Maintaining a clean and properly functioning hot tub is key to ensuring a relaxing and healthy soak every time you use it. One of the most important maintenance tasks you’ll need to perform is a drain and flush on your hot tub. Over time, hot tub water can accumulate debris, oils, and other contaminants that affect water quality and can even damage your tub’s plumbing and equipment.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to safely drain and flush your hot tub, helping to keep it in optimal condition.
Why You Should Drain and Flush Your Hot Tub
Draining and flushing your hot tub periodically ensures that:
- Water Quality Remains High: Over time, the chemicals in the water lose effectiveness, and water becomes cloudy or smelly. Draining the water gives you a fresh start.
- Prevents Build-Up: Minerals, oils, and grime from your body, bath products, and external contaminants can build up inside the system. Flushing removes this accumulation.
- Keeps Equipment Running Efficiently: Regular draining and flushing help prevent scale buildup and clogged jets, ensuring your system operates smoothly.
How Often Should You Drain and Flush Your Hot Tub?
How often you drain and flush your hot tub depends on its usage, but here’s a general guideline:
- Every 3-4 months for regular use.
- Every 2-3 months for heavy usage (multiple users per week or very hot water temperatures).
- Once a year if you use it infrequently or during a long vacation period.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining and Flushing Your Hot Tub
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before starting, gather the following tools and materials:
- A hose or drainage pump
- A hot tub cleaner or descaler
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A bucket or container (for cleaning parts)
- Replacement filter (if needed)
- New water chemicals (after refill)
Step 2: Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
Safety comes first! Begin by turning off the hot tub’s power at the breaker. This ensures that no electricity is running through the system while you work on it. Also, shut off the water supply to avoid adding new water while draining.
Step 3: Drain the Water
Most hot tubs have a dedicated drainage valve located at the lowest point of the tub. Here’s what you need to do:
- Locate the Drain Valve: If you’re unsure of where it is, consult the owner’s manual.
- Attach a Hose: Connect a hose to the valve and direct it to a proper drainage area (such as a drain or outdoor space). If you have a drainage pump, use it to speed up the process.
- Open the Valve: Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain completely. This can take some time, so be patient.
Step 4: Flush the Plumbing
Once the water is drained, it’s time to clean the plumbing to prevent buildup of oils, minerals, and other contaminants. This is where hot tub cleaner or descaler comes in.
- Add the Cleaner: Pour a hot tub cleaning product into the water’s drain (where the hose was attached). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount to use.
- Fill the Tub Partway with Water: Turn on the water supply and fill the tub about halfway. The water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold.
- Activate the Jets: Turn the power back on and run the jets for 10-15 minutes. This will help circulate the cleaner throughout the plumbing and jets.
- Drain Again: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, turn off the jets, and drain the tub again. This removes the cleaner and any residual buildup.
Step 5: Clean the Hot Tub’s Surface and Components
While the tub is still empty, it’s a great time to wipe down the interior with a soft cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to the waterline, where oils and scum tend to accumulate.
- Clean the Jets: Check for any visible grime in the jets. Use a soft cloth or cleaning tool to scrub them gently.
- Remove and Clean the Filter: Take out the filter and rinse it with a hose to remove any debris. Depending on the condition, you may want to soak the filter in a special filter cleaner or replace it if it’s very old.
Step 6: Refill the Hot Tub
Now that your hot tub is clean, it’s time to refill it.
- Position the Hose: Attach a hose to the water supply and place it in the tub. Make sure the water is clear and free from debris before it enters the tub.
- Fill the Tub: Turn on the water and fill the tub to the proper water level. Avoid overfilling, as it can cause overflow once the jets are turned on.
Step 7: Balance the Water Chemistry
Once the tub is filled with fresh water, you’ll need to balance the water chemistry.
- Test the Water: Use a water testing kit or strips to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
- Adjust Chemicals: Add the necessary chemicals, such as pH increaser or decreaser, alkalinity booster, or chlorine/bromine sanitizer, to bring the water into balance. This step is crucial for maintaining clean and clear water.
Step 8: Turn the Power Back On
Once everything is cleaned and the water is balanced, it’s time to power up the system. Turn the breaker back on, and check the jets and heaters to ensure everything is working properly.
Final Tips
- Use a Hot Tub Cover: Always keep the cover on your hot tub when not in use. This helps prevent debris from entering the water and reduces the frequency of draining and cleaning.
- Keep an Eye on Water Levels: During regular use, monitor water levels and add fresh water as needed to keep things running smoothly.
- Regular Filter Maintenance: In addition to draining and flushing, remember to clean your hot tub filter regularly to ensure proper filtration.
Draining and flushing your hot tub may seem like a big task, but with the right preparation and steps, it’s a manageable and rewarding job. Not only will it help keep your water clean and fresh, but it will also extend the lifespan of your tub, ensuring many years of relaxing soaks ahead. Regular maintenance is key to preserving your hot tub’s performance and safety, so be sure to incorporate this important task into your hot tub care routine!
Have questions about how to drain and flush your hot tub? Visit us in store for more information!