How to Drain Your Hot Tub Properly

Draining your hot tub is essential for maintaining clean, safe water and protecting your equipment. Whether you’re prepping for a seasonal close or just doing routine maintenance, knowing how to drain it properly prevents issues like scale buildup, cloudy water, or clogged filters.

Key steps include turning off the power, attaching a hose or using a pump, draining the water to a safe location, and cleaning the interior. Regularly draining your Calgary hot tub every three to four months ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your spa.

Whether you’re preparing for the colder months or just performing routine maintenance on your Calgary hot tub, understanding the proper draining process can save you from common headaches like cloudy water, scale buildup, or even damaged equipment. This guide will walk you through each essential step, ensuring your hot tub stays clean, safe, and ready for your next relaxing soak.”

Why Learning How to Drain Your Hot Tub Matters

Over time, the water in your hot tub accumulates body oils, lotions, sweat, and other contaminants, even if you’re using the right chemicals. These residues can impact water quality and create strain on your filtration and heating systems.

Routine draining gives you a chance to flush the system, clean components, and start fresh with balanced water chemistry. If your hot tub water looks cloudy, smells off, or feels sticky, it’s probably time to drain and refresh.

When to Drain Your Hot Tub

For most users, draining your hot tub every 3–4 months is ideal. However, frequency may vary based on usage. If your hot tub is getting daily use or you’re entertaining often, you may want to drain more frequently. Seasonal changes, like preparing for winter or refreshing in spring, are also common times to perform a full drain and clean.

Some signs it’s time to drain:

• Water won’t stay clear despite treatment
• Persistent foam or scum
• Unusual odor
• You’ve just recovered from an illness and want a hygiene reset

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Hot Tub

1. Turn Off the Power

Before doing anything, turn off your hot tub’s power at the breaker. This ensures that pumps and heaters don’t operate while the water level is low, which could damage the system.

2. Locate the Drain Valve

Most hot tubs, including Calgary hot tubs, feature a drain spout near the bottom panel. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location. If you can’t locate it, some models allow you to use a submersible pump, which can drain water more quickly.

3. Attach a Hose

Once you’ve located the drain valve, attach a garden hose to direct the water away from your hot tub and your home’s foundation. Make sure you’re draining to a location that complies with local guidelines, and avoid storm drains or sensitive landscaping.

4. Open the Drain and Let It Flow

Open the valve to begin draining. This process can take a while, depending on your tub’s size and the flow rate of the drain. If you’re in a hurry, using a submersible pump can significantly reduce the time.

5. Clean the Interior

As the tub drains, use this opportunity to wipe down the inside with a non-abrasive spa cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water. Remove any scale buildup, biofilm, or grime that may have settled. Avoid using regular household cleaners, as residues may interfere with your hot tub chemistry.

6. Clean or Replace Filters

Remove the filters and rinse them thoroughly with a garden hose. Soak them in a filter cleaning solution if needed. If your filters are more than a year old or showing signs of wear, consider replacing them.

7. Flush the Lines (Optional But Recommended)

If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, use a line flush product before draining to remove buildup inside the plumbing. These products break down biofilm and help prevent clogs or cloudy water.

8. Rinse and Drain Any Remaining Water

Use a wet/dry vacuum or sponge to remove any water that remains in the footwell or seats. Don’t forget to empty the pump and blower lines if your tub will be idle for an extended period, especially in freezing weather.

9. Refill and Restart

When everything is clean, close the drain valve and begin refilling your tub with fresh water. Fill from a hose placed into the filter compartment to help reduce air pockets. Once full, restore power and follow your normal startup procedure, adding chemicals, testing the pH, and allowing the water to circulate.

Extra Tips for Draining Your Hot Tub in Winter

If you’re draining your hot tub for the winter in a climate like Calgary’s, take a few extra precautions:

• Use a shop vac to blow out water from jets and pipes
• Leave the drain caps off so trapped moisture can evaporate
• Add antifreeze to the lines if you’re unsure whether all the water has been removed
• Keep the cover secured to protect from debris and snow

For most homeowners, it’s easier and more beneficial to keep your Calgary hot tub running through the winter, with proper insulation and maintenance. Winter soaking can be a treat!

Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to turn off the power before draining
• Using harsh cleaning products that damage surfaces
• Draining onto grass or into storm sewers without checking regulations
• Not cleaning or replacing filters during the drain
• Refilling without balancing your water chemistry

Being proactive and careful with your draining process helps avoid costly repairs and keeps your spa water looking and feeling fresh.

Draining your hot tub may not be the most glamorous part of spa ownership, but it’s one of the most important. With just a bit of planning and effort, you can ensure that your hot tub stays clean, inviting, and in top shape.

Taking the time to do it right means more enjoyable soaks, longer equipment life, and fewer issues down the road. Whether you own a high-end backyard spa or a compact Calgary hot tub, regular draining and cleaning are key to a great experience.

Need Supplies or Expert Advice?

Visit Backyard Canada to find top-quality hot tubs, accessories, and cleaning products. Our team is here to help you get the most out of your hot tub with expert tips and trusted tools that make maintenance simple.