If you have a hot tub, then you know it can be a lot of fun to use. The value and the relaxation it provides can only be described as heaven. However, there will come a time when you need to drain the hot tub. This can be due to many reasons, such as cleaning or winterizing the hot tub. Follow these simple steps if you need to drain your hot tub quickly.
Action Spa Repair: Hot Tub Maintenance Services
Hot tubs require routine maintenance to keep the water clean and safe for users. Whether your hot tub is powered by salt, chlorine, bromine, ozone, or other chemicals, you must regularly drain, refill, and flush the pipes to keep them clean.
In this article, we’ll go through why hot tubs need to be drained, how to do it, how to clean the pipes, and how to refill them. We’ll review the important issues and questions surrounding this procedure to make maintaining your hot tub a breeze.
Why do you need to empty your hot tub?
There are a variety of reasons, but the most significant of them all is the TDS level. TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It is a measure of all the dirt and debris that is dissolved in the bath water, and it should be kept at 1500ppm or below. The term ‘dirt and debris’ include dissolved chemicals, PH balancers, chlorine, bromine, and anything else that has made its way into your hot tub water. You can simply say that the TDS is the measure of everything that is dissolved in the hot tub water.
The water becomes highly saturated and requires changing when TDS levels are too high. To accurately measure the TDS level of your hot tub, you will need a TDS strip or an electronic TDS meter.
Common signs that signify a high TDS include:
- PH level that is out of balance.
- The need for a larger chemical volume to sanitize your water.
- Odor or foam builds on water.
- The hot tub filter has a scale buildup.
When to Empty Spa?
Your hot tub does a terrific job of maintaining itself. You may enjoy clean, contaminant-free water for months in your spa while you employ a chlorine, bromine, ozone, or salt water system to filter the water. However, a time comes when it becomes necessary to empty the spa and allow fresh water.
Ordinarily, you should change the water in your spa every three to four months if you use a conventional chlorine or bromine system. Nevertheless, here are signs that you need to drain your hot tub:
- Foamy water
- Smelly water
- When the water becomes cloudy
- If the water has been sitting for too long.
How to Drain Hot Tub Water
There are two main ways to drain your hot tub – using your hot tub drain valve or using a submersible pump.
1. How to Drain Your Hot Tub Using the Drain Valve
This is the simplest way to empty your hot tub because they are readily plumbed into it. You may, however, find it to be slow and time-consuming. If you are opting for this, follow the steps below:
- At the circuit breaker, switch off the power to your hot tub.
- Next, locate your drain valve, which is frequently found on a corner of your hot tub’s main panel. A primary and secondary valve may be included in your hot tub. If this is the case, open the secondary valve to drain the internal bleedings after using the primary to remove most water (This is particularly important if you are draining the hot tub for winterizing purposes).
- If required, connect your garden hose to the drain valve. Run the hose out to your drain on level ground or downhill. Moving the water to an existing drain is advisable to prevent harm to your lawn or patio.
- The primary spigot ball valve must be opened so the water can drain.
2. How to Drain a Hot Tub with a Submersible Pump
Want your hot tub to drain more quickly? This is the option you should go with. Depending on its size, a submersible pump can drain a hot tub in as little as 10 minutes. Follow the steps below to use this method:
- At the circuit breaker, shut off power to the spa.
- Put your submersible pump in the footwell or deepest part of the hot tub.
- To your drain, connect the drainage hose.
- Activate the pump, then let the spa drain.
- After emptying the hot tub, switch off the pump, remove the hose, and put the hot tub back in storage. Please be aware that some pumps feature float switches that cause them to shut off when the water level falls below a specific level.
- You can either use a wet and dry vacuum on the jets to ensure no dirty water residue is left in the pipes or run the hose through them to clear them out.
Here are 5 Simple Steps to Flush and Clean your Hot Tub Pipes:
After draining your hot tub, you should also flush and clean the hot tub’s pipes. This helps to get rid of any biofilm or bacteria that may have accumulated in the pipes. It is a good idea to flush your plumbing lines with a pipe flush/cleaner when you are draining your hot tub. Make sure to adhere to the product’s specific instructions.
However, the information below provides general advice on using a pipe cleaner in a hot tub.
- Remove the Hot Tub Filters from your hot tub.
- Turn all of your jets on.
- Fill the filter housing with the recommended amount of pipe cleaner.
- Run the jets for 15 to 30 minutes.
Filling Up Your Hot Tub
After draining your hot tub, clean the filter chamber and shell with a soft cloth. It would be best if you also cleaned your hot tub filters so that you get an entirely clean hot tub.
Your hot tub can be easily refilled. To do so, turn on the hot tub and insert your hose into the filter housing. Fill the pipework first to lessen the chance of an airlock by filling through the filter housing.
Your system may display a “flow” fault when this happens because an airlock develops when the air becomes caught in the plumbing pipes and prevents the water from flowing as it should. If unsure, speak with professionals.
Benefits of Using Fresh Water Quality on a Hot Tub
Anytime you use your hot tub, you are exposing your body to everything in the water, including the bacteria and other contaminants that may be present in it. When your hot tub water stays clean and fresh, you will enjoy the following:
- It keeps you protected from contaminants.
- It will also improve the quality of your hot tub experience. Fresh water is simply more pleasant to soak in than water full of contaminants.
- Fresh water is also better for your hot tub itself. Over time, the contaminants in the water can build up and damage the components of your hot tub, including the pump, filters, and jets. Draining and refilling your hot tub will help prevent this damage and extend the hot tub’s life.
So, whether you are looking to protect your health or the quality of your hot tub experience, it is important to remember the benefits of freshwater quality. Drain and refill your hot tub with fresh water regularly to enjoy these benefits.
5 Tips to Clean Filter Compartment
After draining your hot tub, it would be nice to clean your filter compartment. It is not compulsory if you are not draining for winterizing purposes. If you are interested in keeping your spa in the best condition, this is how you clean the filter compartment:
- Remove the lid of the filter compartment.
- Please take out the cartridge and rinse it off with a hose.
- Clean out the filter compartment with a soft, clean cloth.
- Replace the lid of the filter compartment. It is also a good idea to clean your hot tub filters at this time.
- Your hot tub can easily become full of bacteria if it is not properly cleaned regularly. By taking the time to clean your filters, you can help to keep your hot tub bacteria-free and looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Drain Hot Tub Quickly
Q: After emptying the water, should I clean the Spa Cabinet?
A: It is good you do so. The exterior of your spa, including the cabinet, should regularly be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. You may also want to use a mildew-resistant spray on the cabinet to help keep it looking its best.
Q: How long does it take to drain a hot tub with a garden hose downhill?
A: It typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to drain a hot tub with a garden hose downhill.
Q: Is it safe to drain a hot tub yourself?
A: It is very safe to drain a hot tub. You can follow the guide above. If you need professional help, do not fail to contact us.
Final Thoughts
Draining your hot tub in a timely manner is essential to maintaining its function and having the best of times when you are using it. While draining your hot tub may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With these simple tips, you’ll have your hot tub drained quickly.
Remember, Action Spa Repair is here for you if you need help with your hot tub repairs or other spa-related needs. If you ever run into any issues with your hot tub or spa, call us at Action Spa Repair. We’re always happy to help out however we can! Our services are fast, effective and very affordable.