of the foam and kill bacteria in the water. But chlorine alone will not kill the biofilm. Regularly adding a disinfectant like chlorine or bromine needs to be part of your maintenance schedule.

You should wait 20-30 minutes before stepping into a hot tub after applying a regular dose of chlorine. After shocking the water, let it stand for 2-4 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

I recently wrote about this in an article. But there is also a time difference between chlorine shock and non-chlorine shock. And will it be dissipated more quickly by the operation of the jets?

Just click this link to read it on my website.

Balsamic vinegar health benefits may include:

.

– Improving skin health. Balsamic vinegar contains antimicrobial compounds, acetic acid, and antioxidants

– Promote healthy digestion

– lowering cholesterol pic.twitter.com/7s38gNZ3iR – B.B. Que’s Barbecue Store (@BBQueStore) February 17, 2020

Does Vinegar Kill Biofilm in a Hot Tub?

Vinegar can be used to kill the biofilm in a hot tub since vinegar (acetic acid) is known for its antimicrobial effects on bacteria. However, it will also lower the pH, necessitating the post-addition of a pH-raising agent.

(Source)

Vinegar has many uses for a hot tub owner.

As an acid it can be used to lower alkalinity and pH in water and as a cleaner it is great for removing grease and dirt.

White vinegar is made from acetic acid and water.

It’s less pungent than other types of vinegar, and because it’s clear, it won’t stain the surface. Other types of vinegar can still work, but aren’t nearly as inexpensive, and when they’re at a lower percentage (white vinegar is often 5%), it’s not as effective either.

The best product for your hot tub is Lucy’s Distilled Vinegar (click the link to check the current price on Amazon). This product is made from 5% white vinegar that has been distilled with water to provide a consistent, stain-free cleaning product.

With a score of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,400 customer reviews, this is one of the best cleaning products on the market, and because it’s natural and free of added chemicals, it’s good for the environment too.

How Much Vinegar Should I Put in My Hot Tub to Kill Biofilm?

Add 1 gallon of white vinegar to the spa water and circulate using all jets and water features for 2 hours. This is a reasonable amount for any medium to large sized spa. For small 2-3 person hot tubs, add about 1/2 gallon of vinegar.

When the jets and water features run out, simply restart them.

During this time, release the cover.

Also, use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar to wipe down the exposed parts of the acrylic shell and the underside of the cover. This ensures that any possible biofilm on these surfaces is also killed.

CLICK HERE to check the current price of Lucy’s White Vinegar on Amazon.

How to adjust pH after adding vinegar to your hot tub

Adding a gallon of vinegar to a medium or large sized hot tub will lower the water pH quite a bit.

Before adjusting the pH, after the water with the vinegar has been circulating for 2 or more hours, test the water with a test strip to see where the pH is.

Adding that much vinegar can potentially lower your hot tub’s pH to around 5.0 (the normal range is around 7.2-7.6).

However, always test the water and adjust based on the readings rather than making assumptions.

But to adjust the water to the mid 7 range of around 5.0, plan on adding about 3/4 cup of a spa up or pH up product. But if your spa-up product is sodium bicarbonate, it’ll probably need a lot more than that.

Some spa up products are just old baking soda. This is called sodium bicarbonate, but it’s exactly the same as what’s in the orange box in your pantry.

However, this increases alkalinity much more than pH. So for our purposes here, it’s not the best way.

But when adding a hot tub chemical, always start with a smaller amount, circulate, and then test again in 20 minutes. You can add more at any time. But if you overdo it, you’ll have to wait a day for the levels to go down, or then add a spa-down product.

My favorite product for raising the pH in a hot tub is this one from Leisure Pool on Amazon.

Many Spa Up products are made with soda including the 1 I just linked. However, this can also cause the water to become a bit cloudy (especially in this large volume). But if the water smells good and all readings are fine, you’re not sweating too much.

You can always add a double dose of chlorine shock and wait a day before using it, which can help purify the water.

Also a word of caution.

