Draining a hot tub is an annoying but essential part of owning a hot tub. The tub’s chemical additives keep it clean for three or four months—after that, you’ll need to replace the water to prevent bacteria and clean the tub. Regular drainage also helps you detect and address issues, such as leaks or malfunctioning components, that you may not notice when the tub is full. Our guide details the entire process of draining your hot tub, from preparation to refilling it afterward.
Essential Tools and Materials to Drain a Hot Tub
Safety should always be your top priority when working with electrical equipment near water. At a minimum, here’s what you’ll need:
- Nonslip shoes
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
Draining Tools
Depending on your chosen method, you’ll need one or more of the following:
- Bucket for manual water removal
- Garden hose
- Sponges or towels
- Submersible pump
- Wet/dry vacuum
Cleaning Supplies
You’ll also need these cleaning supplies once the hot tub is empty:
- Cloths or towels
- Mild, nonabrasive cleaner
- Soft scrub brush
How To Prepare Your Hot Tub
Always turn off the power supply before draining your hot tub. This prevents the jets and pumps from accidentally activating during the draining process, which could damage the equipment or pose a safety risk.
Some areas have specific rules about the disposal of chemically treated water. Check your local ordinances for any restrictions on emptying pool or hot tub water into the street or within your yard. This step ensures you’re complying with local laws to protect the environment.
What Are the Three Primary Methods for Draining a Hot Tub?
There are three primary ways to drain a hot tub: using the built-in drain spigot, a submersible pump, or a wet/dry vacuum. Each method has advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific situation and available equipment.
Using the Drain Spigot
The drain spigot is on the outside of the tub, near the bottom rim. If your spigot is located directly over a drain in the ground, just open the valve so the water flows into the drain. If the drain or sewer is farther away, attach a garden hose to the spigot and position the other end of the hose over the drain. And if your hot tub is downhill from the drain, you’ll need a submersible pump to empty it completely.
It should take 1–2 hours to drain the whole tub through the spigot. If puddles remain at the end, we recommend using a wet/dry vacuum or a sponge to remove them. We’ve added more on these drying options below.
Employing a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump works faster by forcibly moving water out of the tub. This is especially useful for larger hot tubs or times when you need to drain the water quickly.
Place the pump in the deepest part of the hot tub. Attach an outflow hose to the pump and direct it to your chosen disposal area. You can use a garden hose to extend the outflow hose if needed. If there are puddles left at the end, you can move the submersible pump to drain these areas, but make sure the pump doesn’t take in too much air and overheat.
Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum
While it’s slower than a submersible pump, a wet/dry vacuum is faster than the drain spigot alone. This method can also help remove water from hard-to-reach areas and is an effective tool for removing debris that may have settled at the tub’s bottom.
How Do You Deal with Leftover Water?
After draining your hot tub, you may find small puddles of water left. It’s important to remove this water to prevent mold and bacteria.
Manual Removal Techniques
For small amounts of water, you can use a large sponge or towels to soak up the remaining moisture. Alternatively, use a small bucket to scoop out leftover water. Be careful not to damage the tub’s surface.
Using Equipment for Final Drainage
A wet/dry vacuum is ideal for removing the last bits of water. Place the nozzle directly in the puddles to suction them out. If you’re using a submersible pump, carefully place it in larger puddles to remove the water. Check that all surfaces are dry before cleaning the tub.
What Maintenance Is Required After Draining a Hot Tub?
Once your hot tub is empty, go through your maintenance routine.
Cleaning the Empty Tub
Take this opportunity to deep clean your hot tub. Scrub the surfaces with a mild, nonabrasive cleaner specifically designed for hot tubs. Pay special attention to areas prone to buildup, such as the waterline and jets. Rinse the cleaner thoroughly from the tub to remove any chemical residues. We also recommend cleaning your hot tub filters for optimal performance.
Inspecting Components
With the tub empty, inspect all visible components for signs of wear or damage. Check the jets, pumps, and heating elements for issues. Inspect seals and gaskets and replace any that show signs of deterioration. Check the heating element for signs of corrosion or scale buildup. This is also a good time to look for any hot tub leaks that are harder to spot when the tub is full.
Refilling Your Hot Tub
After cleaning and inspecting your hot tub, it’s time to refill it with fresh water.
Water Quality Considerations
Use a hose filter when refilling your hot tub to remove impurities and minerals that can affect water balance. If your area has hard water, we recommend using a water softener to prevent scale buildup. Test the water regularly and adjust chemicals as needed. Keep the water balanced to reduce wear on the tub components.
Proper Refilling
Follow these steps to refill your hot tub the right way:
- Check that the drain valve is closed tightly and the power remains off.
- Attach the hose to the fill pipe to prevent air pockets.
- Fill the tub to the recommended level. This is usually just above the highest jets. This step should take about an hour.
- Turn the power back on and run the pumps to circulate the water.
- Add the appropriate chemicals to balance the water chemistry.
- Allow the water to circulate for a few hours before testing and adjusting the chemical levels again.
If you don’t know which chemicals your hot tub needs, we recommend taking a water sample to a local pool supply store. The experts there can help you choose the right type and amount of chemicals to avoid damaging the tub components.
How Can You Troubleshoot Common Hot Tub Draining Issues?
Even with careful planning, draining your hot tub might present challenges. Below are some solutions to common problems.
Slow Drainage
If water is draining slowly, check for clogs in the drain spigot or hose. You may need to clear debris or use a plumbing snake to remove blockages. Also, check for kinks in your hose blocking the water flow.
Repeated slow drainage may mean more significant plumbing issues. If you cannot resolve the problem, we advise hiring a professional to inspect your hot tub’s drainage system.
Equipment Malfunctions
If your submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum isn’t functioning properly, double-check that it’s plugged in and that the filter is unclogged. For persistent issues, consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide or consider professional repair.