Draining your hot tub is a necessary part of regular maintenance to keep your water clean and your spa in good condition. Over time, hot tub water accumulates contaminants and chemicals that can affect water quality and the longevity of your hot tub. Draining and refilling your hot tub every 3-4 months ensures a fresh, clean, and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly drain your hot tub water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Hot Tub
1. Preparation
Gather Supplies:
- Garden hose
- Submersible pump (optional but faster than a garden hose)
- Bucket or wet/dry vacuum (for remaining water)
- Cleaning supplies (soft cloth, non-abrasive cleaner)
- Water testing kit
- Replacement water chemicals
Turn Off the Power:
- Ensure your hot tub is turned off at the breaker to prevent the pump and heater from running while there's no water in the tub.
2. Drain the Water
Using the Drain Spigot:
- Locate the Drain Spigot: Find the drain spigot on your hot tub, usually located at the bottom or on the side of the cabinet.
- Attach the Garden Hose: Connect a garden hose to the spigot, ensuring it’s tightly secured to prevent leaks.
- Open the Spigot: Turn the spigot to start draining the water. Make sure the other end of the hose is in a suitable drainage area, such as a driveway or garden.
Using a Submersible Pump:
- Position the Pump: Place the submersible pump in the center of the hot tub.
- Connect the Hose: Attach a garden hose to the pump’s outlet.
- Plug in the Pump: Power the pump to start draining the water. This method is faster than using the drain spigot.
Draining the Last Bit of Water:
- Once most of the water is drained, you may need to remove the remaining water manually. Use a bucket, a wet/dry vacuum, or sponge to soak up and remove any leftover water.
3. Clean the Hot Tub
Clean the Shell:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the interior of the hot tub. Pay attention to the waterline, seats, and jets.
Clean the Filters:
- Remove the filters and clean them with a filter cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before reinserting. If the filters are old or damaged, consider replacing them.
Inspect the Jets:
- Check the jets for any debris or buildup. Use a soft brush or toothpick to clean any blockages.
4. Refill the Hot Tub
Close the Drain Spigot:
- Ensure the drain spigot is closed tightly to prevent leaks when refilling.
Place the Hose in the Filter Compartment:
- To avoid airlocks, place the garden hose in the filter compartment or over one of the jets. This allows the water to fill through the plumbing system.
Refill with Fresh Water:
- Turn on the water and fill the hot tub to the appropriate level, usually halfway up the skimmer or to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
5. Rebalance the Water Chemistry
Turn the Power Back On:
- Once the hot tub is filled, turn the power back on at the breaker.
Test the Water:
- Use a water testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels of the new water.
Add Chemicals:
- Adjust the water chemistry as needed by adding the appropriate chemicals. This typically includes a sanitizer (chlorine or bromine), pH adjusters, and alkalinity increasers or decreasers.
Run the Pumps:
- Run the pumps for several minutes to circulate the chemicals and ensure even distribution.
6. Final Check
Inspect for Leaks:
- Check around the hot tub for any signs of leaks or drips, particularly around the drain spigot and connections.
Monitor the Water Temperature:
- Allow the hot tub to heat up to the desired temperature, monitoring the heater and ensuring it’s working correctly.
Enjoy Your Clean Hot Tub:
- Once the water is properly balanced and heated, your hot tub is ready for use.
Conclusion
Regularly draining and refilling your hot tub is essential for maintaining clean, safe, and enjoyable water. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hot tub remains in great condition, providing you with a relaxing spa experience. For more tips on hot tub maintenance or to explore our range of high-quality hot tubs and accessories, visit Hot Tub Kart. Our expert team is here to help you make the most of your hot tub investment.