Do not leave or use a hot tub with a low pH. Not only can a low pH level corrode the metal parts in a spa over time, but it can also lead to spa folliculitis, or Legionella (commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease).

Because a low pH value means that the water is highly acidic. Highly acidic water can neutralize the chlorine or bromine used as a disinfectant. And little or no sanitizer means your water can get dangerously high in bacteria over time.

So pay attention to the pH and adjust it if necessary.

Can you use a hot tub with biofilm?

A hot tub with a high level of biofilm should not be soaked as this can be dangerous. The best practice is to use a biofilm remover every 3 months when the water is drained and refilled anyway as this will ensure no biofilm is ever present in the spa.

Hot tubs provide the ideal environment for bacteria to develop, which can lead to diseases such as folliculitis and legionella.

In a recent article, I talked about how to get rid of folliculitis.

Legionella is far more serious, but extremely rare and almost impossible if disinfectants are used regularly. But there’s a way it can happen, even in the best-maintained hot tub.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

Adding chlorine is the most popular way to kill bacteria in water and you should maintain a level of 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm). As a guide, if you have a 260 gallon spa this is about ¼ ounce or 1½ teaspoons of granules every 2 or 3 days.

In a recent article, I talked about how often you should add chlorine to a hot tub.

But I also covered whether bromine is better and some of the key differences between the two. I also talked about powder vs tablets in a floater.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

How do I know if I have biofilm?

The most obvious sign of a biofilm problem in a hot tub is the need to add greater amounts of sanitizer more frequently than previously to maintain normal levels. Biofilm will develop in all spas over time if biofilm treatment is not used.

But unless the problem is really bad, you won’t see it.

Even if everyone showers before boarding, they still bring sweat, flaky skin, and hair with them. This combines with insects and other organic matter that fall into the hot tub to form a slimy film.

Here the build up of bacteria makes the water cloudy and stinks so you need to kill the bacteria first and you do that by adding disinfectants like chlorine to the water.

I covered this in a recent article, but there is a difference between bacterial buildup in water and biofilm, which is bacterial growth on surfaces. And you have to treat the 2 very differently.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

The usual signs of severe biofilm build-up are turbidity, smelly water and a layer of foam on top. You may only have one or all three signs, but you definitely know you have a problem.

Always start by checking pH and alkalinity before doing anything else.

If these are ok, you can rule this out as a possible cause. Next you should shock the water to see if that fixes the problem. If that fails, you need to deal with biofilm build-up.

Havin to drain the hot tub 🔫 pic.twitter.com/zjwzXh3IbE – Finch (@WillFinchNC) September 22, 2013

How do I prevent future biofilm in my hot tub?

The best way to prevent biofilm formation is to add Oh Yuk! Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner to the water before draining. Circulate with the nozzles for 1 hour and then drain. Rinse, wipe and refill. Then repeat this process every 3 months.

CLICK HERE to download Oh Yuk! Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner on Amazon.

The average hot tub owner that uses chlorine or bromine will change the water every 3 or 4 months if proper maintenance is maintained, but those that use salt water can go up to 12 months without a change.

But either way, when the time comes, this is a great opportunity to give your hot tub surfaces a thorough cleaning and flush the pipes and jets to prevent biofilm build-up.

Again, I highly recommend Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner – you can check the current price on Amazon by clicking the link. This is exactly the product I use and I use it every 3 months.

Use Oh Yuk in 5 easy steps:

Remove the filter – this should be soaked in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for 3 or 4 hours. Add 8 ounces of Oh Yuk to the water. Run the jets (restart if necessary) and circulate the water for 1 hour. Turn off the power to the spa. Drain the tub and wipe down the surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth. Windex or Lucy’s Distilled Vinegar are great for this. Quickly rinse the shell with the hose. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up excess water. Refill the tub as usual. Turn the power back on once the water level is above the jets. Rinse the filters and place them back in the spa

Doing this with every water change will largely prevent the formation of a biofilm.

CLICK HERE to download Oh Yuk! Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner on Amazon.

Have I covered everything you wanted to know about how to get rid of biofilm without draining a hot tub?

