Home Garden

Hot Tub Drain Help

Winterizing your hot tub depends on the region in which you live. Routine maintenance for hot tubs and Jacuzzis used regularly suggests that the water be drained and replaced every three to four months. Regions in colder winter climates recommend draining and covering the hot tub through these months -- although this is a personal choice, as it is safe to run the hot tub in colder climates as well.
  1. Preparation

    • Prior to draining the hot tub turn off the electricity to the unit and the source. Remove the cover off the hot tub and turn off the heater. Take out the filter cartridge from the canister -- this may need to be replaced. The next step is to drain the hot tub.

    Draining

    • Screw the connector of a regular garden hose to the bottom drain spigot of the hot tub. Stretch out the garden hose straight and flat with the open end directed toward where you want the water to drain. Turn the spigot all the way to the open position and allow the water to drain. For hot tubs that possess an electric air blower, switch on the power supply, replace the hot tub cover and turn on the blowers for approximately one minute. Then turn off the power supply. This will drain the water from these lines and prevent any cracking and freezing.

    Siphoning

    • You can also drain the hot tub by siphoning off the water. Attach a garden hose to a tap and place the other end in the water of the spa. Turn on the water just enough to fill the hose then turn it off. Position the hose down an incline to encourage the water to start siphoning and continue draining.

    PVC Couplers

    • Hot tubs equipped with bleed valves or drains also need to have water removed to prevent freezing damage in the cold winter months. Loosen the plastic couplers on the housing of the heater and the pumps. Remove any drains or bleed valves that may be located on this equipment. You may also have to use a shop vacuum to remove the last bit of excess water that doesn’t drain by itself. Replace the hot tub cover.

    Tips

    • After all the water has been drained and removed, clean or replace any filters as necessary. Scrub down the interior of the hot tub with an anti-bacterial cleaner. If you are not contemplating using the tub for the winter months keep the power supply turned off.