What Is the Easiest Way to Drain a Hot Tub?

Draining your hot tub is essential for maintaining its cleanliness, functionality, and longevity. Whether you’re preparing it for storage, cleaning, or replacing the water, knowing how to drain a hot tub properly can save you time and effort while ensuring your hot tub stays in excellent condition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest methods to drain a hot tub, the tools you need, and some best practices for hassle-free maintenance.

Why Do You Need to Drain a Hot Tub?

Regularly draining your hot tub is crucial for several reasons:

1. Water cleanliness: Over time, the water accumulates body oils, lotions, and other contaminants that even the best filters can’t fully eliminate.
2. Chemical balance: Prolonged use can cause water to become too hard or unbalanced, which affects the effectiveness of sanitizers.
3. Preventing buildup: Minerals and residues can form in your hot tub, leading to scale buildup or clogged filters.

Experts recommend draining your hot tub every three to four months, depending on usage frequency.

Tools Needed to Drain a Hot Tub

Before getting started, gather the necessary tools to make the draining process smooth:

• Garden hose
• Submersible pump (optional for faster draining)
• A bucket or sponge (for small amounts of remaining water)
• Cleaning supplies (if you plan to clean your hot tub after draining)

The Easiest Ways to Drain a Hot Tub

There are two main methods for draining a hot tub: using the built-in drain valve or using a submersible pump. Each method has its advantages, depending on your setup and available tools.

Method 1: Draining with the Built-In Drain Valve

Most hot tubs have a built-in drain valve, which makes emptying your hot tub the simplest and most cost-effective process.

1. Turn Off the Power
   Safety first! Locate your hot tub’s circuit breaker and turn off the power to avoid damage to the equipment or accidental electrocution.
2. Locate the Drain Valve
   The drain valve is usually located near the bottom of the hot tub. If you’re unsure of its location, consult your hot tub manual.
3. Attach a Garden Hose
   Attach a garden hose to the drain valve to direct the water to a safe drainage area. Make sure the hose is securely connected to avoid leaks.
4. Open the Valve
   Open the drain valve and allow gravity to do the work. The water will flow out slowly, so be patient.
5. Remove Remaining Water
   Once most of the water has drained, use a sponge or small bucket to remove any leftover water.

Method 2: Using a Submersible Pump

If you’re short on time or have a large hot tub, a submersible pump is the fastest way to drain the water.

1. Turn Off the Power
   As with the first method, always turn off the power before starting the draining process.
2. Position the Pump
   Place the submersible pump at the deepest part of the hot tub to ensure it removes the maximum amount of water.
3. Attach a Discharge Hose
   Attach the discharge hose to the pump and direct it to your desired drainage area, ensuring it’s far enough from your home or other structures.
4. Turn On the Pump
   Plug in the submersible pump and let it work its magic. Depending on the size of the tub, most pumps can drain a hot tub within 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove Remaining Water
   Use a sponge or bucket to collect any residual water that the pump couldn’t reach.

Best Practices for Draining a Hot Tub

1. Choose the Right Location for Draining
   Avoid draining the water near flower beds, septic systems, or areas where water may pool. Ensure the water flows into a safe drainage area or a sewer line, as it may contain chemicals harmful to plants or animals.
2. Dispose of Water Responsibly
   Check local regulations regarding hot tub water disposal. Some areas restrict the discharge of chemically treated water into storm drains or public sewers.
3. Clean While It’s Empty
   Draining is the perfect opportunity to give your hot tub a deep clean. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the shell, jets, and filter housing. Rinse thoroughly before refilling to avoid any leftover cleaning agents in the water.
4. Inspect the Components
   While the tub is empty, inspect its parts for wear and tear. Check the filters, jets, and seals, and replace any damaged components to prevent future issues.

How to Drain a Hot Tub Without a Drain Valve

If your hot tub lacks a drain valve, you can still empty it using a garden hose or a pump.

• Using a Garden Hose as a Siphon: Place one end of the hose in the hot tub and the other in the drainage area. Suck on the drainage end to start the siphoning process. Be careful to ensure the water flows continuously without interruption.
• Using Buckets: While not ideal, this method works for small hot tubs. Scoop the water out manually with buckets until the tub is mostly empty.

Preparing Your Hot Tub for Refilling

Once your hot tub is empty and clean, you’re ready to refill it:

1. Replace or Clean the Filters
   Before refilling, clean or replace the filters to ensure the water remains clear and sanitized.
2. Close the Drain Valve
   Double-check that the drain valve is securely closed to prevent leaks.
3. Refill with Fresh Water
   Use a garden hose to refill your hot tub with clean water. For best results, use a hose filter to remove impurities.
4. Check Chemical Levels
   Once filled, test the water’s pH and alkalinity. Add the appropriate chemicals to balance the water and ensure it’s safe for use.
5. Turn the Power Back On
   Turn the power back on and allow the hot tub to heat up. Once it reaches your desired temperature, it’s ready to enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Draining a Hot Tub

• Forgetting to Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power to avoid damaging your hot tub’s electrical components.
• Improper Disposal: Don’t drain water into areas where it could harm the environment or violate local regulations.
• Skipping Regular Maintenance: Neglecting routine draining and cleaning can lead to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and potential damage to your hot tub.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hot Tub Between Drains

• Use a Cover: Keep your hot tub covered when not in use to prevent debris from entering.
• Clean Filters Regularly: Rinse filters every few weeks to remove dirt and buildup.
• Monitor Chemical Levels: Test your water weekly to maintain proper chemical balance and sanitation.
• Shock the Water: Periodically add a shock treatment to eliminate bacteria and contaminants.

Conclusion

Draining a hot tub doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your hot tub stays clean, functional, and ready for relaxation. Whether you use the built-in drain valve or a submersible pump, the key is preparation and attention to detail.

Regular maintenance, including learning how to drain a hot tub efficiently, is essential to enjoying your spa for years to come. Ready to dive back into a clean, refreshed hot tub? Take the time to drain and clean it properly today!