In this article we looked at how to identify a biofilm problem.

But we also looked at how to get rid of it and how to prevent it in the first place. Every whirlpool owner has to deal with this at some point.

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.

If you own a pool or spa, you will inevitably need a supply pump for routine maintenance. But with so many different pump types, how do you know which one to choose? Today we’re comparing two different types of pumps – submersible pumps and cover pumps – and helping you decide which is best for your pool needs.

submersible pumps

If you’ve ever had to drain your pool, chances are you’ve already come across a submersible pump. A submersible pump, as the name suggests, works while being completely submerged in water. These high-horsepower pumps safely drain water primarily from swimming pools and spas. You can also drain flooded basements!. Submersible pumps of this type are often referred to as “sump pumps”.

It’s important to note that most pools should generally be drained completely every three to five years to safely balance the chemicals in your water. While it’s tempting to simply use your pool’s standard pump for the task, doing so can introduce air into your suction line and permanently damage the pump in question. A submersible pump is always recommended for this task.

cover pumps

A cover pump, on the other hand, takes on smaller, more delicate tasks. While technically still a submersible pump, it puts out far less horsepower. For example, while a larger submersible pump can discharge well over a thousand gallons per hour (GPH), a cap pump that outputs only 300 GPH is perfectly adequate for the task at hand.

This is because the main purpose of a cover pump is to keep water and other miscellaneous debris out of your pool cover during the off-season. Whether it’s rain, sleet, or snow, water can quickly build up on your pool cover. The weight of this standing water can seriously damage the cover itself, making it more difficult and dangerous to remove the cover in the summer. A sufficiently powerful lid pump makes removing this standing water easy, safe and quick.

When choosing a deck pump, it helps to remember that not every pump is the same. There are mainly two variants of the lid pump, manual and automatic. Manual lid pumps aren’t as scary as they sound; “Manual” simply means you have to turn on the pump yourself when you realize it’s time to clean your cover. An automatic cover pump, on the other hand, rests permanently on the center of your cover and starts working automatically when it detects a certain amount of water. This is certainly an easier option, although you still need to keep an eye on the automatic lid pumps to make sure they’re working effectively.

Pump it up!

As you can see, submersible pumps and cap pumps are similar in many ways, but serve distinctly different purposes. A larger submersible pump will efficiently drain an entire pool or spa. In contrast, a smaller cover pump will drain the standing water and debris from your pool cover. Both will be absolutely necessary at some point in the life of your pool, although a cover pump will likely be used far more often as you will need to maintain your pool cover far more often than you will need to drain your entire pool.

If you think a cover pump for those cold winter months is the right tool for the job, you can shop online here at Leslie’s for our best deals! We have one of the widest range of supply pumps for pool owners. On the other hand, if you need to drain your pool, take a water sample to your local Leslie store. We offer a free water test at every store to help you determine if it’s time to break out that submersible pump. Leslie’s AccuBlue® water test accurately measures 10 different aspects of water chemistry and provides detailed instructions to help you get your pool water back on track.

Wondering if you can drain a hot tub into a pool? If you’re anything like me, you’ve found the right hot tub for your backyard. You may even have found the perfect gazebo for your hot tub. Once we found the right one, we began to wonder how to properly drain it. And, of course, when to drain it.

Did you know that in some cases, hot tub water needs to be drained and replaced every 40 days?

Where is all the water going? And how much will it cost you? It seems such a waste. A frequently asked question about the method is:

Can you drain a hot tub into the pool?

The simple answer is:

Yes, you can drain a hot tub into a pool.

Most in-ground pools only need to be drained every 5 to 7 years, so draining your hot tub into the pool can prove to be resourceful while also reducing your sanitation costs. Pool chemicals and filters are much stronger and more aggressive than hot tubs. Draining the much smaller amount of water from a hot tub into a pool would hardly affect the water quality in the pool.

But let’s take a closer look.

What to do with drained spa water?

Aside from draining your hot tub water into the pool, there are a few other methods to dispose of the water besides waste water! Let’s go through each of them.

