Having a hot tub can be one of the most low maintenance ways to add a little more fun and relaxation to your life. Modern hot tubs can be enjoyed with relatively small amounts of care. In general, we tell homeowners to expect to put in roughly 30 minutes of work 3-4 times a year.
That being said, you still will want to perform some regular maintenance to maintain high water quality and keep your tub in good shape for the long term.
One of the most important items on your maintenance to-do list is draining the hot tub several times a year.
In this quick guide, we’ll share some of the reasons why you should drain your hot tub regularly, and the exact steps you need to follow to get the job done right!
Why is draining so important?
When you use your hot tub regularly, dissolved matter tends to build up in the water. This can include everything from lotions a person may be wearing, to dirt and debris from your yard and more. As this dissolved material starts to build up, you can start to notice problems with water becoming cloudy, foaming or even developing an odor.
The most effective way to address these issues is to replace the water in your tub with new, clean fresh water every 3-4 months on average. However, many hot tub owners find they can get away with draining a bit less regularly in the winter season. So if you complete a full drain in November, you should be able to continue enjoying your tub until March without needing to drain again.
How do I drain my hot tub
Simply follow these steps and you’ll be done with draining your tub in no time. While the draining and maintenance process takes a minimum of 12-14 hours, we estimate only about 30 minutes of active work in total.
PROCEDURE
- Start by turning off the air controls and ensuring there is water coming out of all the seat jets.
- Move diverters to the middle/neutral position and open closed jet faces.
- Put the tub on standby and remove the filter from the tub. (if you don’t have standby, turn the tub off)
- This is an excellent time to chemically clean your filter with a product such as Rapid Action Filter Cleanse.
- Take the tub off standby.
- Add 1 bottle of Drain Prep to the water put the jets on low for one cycle and leave the tub heated and circulating as normal with the cover closed for a minimum of 12 hours (can be circulated for up to 48 hours before draining for heavier build up). Drain Prep will break down any oils, dirt or scale build up that has coated the lines of the tub. For same day draining, add one Flush Pro Kit. Follow instructions as indicated in the kit.
- After 12 hours minimum has elapsed, turn the power to the tub off.
- Locate Spa Drain Valve. It is usually located on the side of the cabinet. Pull the drain valve completely out. Remove the safety drain cap and store for use when refilling your spa. Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve. With the garden hose attached push the drain valve in so that the hose is flush with the drain. (if you don’t have a drain valve you can use a submersible pump and garden hose to drain the tub)
- As the water drains, clean the waterline and seats using Surface Cleanse and a clean, damp cloth. Surface Cleanse is the only cleaner that we recommend using to clean the inside of any hot tub. Do not use bathtub cleansers, CLR, or other household cleaners as they can cause damage to the acrylic surface.
- To stop draining the tub, simply reverse the process by pulling the drain completely out, installing the drain valve safety cap and pushing the drain in fully. Make sure you do not force the drain in so that it is properly aligned.
- Fill the tub then put your clean, dry filter into the filter canister, turn the power back on again and close the cover. (It is important to let a filter dry after chemically cleaning as the cleaner open the pores of the filter to release the dirt. Drying will shrink those pores back to regular size to catch more debris. It is recommended to have two filters so you can swap them out every drain and clean cycle to give the filters a proper chemical cleaning and time to dry before reusing.
- Turn the temperature up to the desired level. Once the temperature reaches 80°F you can start to add your fresh fill chemicals.
- This is a good time to take a water sample. Then, you can bring it into Buds to get free tailored recommendations for the correct chemicals for your tub.
LIMITED TIME
Service special!
Book a spa drain and clean before November 30th and receive a complimentary bottle of Drain Prep and a bottle of Rapid Action Filter Cleanse. Treat your spa to the care it deserves!
Related Guides & Resources
Treating Foaming in a hot tub
In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.
Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024!
Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024! In 2024, hot tubs aren’t just about soaking in warm water-they’ve become high-tech relaxation hubs with features that enhance your experience like never before. If you haven’t upgraded your tub recently, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the…
Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas
We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.
So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.
There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.
Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!
Treating Pseudomonas in a Hot Tub
How to treat Pseudomonas in a Hot Tub What is Pseudomonas? Pseudomonas is a skin infection resulting from exposure to contaminated spa water. Loss of sanitizer level and the temperature of the spa both pose as a breeding ground for this bacterium. Characteristics of Pseudomonas Pseudomonas is most commonly seen as an inflamed skin rash.…
Treating Phosphates in a Hot Tub
How to Treat Phosphates in your Hot Tub Phosphates are a naturally occurring mineral in all water, however if they reach high levels they can cause issues in your spa. One issue that can occur is not being able to maintain a sanitizer level as the phosphates consume bromine or chlorine. It can also lead…
Treating Biofilm in a Hot Tub
How to Treat Biofilm in your Hot Tub What is Biofilm? Biofilm in hot tubs refers to a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and form a slimy, protective layer. Biofilm can develop on various surfaces within a hot tub, such as the walls, pipes, and filters. IMPACT Reduced effectiveness of sanitizers: The…
How to Drain your Serenity Hydropool Hot Tub
How to drain your Serenity Hydropool hot tub ** Your spa should be drained approximately every 8-12 weeks depending on the amount of chemicals added and the use it gets. 1 Start by turning off the air controls and ensuring there is water coming out of all the seat jets (move diverters to middle/neutral position,…
How to Drain your Self-Clean Hydropool Hot Tub
How to drain your self-clean hydropool hot tub Steps to Draining your Self-Clean Hydropool You will need 2 garden hoses, one for draining and one for filling. Your spa should be drained approximately every 12 weeks depending on the amount of chemicals added and the use it gets. Remember to have your water tested monthly.…
How to Measure Your Hot Tub Cover
How to measure your Hot Tub Cover How to Measure Your Hot Tub Cover This guide will help you measure your spa or hot tub cover so that it will fit perfectly. Even if a covermanufacturer has your spa on file, take the time to measure and be sure. Measuring your Spa Skirt measurement The…
Hot tub winterization guide
how to prepare your hot tub for the winter Winterizing your hot tub properly is extremely important to ensure that all the lines and equipment do not freeze and crack over the winter. Drain spa as per normal procedure. Remove pillows, the skimmer basket and the filter(s) from the canister. Chemically clean your filter(s) with…
Hot Tub Filter Cartridge Cleaning
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR Hot Tub Filter Cartridge When should a filter cartridge be cleaned? For hot tubs, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every 4-6 weeks. …
Helpful tips when maintaining your spa!
HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR SPA! ATTENTION NEW HOT TUB AND SWIM SPA OWNERS: We recommend bringing a water sample to Bud’s Spas & Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your hot tub for the first time. Test Strips Test strips are a great tool to help you maintain…
The Surprising Benefits of Contrast Hydrotherapy
In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.
What’s the deal with plug-and-play hot tubs?
A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!
Can Hot Tubs Really Help You Lose Weight?
A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!
Buyer Beware! Think Twice About Going to A Hot Tub Expo
Beware of the travelling hot tub shows and expos. We review the red flags to be aware of and why you’ll never see Buds at one!
The Benefits of a Morning Soak in Your Hot Tub
A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hot Tub
If you’re in the market for a new hot tub or an upgrade, this condensed, step-by-step buying guide is for you! We cover everything from seating to special features.
