How to empty and refill your hot tub

As a hot tub owner, caring for your hot tub is essential, and emptying and refilling play a key part in hot tub maintenance. But how often should you complete this process? And exactly how should you go about doing so?

Well, if you’ve been wondering how to empty a hot tub and refill it with fresh water, we’ve got you covered with all the necessary insights.

 

Why do I need to drain and refill my hot tub?

To keep your water in tip-top condition, it’s necessary to empty your hot tub, give it a thorough clean (including the valves and pipes), and then refill it with fresh water. So, whether your tub runs on chlorine or bromine, you’ll need to drain and refill it periodically, ensuring it remains safe for you to bathe in and enjoy!

Some telltale signs that it’s time to drain and refill your tub include the following:

• You’re unable to effectively balance the pH of your hot tub water, or you’re having to use far more chemicals than usual.
• The water may look a little off-colour and have a stronger-than-usual smell.
• There may be a noticeable buildup around your hot tub, including organic matter and debris.

Practising regular hot tub maintenance should keep this at bay, but how exactly should you go about draining and refilling your hot tub?

 

How to drain a hot tub

Below we’ll offer a step-by-step guide on how you can effectively drain your hot tub, ensuring a smooth and most importantly safe draining process:

 

1. Flush out the pipes

The first step includes flushing out the piping system, making sure it is cleared of any contaminants, debris, or blockages. So, you’ll need to purchase some line flush cleaner (consult your manual to ensure it’s the correct one for your tub) to remove any bacteria.

Next, remove the hot tub filters, pour in the cleaner, and turn the jets on full blast. Leave them running for around 60 minutes with the cover off, allowing the cleaner to flush the entire system.

 

2. Drain your tub

Once the flush has been completed, it’s time to get started with draining your tub. There are two options when it comes to a full tub drain: a drain valve or a submersible pump.

 

Drain valve:

If you go down the drain valve route, your first port of call should be turning the power off at the circuit breaker (making sure the jets and pumps are off first).

Next, locate the drain valve (it’s usually found towards the bottom of the tub), and attach your hose to it firmly. If you’re struggling, you’ll need to twist the cap clockwise to remove the plug. Once this has been removed, you’ll be able to attach the hose and run it to an existing drain.

It’s important to note that your hot tub may have two valves (a primary valve and an auxiliary valve). If so, use the primary valve to drain the majority of the water, then open the second valve to ensure the internal lines are empty too.

 

Submersible pump:

Alternatively, you can use a submersible pump to drain your tub. For this, you’ll need to follow the same flush process and turn off the power. Then, place the pump in your tub (at its deepest point) and simply run the hose to the drain.

To get rid of any remaining water in the footwell, you may need to get your hands on a wet vacuum. Finally, you’ll need to give your tub a thorough rinse to ensure any remaining residue is mopped up.

 

How to fill a hot tub

Filling your tub back up can seem like a straightforward task, but there are actually a variety of things you’ll need to bear in mind before you begin.

 

1. Refill through the filter housing

When it comes to refilling a hot tub, it’s not as simple as just leaving your hose in the tub and waiting for it to fill to an adequate level. Doing so can create airlock issues, preventing your tub from running smoothly and efficiently in the long run.

So, to avoid this, we’d recommend filling your tub through its filter housing. This will allow the water to travel through the pipework first, therefore avoiding the risk of airlocks.

 

2. Avoid hot water

Equally, while it can be tempting to use hot water for the sake of speed, this should be avoided as it can actually damage the temperature sensors in your tub. So, while you might think it will speed up the overall process, it’s best practice to use cold water.

 

3. Don’t overfill or underfill your tub

It’s just as important to never underfill or overfill your tub, as both can cause separate issues. For instance, if the water levels are too low, excess air can be sucked into the piping system, resulting in problems with heat and flow.

So, we’d recommend filling your tub to around halfway up the filter cage. We’d also recommend keeping an eye on the water level as if it frequently drops, there may be an issue with leaks.

 

Find your ideal hot tub in our collection

So, now you know exactly how to keep your hot tub water in great shape, ensuring a relaxing and, most importantly, safe dip each time! Whether you’re doing a bit of summer hot tub maintenance, or you’re preparing your hot tub to use as the chillier weather rolls in, it’s time to get stuck in with the draining and refilling process.

Looking for more hot tub-related insights? Well then, simply dive into a couple more of our guides. You can read about hot tub water chemistry as well as how to prepare your hot tub for winter!

 

Hot tub draining FAQs

Can you drain a hot tub onto grass?

It’s important to drain your tub into an existing drain, as this will help you avoid damaging areas such as garden patios and grass. While the hot tub water may not cause significant damage to your grass, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have a newly set lawn.

If you have no other option but to allow the water to drain onto your grass, we recommend testing until the chemical levels are near zero.

 

How often should you drain a hot tub?

It’s best to drain and refill your hot tub every three to four months, although this varies depending on how much it gets used. For instance, if you use your tub 1-2 times per week, it’s a good idea to drain it every 4-6 months. Or if you use your tub more frequently (perhaps daily) a full drain and refill may be required every 1-2 months.

Is it safe to leave a hot tub empty?

It’s perfectly fine to drain your tub and leave it empty, however, you’ll need to ensure a highly effective drain (with no remaining water or lingering bacteria). You’ll also need to ensure you fit the hot tub cover securely to avoid any debris or water from entering.

We’ve got a full guide on why hot tub covers are essential if you’re hoping to learn more about this!

 

Why isn’t my hot tub draining?

If your hot tub isn’t draining after opening the drain valve, it might be time to use a submersible pump. There may also be debris stuck in the plumbing lines, preventing water from finding its way through.

If you’ve tried the above and are still encountering issues, it might be time for a professional hot tub service. A service can go a long way in terms of hot tub longevity as well as peace of mind.