How to Drain and Clean a Hot Tub: Step-by-Step Guide for Crystal Clear Water
If you're wondering how to properly drain and clean your hot tub, you're in the right place. At Hydropool, this a common question we receive. Routine cleaning is essential to maintaining a safe, sanitary, and enjoyable hot tub experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can confidently tackle this important part of hot tub maintenance.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Over time, your hot tub water collects oils, lotions, sweat, and debris. Even with regular use of sanitizers, contaminants can build up in hard-to-reach areas, including your hot tub plumbing. Draining and cleaning your hot tub every 3–4 months helps:
- Prevent cloudy or foul-smelling water
- Extend the lifespan of your hot tub
- Maintain optimal performance from your pump and filter
- Reduce the risk of bacteria and biofilm buildup
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Garden hose
- Submersible pump (optional, but faster than gravity draining)
- Hot tub surface cleaner or mild non-foaming soap
- Soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges
- Wet/dry vacuum (optional, for removing residual water)
- Filter cleaner
- pH testing strips and spa chemicals
Step 1: Power Down Your Hot Tub
Before draining, always turn off the power at the breaker. This prevents the pump or heater from running while there’s no water in the system, which could cause damage.
Step 2: Flush the Plumbing (Optional but Recommended)
Use a hot tub line flush product to clean out your plumbing lines. This helps remove biofilm that could cause water quality issues. Follow the product instructions — usually, it requires running the jets for 15–30 minutes with the flushing solution before draining.
Step 3: Drain the Hot Tub
Locate your spa’s drain spout or use a submersible pump for faster draining.
- Using the drain valve: Connect your garden hose to the spout and direct it to a safe drainage area (check local regulations).
- Using a submersible pump: Place it in the footwell and let it run until the tub is empty. This method is usually much quicker.
Be sure to remove as much water as possible to prevent leftover gunk from stagnating in the shell.
Step 4: Clean the Interior
Once the water is drained, clean the interior of the hot tub:
- Use a hot tub-specific cleaner or a mild, non-abrasive soap and warm water.
- Wipe down the shell with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Avoid household cleaners that leave residues or foaming agents — these can cause issues when the tub is refilled.
If you have a wet/dry vac, you can use it to suck out any remaining puddles in the footwell or seating crevices.
Step 5: Clean the Filters
Remove your hot tub filters and clean them separately:
- Rinse them with a garden hose to remove loose debris.
- Soak them in a dedicated filter cleaning solution for 24 hours (or as instructed).
- Rinse thoroughly and let dry before reinserting.
Pro tip: Rotate between two sets of filters so you always have one clean and ready.
Step 6: Refill the Hot Tub
With the interior clean and the filter reinstalled, it’s time to refill:
- Place the hose in the filter well to help fill the plumbing lines first, reducing the chance of airlocks.
- Fill the tub to the recommended level, usually just above the highest jet.
Step 7: Turn the Power Back On and Balance the Water
Flip the breaker back on and let the system run for a few minutes. Then, test your water and add the necessary chemicals:
- Sanitizer: Chlorine or bromine
- pH balancer: Ideal range is 7.2–7.8
- Alkalinity adjuster: Target range is 80–120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 150–250 ppm for acrylic tubs
Let the jets run for about 20–30 minutes after chemical addition, then retest before use.
How Often Should You Drain and Clean Your Hot Tub?
- Light to moderate use: Every 3–4 months
- Heavy use or frequent guests: Every 2–3 months
- Vacation homes or seasonal use: Before and after long breaks
If your hot tub water becomes difficult to balance, looks cloudy, or smells off, that’s a sign it’s time to drain and clean — even if it’s earlier than planned.
Looking for an Easier Way?
Some hot tubs, like Hydropool’s self-cleaning models, come equipped with advanced filtration systems and floor vacuums that reduce how often you need to do deep cleans. They’re designed with busy homeowners in mind and help keep maintenance time to a minimum.
Explore Hydropool’s full line of self-cleaning hot tubs to find out how much easier spa ownership can be.
How to Drain and Clean a Hot Tub: Step-by-Step Guide for Crystal Clear Water
Draining and cleaning your hot tub is a key part of keeping your spa experience safe, clean, and enjoyable. By following these steps, you’ll extend the life of your investment and keep your water crystal clear all year round. Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever it's time to refresh your tub.
Have more questions? Reach out to your local Hydropool retailer here: Find a Retailer