Just to let you know It should be noted that before draining your water you should check with the local codes in your area for hot tub water drainage requirements. Some of the methods we provide may not be legal where you live.

Water your plants

As long as your hot tub system is not a saltwater system, you can recycle it in many ways. One of those ways could be watering your garden. Water that is no longer in its natural state and has been treated or used multiple times is referred to as gray water.

If you’ve done the proper maintenance and treatment, the gray water from your hot tub should be safe for plants. Your next step is to check the chemicals in the water.

You should dilute the chlorine over the course of a week before draining. Once the chlorine level is below 1.5ppm, you can water your plants with the drained water from your spa.

If your spa uses bromine you want a range of 2.0 – 4.0 ppm before it is considered safe for your plants. The overall equilibrium pH should be 7.2-7.4. So if all those stats are good, water those plants!

Wash your cars or recreational vehicles

With the help of a submersible pump, many people can actually wash their cars and RVs with their used hot tub water. This can prove a little tricky as you can’t use a nozzle on the hose that drains your hot tub.

Many people claim they simply water the lawn between scrubbing their vehicles and hosing it down. That’s two ways of recycling in one! Just make sure your chemical and pH levels are at the recommended levels as outlined earlier in this article so they don’t harm your weed!

Provide your pet with a swimming pool

My dogs love to frolic in children’s pools in the summer. A great way to fill up the kids’ pool without using more water than necessary is to dump your hot tub’s water straight in! As long as you’ve treated the hot tub water properly, it shouldn’t pose any threat or danger to your pets!

Step-by-step guide to draining your hot tub

There are several ways to drain your hot tub, depending on whether you are using the hot tub’s faucet or a submersible pump.

For a submersible pump, proceed as follows:

Make sure your spa is turned off and completely disconnected from all power sources. If your spa continues to run when there is no water, damage could result. If the pump is submerged, make sure your tubing can reach the correct drainage area. If this is not possible, consider an extension garden hose. Run the pump until the spa is empty. Turn off your pump and remove it from your fully drained hot tub.

If you intend to use the faucet to drain your hot tub, follow these instructions:

As with the submersible pump, you should ensure your hot tub is completely turned off and unplugged. Many spas have both a primary and an auxiliary spigot. The tool is used to remove the water from the internal vent lines. Attach a garden hose to your primary spigot. Route the hose to the designated drain area and proceed to drain. When you’re done, move your hose to the auxiliary spigot and repeat the process so you can drain your bleed lines. Remember to open the ball valve located on the spigot for complete drainage.

cleaning

After your hot tub has been completely drained, this is the stage where many begin the cleaning process of their hot tub. Begin by rinsing out the spa with a hose to remove any debris. Did you know you can clean a hot tub with vinegar? Note that you may need to re-drain any additional water added during the process.

Replace all your filter plugs and drain caps before refilling your spa.

Some fun facts about hot tubs

Now that you’re ready to refill and enjoy your hot tub, here are some fun facts to ponder while you bask in the warm and relaxing waters.

If you’re looking for the best cardiovascular workout, relax in your hot tub! Hot tubs offer the same type of heart rate increase as cardio exercise. How convenient!

As your heart works to regulate your body heat as you soak in your spa, your blood flow increases, bringing more oxygen to your cells. This actually helps lower your blood pressure. Consult your doctor first before considering using a hot tube if you have fluctuations in blood pressure.

If you’re concerned about maintenance, in a recent Caldera Spas survey, 90% of hot tub owners said they didn’t find the maintenance part difficult.

You might be concerned about energy costs, but 86% also said they have not reported an increase in costs.

Did you know that the jets in hot tubs were designed by the Jacuzzi brothers, who were actually in the airplane business?

Hot tubs have been around since ancient times. Some of the earlier civilizations took advantage of natural hot springs, and in Rome public bathhouses were easily accessible to all.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, people with type 2 diabetes who soaked in hot tubs for 30 minutes every day for 10 days experienced weight loss, reduced insulin doses, and happier well-being.