How To Drain A Hot Tub For Cleaning And Maintenance ?

Regularly draining and refilling your hot tub is the “reset button” for your spa’s health. Even with high-end filtration and Ozonator systems found in it, minerals, body oils, and chemical byproducts eventually saturate the water, making it difficult to keep clear. As a general rule, you should drain your hot tub every 3 to 4 months. Here is a professional guide on how to do it efficiently and safely.

1. Preparation: Safety First

Before you touch a single valve, you must address the power supply.

• Turn Off the Power: Never drain a hot tub while the power is on. If the water level drops below the jets or the skimmer while the pumps are running, you risk “dry-firing” the heater or burning out the pump seals.
• Locate the Circuit Breaker: Switch off the dedicated GFCI breaker (the manual disconnect) to ensure the spa cannot accidentally activate during the process.

2. Step-by-Step Draining Process

There are two primary ways to empty your spa: the built-in drain valve or a submersible pump.

Method A: The Built-In Drain (The “Slow & Steady” Route)

Most spas come equipped with an external drain valve located at the base of the cabinet.

1. Remove the Cap: Unscrew the safety cap from the drain valve.
2. Attach a Hose: Screw on a standard garden hose. Ensure the other end of the hose is at a lower elevation than the spa (gravity does the work).
3. Open the Valve: Pull or twist the valve to start the flow.
4. Wait: This can take 2 to 5 hours depending on the size of your spa.

Method B: Submersible Sump Pump (The “Pro” Route)

If you are in a hurry, a submersible “sump” pump is a worthwhile investment.

1. Place the Pump: Set the pump at the deepest point of the footwell.
2. Direct the Discharge: Run the large-diameter hose to a proper drainage area.
3. Speed: A sump pump can empty a standard hot tub in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Deep Cleaning While Empty

Once the water is out, don’t just refill it immediately. Take advantage of the empty shell.

• Wipe the Shell: Use a non-abrasive cloth and a dedicated spa surface cleaner. Avoid household soaps or detergents, as even a tiny residue will cause a “bubble bath” nightmare when you refill.
• Clean the Filters: While the spa is draining, soak your filter cartridges in a filter degreaser.
• Flush the Lines (Optional): If you noticed “white flakes” or biofilm before draining, use a “Line Flush” product before you drain the water to clear out the internal plumbing.

4. Refilling the Right Way

Refilling is more than just sticking a hose in the tub. You must prevent airlocks.

1. The Filter Well Trick: Place your garden hose inside the filter compartment (where the filter sits) rather than in the main footwell. This forces water through the internal plumbing first, pushing air out and preventing airlocks in the pumps.
2. Use a Pre-Filter: If you have hard water, use a hose-end pre-filter to catch minerals and metals before they enter your spa.
3. Check the Level: Fill until the water reaches the manufacturer’s line, usually about halfway up the skimmer opening.

Summary Checklist

Conclusion

Draining your hot tub is a small investment of time that pays off in crystal-clear water and a longer lifespan for your equipment. By following this process every few months, you ensure that your spa remains the hygienic, relaxing sanctuary it was designed to be.