How Do You Drain a Hot Tub?
Last Updated: September 16th, 2025
If you own a hot tub, draining and refilling it regularly is essential to keeping your spa clean, safe, and running efficiently. Whether you’re doing seasonal maintenance, troubleshooting cloudy water, or switching sanitizers, learning how to properly drain a hot tub helps protect your investment and extends its lifespan.
At Sun Leisure Pools & Spas, we help homeowners across Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada maintain their hot tubs with confidence. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to draining your spa the right way—plus some pro tips and services to make it even easier.
We offer hot tub draining, cleaning, and refills if you want professional maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to draining your hot tub the right way.
Why Do You Need to Drain a Hot Tub?
Over time, hot tub water builds up organic contaminants—like sweat, body oils, and soap residue—that overwhelm even the best filtration systems. Draining your spa allows you to:
- Reset your chemical balance
- Clean buildup from the interior shell and jets
- Extend the life of components like pumps, heaters, and filters
- Start fresh with clean, balanced water
How Often Should You Drain a Hot Tub?
We recommend draining your hot tub every 3 to 4 months, depending on:
- Usage: More frequent use means more contaminants
- Water care system: Some systems may require less frequent draining
- Water quality: Hard water or high calcium levels may require more attention
You should also drain your hot tub if:
- You’ve just hosted a party or heavy use
- Water becomes cloudy or hard to balance
- You’re switching from chlorine to bromine (or vice versa)
- You're prepping for winterization or spring startup
What You'll Need to Drain Your Hot Tub
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Garden hose or submersible utility pump
- Spa-safe surface cleaner
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Fresh water source (garden hose with pre-filter is ideal)
- Water testing kit or strips
- Water chemical balancers (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer)
- Your hot tub’s owner’s manual
Need Help Draining Your Hot Tub?
Let the pros handle it! If you're in Reno, Sparks, or Northern Nevada, trust Sun Leisure Pools & Spas for expert hot tub draining, cleaning, and water balancing.
Step-by-Step: How to Drain Your Hot Tub
1. Turn Off the Power
Always shut off your hot tub at the breaker box before draining. This protects the pump and heater from damage during the process.
2. Locate the Drain Valve or Use a Pump
Most hot tubs have a drain valve near the base of the cabinet.
- Unscrew the cap and connect your hose
- Direct the hose to a safe drainage location (like a sanitary sewer cleanout—not a storm drain or your flower beds)
For faster draining, use a submersible pump—especially for larger models.
3. Drain the Water
Let the water flow out completely. This can take 30–90 minutes depending on method and spa size.
Drain the water into a sanitary sewer connection or a designated drainage area like a kitchen drain or basement floor drain away from landscaping and storm drains. Always follow local water disposal regulations.
4. Clean the Interior
Use a spa-safe cleaner and soft cloth to wipe down:
- The shell surface
- Jet faces and headrests
- Filter housing and waterline
Avoid household cleaners, which can leave behind residues that disrupt water chemistry.
5. Rinse & Remove Leftover Water
Rinse the shell with clean water. Then use a shop vac or sponge to remove any standing water—especially in corners, around jets, and near the drain.
6. Refill with Fresh Water
Place your hose in the filter compartment to reduce airlocks. Fill to the recommended water line—usually just above the highest jet or skimmer intake.
For the cleanest refill, use a spa pre-filter attachment to reduce calcium, metals, and debris.
7. Turn Power Back On & Balance Your Water
Once filled, restore power at the breaker and allow the water to circulate. Then:
- Test and adjust pH and alkalinity
- Add your sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or minerals)
- Add any startup chemicals recommended for your spa
- Allow water to reach your desired temperature before use
Bonus Tips for Easier Hot Tub Draining
- Clean or replace your spa filter while the tub is empty
- Schedule draining before major weather changes (especially winter)
- Set calendar reminders every 3–4 months
- Use a spa cover to reduce debris and evaporation between maintenance sessions
- Keep extra chemicals and test strips on hand for refills
Why Regular Hot Tub Draining Matters (Especially in Nevada)
Nevada’s dry climate, dust, and mineral-rich water can accelerate buildup in your spa. Draining your hot tub regularly helps:
- Prevent clogged filters
- Reduce scaling and heater damage
- Improve water clarity and safety
- Keep your hot tub running like new—especially if you own a premium model like a Marquis hot tub or a Nordic Hot Tub
Prefer to Leave It to the Pros?
At Sun Leisure Pools & Spas, we offer expert hot tub draining, cleaning, refills, and water balancing services across Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada.
Our team provides:
- Routine maintenance plans
- In-store water testing
- Spa inspections and repair advice
- Fast access to spa chemicals, parts, and filters
Serving Sparks, Reno & Northern Nevada
Don’t want to DIY? Call or visit Sun Leisure Pools & Spas today to schedule your next hot tub drain and clean service—or explore our expert tips, accessories, and luxury spa brands in-store.
