How Often Should You Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub?
Owning a hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind, but it also comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance. One of the most important aspects of hot tub care is knowing when to drain and refill it. Failing to do this can lead to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and even damage to your hot tub’s components. But how often should you drain and refill your hot tub? Let’s dive into this essential maintenance task and provide some tips to keep your spa in perfect shape.
Why Is Draining and Refilling Important?
Over time, the water in your hot tub becomes saturated with chemicals, body oils, lotions, and other contaminants that can’t be removed through regular filtration or chemical treatments. This buildup leads to “TDS” (Total Dissolved Solids), which not only clouds your water but can also reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers and create an environment for bacteria to thrive.
Draining and refilling your hot tub gives you a clean slate, ensuring the water remains balanced, fresh, and safe for soaking.
How Often Should You Drain Your Hot Tub?
The general rule of thumb is to drain and refill your hot tub every three to four months. However, this recommendation can vary based on a few factors:
Usage Frequency: If you use your hot tub several times a week or entertain guests frequently, you may need to drain it more often. High usage leads to more contaminants in the water, causing it to degrade faster.
Water Quality Issues: If you notice cloudy water, a strong odor, or have trouble balancing your water chemistry, it’s time to drain and refill, even if it hasn’t been three months. These issues are signs that the water has reached its capacity for holding chemicals and contaminants.
Type of Sanitizer: If you’re using an alternative sanitizer like bromine, you might be able to extend the time between drainings compared to chlorine. But it’s still essential to follow best practices for water quality checks.
How to Calculate the Right Time to Drain Your Hot Tub
You can use a simple formula to estimate how often to drain your hot tub based on usage:
Water Capacity (gallons)÷Number of Users Per Day÷3=Days Between DrainsWater Capacity (gallons)÷Number of Users Per Day÷3=Days Between Drains
For example, if your hot tub holds 400 gallons of water and two people use it every day, the calculation would be:
400÷2÷3=66.6 days400÷2÷3=66.6 days
In this case, you’d need to drain and refill your hot tub roughly every 67 days, or about every two months.
How to Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub
Draining your hot tub is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps you should follow to ensure you do it properly:
Turn Off the Power – Before draining, turn off the hot tub’s power at the breaker to prevent the pump from running without water.
Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve – Most hot tubs have a drain valve that you can attach a garden hose to. This allows you to direct the water away from your home and into a suitable drainage area.
Let the Water Drain Completely – Open the drain valve and let all the water flow out. This can take some time, especially for larger tubs, but it’s crucial to get all the water out.
Clean the Shell – Once the tub is drained, take the opportunity to clean the shell with a non-abrasive cleaner. This helps remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that may have built up.
Refill the Tub – After cleaning, refill your hot tub with fresh water. Be sure to fill it to the recommended level to avoid any pump or heater issues.
Balance the Water – Once the tub is filled, you’ll need to balance the water chemistry. Test for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to ensure everything is within the recommended range.
Turn the Power Back On – After balancing the water, you can turn the power back on and let the system circulate the water for a few hours before using the hot tub.
Want to Save Time? Let Us Handle It!
While draining and refilling your hot tub is a necessary task, it can also be time-consuming and a little overwhelming for some. That’s where we come in! At Just Poolin’, we offer professional hot tub maintenance services, including drain, clean, and refill packages. Our team will ensure your hot tub is in perfect condition, saving you time and ensuring optimal performance.
Don’t wait until your hot tub water turns cloudy or develops an unpleasant smell. Contact us today to schedule your next drain and refill service and keep your spa fresh and ready for relaxation year-round!
