Let’s face it; there is nothing better than brand-new, clean water in your hot tub. It’s the moment we both look forward to and dread. Although it’s not difficult to learn how to empty and clean a hot tub, some individuals may struggle to get started. Regularly emptying your hot tub is crucial for both its longevity and the wellbeing of everyone using it.
How Often?
Everyone will have a different answer to this. While some say a year, others say every three months. Consider the water in a hot tub as you would a very large bathtub. (Gross, right?) Chemicals can only help to a certain point before the water is too old to continue on. We like to measure this by Total Dissolve Solids. Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS for short, is our preferred method of measurement. We advise emptying once your water reaches 1,300 to 1,500 tds. Hot tub water has often lasted between three and six months for customers before being drained.
How?
Most, if not all, hot tubs have a drain plug that is either behind the front panel or at the bottom of the tub. Ensure that the water will not overflow into the family garden or your neighbors’ yard. Or flood the neighbors yard who are we to tell you what to do. 😉
- Turn off the power at the breaker.
- Locate the drain, which is usually located near the base of one of the exterior cabinet sides.
- Pull the drain out (usually with a slight clockwise turn), then remove the drain cap.
- Attach a standard garden hose to the drain spout and drain
- Once completely drained, pull the drain spout out, remove the hose, replace the drain cap, and push the drain back into the spa.
The fun part…Lets clean. Cleaning your spa’s inside shell, jets, headrests, and stairs is best done when it is empty. The easiest way to clean this is with a moist cloth or sponge (anything that won’t scratch the acrylic) and use Off The Wall by Bioguard if you start to see a waterline. While you are already wet, remember to clean those filters.
The Best Part We Promise
Lets fill it up! This is not only the best part but the easiest part. Reinstall all filters, then close any valves or drains that may have been left open. Don’t immediately switch the power back on. Put the hose in the filter inside the filter compartment. This will decrease the chance for an airlock. Let the water get to the water line or just above the tallest jet. The power to your hot tub may now be turned on. Your hot tub should do the rest of the work heating and moving water.
Enjoy!
