Plug and play hot tubs have made owning a hot tub easier and more convenient than ever. These self-contained units simply need to be plugged into a dedicated electrical outlet to heat up and be enjoyed. However, all hot tubs eventually need draining, cleaning, and refilling for proper maintenance. Draining a portable plug and play hot tub is a straightforward process if done properly. Proper draining helps extend the life of your hot tub.
When to Drain Your Hot Tub?
Knowing when to drain and refill your hot tub is important for keeping the water clean and your hot tub functioning properly. Here are some signs it’s time to drain the water:
- Cloudy water even after using a clarifier or shocking chemicals
- The presence of debris, leaves, and dirt at the bottom
- Foamy water even after using a defoamer
- Strong chemical odor coming from the water
- The last time you drained and refilled was over 6 months ago
- If there is scale build-up on the hot tub surface or equipment,
- If the water feels overly slippery or slimy,
Generally, draining and replacing the water every 3–4 months is recommended. More frequent draining may be needed with heavy use. Draining too infrequently allows contaminants and bacteria to accumulate to unsafe levels.
| Draining Frequency | 3-4 months |
|---|---|
| Target Water Temperature | 100°F to 104°F |
| Ideal pH Range | 7.2 to 7.8 |
Gather Necessary Supplies
Draining a hot tub requires having the right gear ready. Assemble the following supplies before starting:
- Garden hose
- Submersible pump or siphon hose
- Old towels
- Filter cleaning solution
- Replacement filters if needed
- Water test strips
- Sanitizing chemicals
Make sure your garden hose can reach from the hot tub to where you’ll be draining the water. A submersible pump makes draining much faster and easier than a siphon hose. Having replacement filters on hand allows you to swap out an excessively dirty filter.
Turn Off the Power and Remove the Cover
Before draining begins, the hot tub needs to be shut off properly.
- Flip the circuit breaker switch for the hot tub to the “off” position.
- Unplug the hot tub electrical cord if it uses a plug connection. It’s important to disconnect all power sources.
- Remove and safely store the cover and any other accessories or items sitting on top of the hot tub. This prevents anything from falling into the empty hot tub.
- Let any residual heat dissipate before continuing for safety. The heater should not operate without water circulation.
With the power disabled, it’s safe to begin the draining process.
How To Drain a Plug And Play Hot Tub?
Attach Hose and Drain Water
Follow these steps to drain out the old water:
- Locate the drain valve on the side of the hot tub, near the base. Newer models may have a screw-on cap protecting the valve fitting.
- Attach one end of the garden hose securely to the drain valve fitting. Use Teflon tape to improve the seal if needed.
- Place the other end of the hose where you want the water to drain, such as on grass, landscaping, or into a sewer drain if permitted in your area. Consider drainage flow so it does not pool and cause water damage issues.
- Twist open the drain valve, and water will start rapidly flowing out due to gravity. A submersible pump can quicken the draining process if needed.
- Allow all the water to drain out until the flow stops fully. Expect hundreds of gallons to drain out. Older hot tubs may drain slower if there is sludge buildup internally.
- When draining is complete, twist the valve back to the closed position and remove the garden hose.
Clean Interior Surfaces
With the old water removed, the inside surfaces need a thorough cleaning.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior walls to remove any dirt, grime, or buildup. Pay special attention to the water line area where biofilms and deposits form.
- Vacuum up any debris sitting on the floor using a wet or dry shop vacuum. Remove the larger debris by hand first.
- Remove and clean out filter cartridges by soaking them in a filter-cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Replace if it is unable to be fully cleaned.
- Wipe off acrylic surfaces with a non-abrasive acrylic cleaning solution using a microfiber cloth. Rinse off any soap residue.
- Use a hot tub surface cleaner to restore gloss and shine if the shell has dulled over time. This step helps the cover fit better and prevents surface damage.
Pay special attention to any areas with visible dirt or stains to get the hot tub sparkling again.
Refill with Fresh Water
The final step is adding new, clean water.
- Attach a garden hose to the designated hose bib inlet fitting located inside the hot tub. Double-check that the threads properly match.
- Turn on the water and allow the hot tub to fill. Avoid overfilling, which can cause damage. Refer to the manufacturer’s fill-level guidance.
- Add a hot tub chemical starter kit once filled to properly balance and sanitize the new water if needed. Carefully measure out chemical dosages.
- Turn the circuit breaker power back on once it has been refilled.
- Let the hot tub heat up to set the temperature before getting back in to enjoy. Replace the cover when not actively using it.
Replacing old water regularly keeps your hot tub operating safely while looking crystal clear. Draining and cleaning a portable plug and play spa takes a bit of work but pays off with a like-new hot tub to relax in each time.
