How To Drain A Hot Tub: Empty, Clean & Refill | Blog | Hydropool

Maintaining a hot tub is essential for ensuring a hygienic and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we'll take you through the crucial steps of draining, cleaning, and refilling your jacuzzi. Let’s dive right in.

Why Do I Need To Empty My Hot Tub?

Regularly emptying your hot tub is important for several reasons. Primarily, it helps maintain water quality and hygiene. Over time, the water in your hot tub spa can accumulate various contaminants, such as body oils, cosmetics, and environmental debris, which can affect water clarity and balance. 

These contaminants can also foster the growth of bacteria and algae, posing health risks. 

Additionally, emptying and refilling your jacuzzi allows you to thoroughly clean its surfaces and components, ensuring they function correctly and efficiently. Regular draining is a key part of hot tub jacuzzi maintenance that protects both your health and your investment.

How Often Should I Empty and Refill My Hot Tub?

Determining the right frequency for emptying and refilling your hot tub is crucial for maintaining water quality and ensuring the longevity of your spa. Generally, it's recommended to drain and refill your hot tub every 3 to 4 months. However, this can vary based on several factors, including how frequently the jacuzzi is used, the number of users, and how well the hot tub's water is maintained.

You can also opt for self-cleaning hot tubs, like those offered by Hydropool Midlands, for less cleaning maintenance.

How To Drain a Hot Tub

Locate the Drain Valve

Before you begin, locate the drain valve on your hot tub. It's usually at the bottom of the tub and may be hidden under a panel. Ensure the area around the drain valve is clear to allow for a smooth drainage process. If your hot tub spa doesn't have a drain valve, you'll need to use a submersible pump.

Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure it's secure to prevent leaks. Direct the other end of the hose to an area where water can safely drain away, such as a main drain or a grassy area. Avoid draining directly onto plants, as the water might contain chemicals harmful to vegetation.

Open the Valve and Begin Draining

Open the drain valve to start the draining process. The water will flow out through the connected hose. Monitor the process to ensure the water drains away properly and adjust the hose's position if necessary.

Use a Submersible Pump for Faster Draining (Optional)

If you prefer a quicker method, or if your hot tub lacks a drain valve, use a submersible pump. Place the pump at the tub's lowest point, connect a hose, and direct the hose to an appropriate drainage area. Turn on the pump and monitor the draining process.

Clean the Tub's Interior as It Drains

As the water level lowers, take the opportunity to wipe down the exposed surfaces. This helps remove any residue or build-up and makes the cleaning process easier once the tub is completely empty.

Ensure Complete Draining

Once the water level is too low to drain naturally, use a wet-dry vacuum or sponge to remove the remaining water. It's important to ensure the tub is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps of cleaning and refilling.

How to Clean your Hot Tub

Remove and Clean the Filters

Begin by removing the filters from your jacuzzi. Rinse them with a garden hose to remove debris. For a deeper clean, soak the filters in a filter-cleaning solution or a mixture of water and white vinegar. After soaking, rinse the filters thoroughly and let them dry before reinstalling.

Scrub the Shell

With the tub drained, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the shell of the hot tub. Pay special attention to areas with visible dirt or residue. Avoid using household cleaning agents as they can affect the water chemistry and damage the hot tub's surface.

Clean the Jets

Carefully clean the jets, removing any debris or build-up. You can use a small brush or toothbrush to reach into the crevices. Make sure to rinse the area well after cleaning to remove any cleaner residue.

Wipe Down All Surfaces

After scrubbing, wipe down all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. This includes the hot tub cover, control panels, and any accessories. This step ensures that all surfaces are free from cleaning solution residues.

Clean and Condition the Cover

The cover of your jacuzzi spa also needs attention. Clean it with a mild soap solution or a specialised hot tub cover cleaner. After cleaning, apply a vinyl protector to keep the cover in good condition and to protect it from UV rays.

Flush the Lines (Optional)

If your hot tub has a line-flushing product, use it to clean out the internal plumbing. This helps remove biofilm and other build-ups that can accumulate in the pipes.

How to Refill Your Hot Tub

Close the Drain Valve

Before you begin refilling, make sure the drain valve is fully closed and secure. This is a crucial step to prevent leaks and ensure all the water you add stays inside the hot tub.

Place a Hose Filter on Your Garden Hose

Attach a hose filter to your garden hose. This filter will help remove impurities and minerals from the water as it enters the jacuzzi, reducing the likelihood of water problems and helping to maintain water balance from the start.

Begin Filling the Hot Tub

Insert the hose into the hot tub and turn on the water. It’s recommended to fill the tub through the filter compartment, as this helps prevent air locks in the pump system. Make sure the water flows gently to avoid disturbing the jacuzzi's internal components.

Monitor the Water Level

Keep an eye on the water level as it rises. The ideal water level is usually around the middle of the hot tub’s skimmer or a little higher. Overfilling or underfilling can cause operational issues.

Check and Adjust Water Chemistry

Once filled, turn on the hot tub and let the water circulate for a bit. Then, test the water with a test strip and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels as necessary. Proper water chemistry is crucial for a safe and enjoyable jacuzzi spa experience.

Heat the Water to Desired Temperature

Finally, set the thermostat to your desired temperature. It may take several hours for the water to reach the set temperature, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Maintaining your hot tub through regular draining, cleaning, and refilling is essential for ensuring a safe, hygienic, and enjoyable experience. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can keep your hot tub spa sparkling clean and ready for relaxation at any time.

Looking for the perfect addition to your relaxation routine? Discover Hydropool Midlands' selection of luxury hot tub spas, from self-cleaning swim spas to elegant pool rooms. Browse our range or get in touch for more details. 

FAQs

How to Drain a Hot Tub Completely?

To drain your hot tub completely, first locate and open the drain valve, attaching a garden hose if applicable. For jacuzzis without a drain valve, use a submersible pump. After most of the water has drained, remove the remaining water from the bottom of the tub with a wet-dry vacuum or a sponge. This ensures that your hot tub is completely empty, allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection of the tub's interior.

How Long Does It Take To Drain A Hot Tub?

The time it takes to drain a hot tub depends on several factors, including the tub's size and the draining method used. Typically, using the built-in drain valve and a garden hose, it can take anywhere from one to two hours. However, using a submersible pump can significantly speed up the process, reducing the draining time to as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

How Often to Drain a Hot Tub?

The frequency of draining and refilling your hot tub depends on how often it's used and the effectiveness of your water treatment routine. Generally, it's recommended to drain and refill your jacuzzi every three to four months. However, if your hot tub sees heavy use or if you notice issues with water quality that cannot be corrected with chemicals, you may need to drain and refill more frequently.