Can I Hook Up a Hot Tub Drain to a House Drain?

Water Amount

• Hot tubs come in all sizes, and the amount of water needed to fill one varies. An average-sized hot tub that is 4-by-4 foot and 3 feet in depth will use approximately 165 gallons of water. Technically, this amount of water can easily drain down most interior house drains, such as the bathtub, but another consideration is the amount and types of chemicals that are used to maintain the water.

Municipal Codes

• Different municipalities have different codes on what type of water they accept down a home or sewer drain. Chlorine, bromine, biguanide and various minerals all play a part in keeping the hot tub water clean between uses, and putting these into a home drain may not be allowed. It is important to consult the applicable building codes, before adding a hot tub, to ensure that you know where the water can legally be drained. These codes are found at the county clerk's office, or the spa store may have a copy.

Gravity Drain

• Most hot tubs are drained by gravity alone, which accounts for the home drainage system being able to handle the amount of water. A normal garden hose can be hooked up to a drain hole at the bottom of the tub housing; then the water slowly flows out. Any extra water in the tub should be cleaned out with a wet/dry shop vacuum and then the bottom mopped up with towels until dry.

Schedule

• Hot tubs should be drained and the water replaced every three to four months, depending upon usage. Once the tub is drained, it should be sponged down with soap and water, then rinsed and dried. The hot tub internal rings will quickly dry out and become warped if the tub is left without water for a few days. Refill the tub or prep it for storage by filling the filter canister and jets with non-toxic antifreeze.