Owning a hot tub can bring you a lot of joy and relaxation, but it also comes with the responsibility of proper maintenance. One of the most crucial aspects of this maintenance is regularly draining and refilling your hot tub. In this post, we’ll explain why it’s essential to keep your hot tub water fresh and provide a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Why Draining and Refilling Your Hot Tub Is Important
1. Maintains Water Quality
Over time, the water in your hot tub accumulates various contaminants such as body oils, lotions, and dirt. These impurities can cause the water to become cloudy, foamy, and smelly. Regularly changing the water helps maintain its clarity and freshness, ensuring a more enjoyable soaking experience.
2. Prevents Bacterial Growth
Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. While chemical sanitizers like chlorine or bromine are effective at controlling bacterial growth, they can only do so much. Draining and refilling your hot tub removes these bacteria, reducing the risk of skin irritations and infections.
3. Balances Chemical Levels
As you use your hot tub, the chemical balance of the water can become unstable. High levels of dissolved solids from sanitizers and other chemicals can make it challenging to maintain proper pH and sanitizer levels. By starting with fresh water, you can easily balance the chemicals, ensuring a safer and more pleasant soaking experience.
When to Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub
The frequency of draining and refilling your hot tub depends on how often you use it and the number of people using it. As a general rule, you should change the water every 3 to 4 months. However, if you use your hot tub frequently or have many guests, you might need to do it more often.
Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Change the Water:
- The water appears cloudy or murky.
- There’s an unpleasant odor.
- Foam forms on the surface of the water.
- You have difficulty balancing the chemical levels.
How to Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:
- A garden hose
- A submersible pump (optional, but speeds up the process)
- A clean bucket or soft cloth
- Hot tub cleaner
- Freshwater hose filter (optional, but recommended for areas with hard water)
- Chemical test kit
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
For safety reasons, turn off the power to your hot tub at the breaker. This prevents the pump and heater from running without water, which can cause damage.
Step 3: Drain the Water
There are two methods to drain your hot tub:
- Using a Drain Spout:
- Locate the drain spout, usually found at the bottom of the hot tub.
- Attach a garden hose to the spout and direct the other end to an appropriate drainage area.
- Open the spout and let the water drain out. This process can take a few hours.
- Using a Submersible Pump:
- Place the submersible pump in the deepest part of the hot tub.
- Attach a hose to the pump and direct it to a suitable drainage location.
- Turn on the pump and let it remove the water. This method is much faster and can drain the tub in about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Clean the Tub
Once the water is drained, clean the hot tub shell using a hot tub cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to areas around the jets and waterline where grime and residue tend to build up. Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning product residue.
Step 5: Refill with Fresh Water
Attach a garden hose to a freshwater hose filter if you have one. Place the hose in the hot tub and begin filling it with fresh water. Monitor the water level to ensure it doesn’t overfill. This process can take a few hours, depending on the size of your hot tub.
Step 6: Power Up and Circulate
Once the hot tub is filled to the appropriate level, turn the power back on at the breaker. Turn on the jets and allow the water to circulate for about 30 minutes. This helps to mix the water and release any trapped air in the plumbing.
Step 7: Balance the Chemicals
After circulating the water, use a chemical test kit to check the levels of pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer. Adjust the chemicals as needed to achieve the proper balance. Follow the instructions on the chemical products carefully.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Fresh Hot Tub!
With clean, fresh water, your hot tub is now ready for use. Regularly testing and adjusting the chemical levels will help maintain the water quality until it’s time to drain and refill again.
Conclusion
Draining and refilling your hot tub might seem like a daunting task, but it’s a crucial part of keeping your hot tub in top condition. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable soaking experience. Regular maintenance will not only prolong the life of your hot tub but also enhance your overall relaxation and enjoyment.