How to Drain and Refill a Hot Tub

Having a hot tub at home is one of the best ways to disconnect from your daily routine and relax completely. But it is important to remember that your hot tub requires cleaning and care to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

When we immerse ourselves in our hot tub, we usually use different products to increase the relaxation experience: salts, soaps, oils, all substances that, if we do not clean the structure correctly, will gradually stain our hot tub. It is also important to eliminate bacteria and prevent the formation of fungi that appear as a result of moisture and lack of cleanliness. Follow these easy steps to drain and refill your hot tub easily to ensure that your tub remains clean.

Draining Your Tub

1. Even though it may seem obvious, many people seem to forget this important step. Turn off the power to your hot tub. You can either unplug it from its power supply or turn it off completely at your electric panel.
2. Find the spa’s main drain valve and take off its cap. Have a garden hose ready, and attach it to the drain valve and make sure that the outlet of the hose is located in a place that can receive the water coming from the hot tub safely. Keep in mind your city's rules and regulations when it comes to emptying your hot tub. If the water has recently been “shocked” it is not a good idea to empty on your flower beds or lawn.
3. Turn the drain valve knob to let the water out. The water should begin to seep out of the hose slowly.
4. Take out all filters, clean them and leave them soaking in filter cleaners.
5. Once your tub is empty, give it a good scrub. Check your hot tub’s manual to make sure that you are using the correct cleaning products as normal household cleaners are not the best products to use. Baking soda or vinegar are great natural products that could help you with any calcium build-up or grime.
6. Once you’ve cleaned and rinsed off your tub make sure that you pump out any remaining water in your tub. If you are winterizing your tub, store your filters indoors in a safe place and use a pump to blow out any water that may be in the plumbing. Also, leave the drain open as it is known that this can prevent any freezing from happening.

Refilling Your Tub

1. Put all filters back in and close any valves or drains that you may have opened. Don’t turn the power back on just yet.
2. Aim the hose to the center of the standpipe in the filter compartment. This will ensure that there are no airlocks in your equipment and that the water circulates through the heater, pumps, and jets. Keep on filling the tub until the water level is at least 1.5 inches above the highest jet.
3. Now you can turn on the power to your hot tub. Make sure that the equipment compartment door is closed.
4. Check the water quality and maintenance section of the owner’s manual to make sure that you add the correct spa water chemicals to your hot tub.
5. Set the temperature control the right temperature then place a cover on top of the hot tub to give it time to warm up.
6. Once you’ve checked your water for its alkaline levels and the temperature is just right, it is time for you to enjoy your hot tub!

Although the entire process seems a little daunting, it is possible to drain and refill your hot tub. If you ever need any assistance with your hot tub, give Bullfrog Spas a call. Bullfrog Spas based in Oklahoma City can give you the best advice to ensure that your hot tub receives the proper care always.