When I first had to learn how to drain a hot tub, I’ll admit I was a little unsure where to start. The water looked fine, but I knew keeping it in too long wasn’t good. Once I figured out the right steps, the process became simple, and now it’s something I do with ease.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to drain a hot tub in a way that’s super simple. I’ll show you when to do it, how to do it, and what to do after the water’s out. I’ll even tell you what mistakes to avoid, the ones I made myself.
You don’t need to guess or feel stuck. I’ll help you make sense of it all. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do, and your hot tub will be clean and ready to go.
How to Know It’s Time to Change Your Hot Tub Water?
Draining a hot tub isn’t something that needs to be done often, but it is an important part of regular care. Most hot tub owners drain their hot tubs every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often they are used.
Over time, the water collects substances such as body oils, lotions, soap, and residual chemicals. Even if the water still looks clear, it can be less clean than it seems.
There are some signs to look for that mean it’s time to drain. If the water starts to smell strange, turns cloudy, or becomes hard to balance even after adding chemicals, it likely needs to be changed. These are common signs that the water is too full of buildup.
Fresh water keeps the hot tub safe, clean, and more enjoyable to use. Waiting too long to change it can cause issues with the water, the filters, and even the hot tub parts over time.
Hot Tub Draining Prep: What to Do First
Before draining your hot tub, it’s important to get things ready the right way. A few small steps can help you avoid damage and keep everything working properly. Taking time to prepare will also make the draining process easier and faster.
These steps help protect your hot tub and the area around it:
- Turn off the power at the breaker
- Choose a safe place to drain the water
- Remove the cover and all accessories
Draining without shutting off the power can hurt the pump or heater. Letting water run into the wrong place can cause damage to your yard or nearby areas. Preparing first helps everything go smoothly from start to finish.
How to Drain a Hot Tub: A Step-by-Step Guide
Draining your hot tub might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know the steps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you do it the right way, without the mess or guesswork:
What You’ll Need
- Garden hose with a filter
- Sump pump (optional, for faster draining)
- Hot tub line flush cleaner
- Surface cleaner or white vinegar
- Soft cloth or towel
- Filter cleaner
- Bucket (5-gallon or similar)
- Water balancing chemicals (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer, etc.)
Step 1: Flush the Plumbing Lines
Start by adding a line flush cleaner to your hot tub while the water is still full. This cleaner helps push out any gunk or buildup hiding inside the pipes.
Run the jets on high for at least 20 minutes to let it circulate fully. You may see foam or cloudy bubbles rise to the surface; this means it’s working. Once this step is done, you’re ready to move on to draining.
Step 2: Drain the Water Safely
If you’re asking yourself how to empty the hot tub at this step, wait around because draining a hot tub can feel tricky sometimes depending on the shape but its possible.. First, turn off the power at the breaker before draining. You can use the built-in drain spout by connecting a hose, or use a sump pump for faster draining.
If you use a sump pump, place it in the deepest part of the hot tub. Watch it closely to avoid dry running. Don’t drain water into a storm drain or onto your lawn; use a safe drain area instead.
Step 3: Clean or Replace the Filter
While the hot tub drains, take out the filter. Place it in a bucket filled with water and a filter cleaner. Let it soak for about 24 hours. Rinse it well before putting it back.
If the filter looks very dirty or damaged, replace it with a new one. A clean filter is important for water flow and to keep the water clean after refilling.
Step 4: Clean the Hot Tub Shell
Once empty, spray the inside of the hot tub with a cleaner or diluted vinegar. Use a soft towel to wipe down all the surfaces, including corners and around the headrests.
Rinse it thoroughly so no cleaner is left behind. Make sure your jets are open before refilling. This step removes scum and buildup and helps prevent foaming or cloudy water later on.
Step 5: Refill the Hot Tub with Fresh Water
Before refilling, make sure the breaker is still off and that the drain is closed. Place the hose with a filter into the filter compartment and turn on the water.
This helps push out any trapped air in the pipes. Don’t leave it unattended while refilling. Stop the water once it reaches the proper level to avoid overfilling and backflow problems when you restart the system.
Step 6: Restart and Balance the Water
After refilling, replace the filter if you removed it. Then turn the power back on at the breaker. Run the hot tub for about 20 minutes with the jets on. Now test the water using test strips or a test kit.
Adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels as needed. Let the water circulate and heat up before testing again to make sure everything is balanced.
If you’d like a visual tutorial, check out the video below:
Maintenance Between Draining Your Hot Tub
Keeping your hot tub in good shape between full drains makes things much easier in the long run. A little care each week can help your water stay clean and your equipment last longer.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you should do:
| Task | How Often | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Skim out debris | Every 1–2 days | Removes leaves, bugs, and dirt before they sink or clog. |
| Check water chemicals | 2–3 times per week | Keeps water safe and balanced for regular use. |
| Adjust chemical levels | As needed | Helps avoid cloudy water and unwanted smells. |
| Wipe surfaces and cover | Weekly | Prevents buildup of grime, mold, or mildew. |
| Replace small amounts of water | Monthly | Helps refresh the water without doing a full drain. |
Taking care of small tasks regularly saves time later. These steps also help reduce the need for deep cleaning and prevent problems before they start.
How Weather and Location Affect Hot Tub Care?
Cold Weather Risks
If you live in an area with harsh winters, draining your hot tub before freezing temperatures arrive is critical.
Any leftover water in the plumbing can freeze, expand, and crack the pipes. These repairs are often costly, so prevention is always the safer choice.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Hot Tubs
- Outdoor tubs: Once drained, cover and seal the unit tightly to protect it from snow, ice, and debris.
- Indoor tubs: Easier to maintain in winter, but still require periodic draining if not in use.
In both cases, always shut off the power before you start the draining process.
Environmental Safety
Hot tub water contains sanitizing chemicals that can damage lawns, harm pets, and pollute waterways. Never empty it into storm drains or directly onto your yard.
Instead, connect a hose to a utility sink, sewer line, or an approved drainage system. If in doubt, check your local regulations before disposing of the water.
Quick Fixes for Common Draining Problems
Sometimes, draining your hot tub doesn’t go as planned. You might run into small problems that can slow things down or leave extra water behind. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Forgetting to turn off the power can damage your pump or heater. Always shut it off at the breaker before you start.
- Using the wrong drainage spot can harm plants or break local rules. Don’t drain into lawns or storm drains—choose a safe location.
- Not checking the drain valve ahead of time might lead to delays if it’s stuck or broken. Test it before your cleaning day.
- Relying only on the built-in spout can take hours. Using a sump pump can save a lot of time.
- Leaving water sitting in low spots can lead to bad smells or freezing. Always remove the last few inches.
- Skipping filter cleaning during draining means dirty water when you refill. Clean or replace the filter while the tub is empty.
- Forgetting to open the jets before refilling can cause pressure issues or airlocks. Make sure they’re open and clear.
- Walking away while refilling can lead to overflows. Always watch the water level and stop the hose on time.
With a little prep and attention to detail, these problems are easy to avoid.
Conclusion
Now you know how to drain a hot tub the way I do it, simple and stress-free. I’ve learned that staying on top of this one task makes everything else easier. It keeps the water clean, the parts working right, and saves me time later.
If you haven’t done it before, don’t worry. Just follow the steps I shared, and you’ll be fine. I always remind myself not to rush it and to double-check everything before refilling.
Draining your hot tub might seem like a chore, but once you’ve done it once or twice, it gets easy.
If this helped you, feel free to check out more of my blogs. I’ve shared more tips that’ll help you take better care of your hot tub all year long!
