How to Empty A Hot Tub?

Even though you’ll spend more time soaking in your hot tub than you’ll spend on maintenance, it’s still important to keep your hot tub clean and functioning properly. One of the most involved maintenance procedures is the deep clean. This involves draining the hot tub, scrubbing it down, and refilling it with fresh water. To prove that it isn’t as labourious as it sounds, we describe how to empty a hot tub.

How Often Should A Hot Tub Be Emptied?

The regularity with which you empty your hot tub will depend on the type of cleaning system you’re using as well as the amount of use the hot tub is getting. For those using chlorine or bromine-based cleaning systems with a moderate amount of use, the hot tub should be emptied and deep cleaned every three or four months. If you have a saltwater system, you may be able to go a full year before deep cleaning is necessary.

How to Empty A Hot Tub?

The most important thing to keep in mind when emptying a hot tub is where all that water will go. You don’t want it draining into the foundation of your house (or your neighbour’s house, for that matter!) nor do you want it to create a permanent pond in your backyard. Having access to a storm drain is ideal. If you plan on draining the water onto your lawn or garden, ensure they’ll be able to deal with it.

As long as you’ve kept your water chemistry levels in check and have allowed the water to sufficiently cool down, hot tub water shouldn’t be harmful to your lawn or plants. As long as your account for proper drainage, emptying your hot tub might be a good way to water your lawn and garden during a dry spell.

You can significantly cut down on the time it takes for your hot tub to drain by using a submersible pump. But if you don’t have one available, using the hot tub’s drainage spigot is sufficient. Just make sure to power down the hot tub and switch it off at the breaker before you drain it. Running the pump when the water level is too low can cause damage.

You should be able to attach a hose to the drainage spigot to allow you to direct the water flow. Once you have the hose in position you can open the valve and let the hot tub drain. Many hot tubs have a secondary valve to help bleed the plumbing lines. Make sure to drain the majority of the water before using the secondary valve.

Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell

You need to be careful about the type of cleaners you use on the hot tub shell. It can be easily scratched or otherwise damaged by regular household cleaners. Read your owner’s manual to find out what kind of cleaners are recommended. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the shell after cleaning.

Cleaning the Water Filters

Although it’s recommended to hose down the water filters every month, they should also get a deep cleaning whenever the hot tub is emptied. After rinsing them off with a garden hose, soak them in an approved cleaning solution for the recommended amount of time – usually 8 to 24 hours. Thoroughly hose them down again before replacing them in their housings.

Refilling the Hot Tub

Rather than simply filling up the hot tub straight from the garden hose, many hot tubs have a dedicated fill pipe to prevent bubbles from getting into the system which can cause an airlock. Consult your owner’s manual to find out if your hot tub has one and how to get it connected.

Now that you’ve learned how to empty a hot tub and what it takes to give it a deep cleaning, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.