It's important to keep your hot tub cover clean to maintain and protect the whole…
How to Drain a Hot Tub and Keep it Clean
Keep your hot tub well-maintained and ensure it’s a healthy, safe place to unwind by learning how to drain and clean your hot tub in just a few steps.
Having a hot tub allows you to have a lovely, private space to relax and soak away the stress of the day or ease sore muscles after a workout. But in order to keep it safe and operating as it should, you need to periodically drain out the water and clean the hot tub. If you’re not sure how to do this, we’re sharing a simple step-by-step guide on how to drain a hot tub and make maintenance a snap.
Table of Contents
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Drain and clean basics at a glance
3months
typical gap between full drain and cleans
30min minimum
circulation after adding fresh-fill chemicals
24hours
wait before rechecking water chemistry
Why Do You Need to Drain the Hot Tub?
Even though your hot tub does have a powerful filtration and purification system to keep the water fresh and clean, it’s still necessary to empty and clean the tub to remove bacteria and contaminants. Basically, anything you have on your skin or that is floating in the air can end up in your hot tub, including make-up, sweat, dirt, or lotion, as well as pollen and dust. While the filtration system works hard to keep the tub clean, over time, biofilm will form in the pipes and even on the surface of the tub. This can create odor, discoloration, and a slimy or scaly buildup on the tub itself.
Draining dirty water and cleaning the tub ensures it’s safe and clean to soak in and reduces the risk of clogging or other malfunctions.
Choosing the Right Method to Drain Your Hot Tub
Draining a hot tub can be done in several ways, depending on your setup and preferences. The most common method is using a garden hose attached to the hot tub’s drain valve, which allows you to direct water to a safe location, like a drain or a dry well. For faster results, a submersible pump can quickly empty the hot tub, especially for larger models. If you’re wondering how to drain a spa without a hose, gravity draining is an option for some hot tubs by opening the drain valve and letting water flow naturally, though this may take longer. Always check local regulations to determine where to drain hot tub water, as some areas prohibit draining into storm sewers or onto grass to avoid environmental damage. If you are draining before cold weather instead of refilling right away, follow our guide on how to winterize a hot tub to protect the plumbing while the spa sits empty.
How To Drain Your Hot Tub & Keep it Clean in 6 Steps
First, make sure you have what you need:
- Garden hose that can reach from your hot tub to a drain or a submersible pump;
- Clean rags or cloths
- Hot tub cleaning solution
Once you have these, follow these six steps.
Step 1: Flush Your Hot Tub Lines
First, you want to clean all the biofilm out of your lines and pipes. Turn on the hot tub jets and add a line flush product, allowing it to circulate in the amount and time span outlined in the instructions.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The line flush is the step people skip, and it shows. All the biofilm sitting in the plumbing rides straight into the fresh fill, and two weeks later we get a call about cloudy water in a tub that was just cleaned. Run the flush with the jets on and give it the full time on the label; that is what keeps the new water fresh.”
Step 2: How To Empty a Hot Tub of Water
Once the line flush has done its job, turn off the power and disconnect everything electric before you start draining it to prevent damage to the components and avoid electric shocks. Once you find the drain valve, attach the garden hose to the valve if necessary to run the water to the drain. If you have two drains, open the primary one first to get the majority of the water out, then open the secondary drain to empty the internal lines, and finally, open the ball valve on your hot tub’s spigot. You can also use a submersible pump for faster draining.
Step 3: Clean the Filters
Remove the cover of the filter compartment and remove any debris that’s floating around. Unlock the filter retainer by turning the handle and remove the cartridge and retainer. Spray or soak them in your hot tub cleaning solution and then hose them off when clean. Replace them as needed. For a more complete guide on cleaning your filters, check out our complete guide.
Step 4: Clean the Tub
After the pool is drained and empty, spray it down with your hot tub cleaning solution and wipe it away with a clean towel. Then, rinse it with a hose and wipe it with a second, dry towel to make sure all the cleaning solution has been removed. Use this time to clean your hot tub cover, too.
Step 5: Refill the Tub
Close the drains on your hot tub, then use your garden hose to fill the tub. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to determine where the fill pipe is in your spa to avoid air bubbles that can lead to damaging the jet and pumps.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“A surprising share of the weak jet and heater fault calls we take right after a water change come down to trapped air, not a broken part. Refill through the spot your owner’s manual points to, and if the jets sputter on startup, chase the air lock before you assume something failed.”
Step 6: Add Chemicals
Now that it’s full, connect your hot tub back to the electrical source and add the proper chemicals to balance your pH and other chemical levels, then shock it with chlorine or bromine to sanitize the water. Let the water circulate for at least a half hour, then allow 24 hours before checking the chemistry a second time.
You should also get periodic water testing to ensure your hot tub chemistry stays at an ideal level going forward.
What to Clean Your Hot Tub With When Empty
Once your hot tub is drained, choosing the right cleaning products is key to maintaining its surface and components. Use a hot tub-specific cleaning solution, as these are formulated to tackle biofilm, scale, and other residues without damaging the tub’s acrylic or fiberglass surfaces. Avoid harsh household cleaners like bleach or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch or discolor the tub. For eco-friendly options, consider diluted white vinegar for light scale buildup or specialized spa cleaning kits available at hot tub retailers. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to ensure no residue remains before refilling. For a deeper look at safe cleaning practices, consult our guide on maintaining your spa’s appearance and functionality.
| Cleaning Solution | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Tub Cleaning Solution | Biofilm, scale, general cleaning | Specifically formulated for hot tubs; non-abrasive |
| Diluted White Vinegar | Light scale and mineral buildup | Eco-friendly; rinse thoroughly after use |
| Spa Cleaning Kits | Comprehensive cleaning | Includes brushes, solutions, and instructions |
| Non-Abrasive Cleaners | Surface stains | Avoid household cleaners like bleach |
How Often Should You Clean Your Hot Tub?
Generally, every three months should do the trick, but you should also do it more often if you’ve been using the spa frequently or have had several guests using the hot tub as well as after periods where it’s sat unused. In addition to this, if you notice discoloration, odors, or you’re having trouble regulating the pH, you should go ahead and clean the tub, too.
Tips for Hot Tub Maintenance in Los Angeles and Beyond
Hot tub maintenance varies slightly depending on your climate, and in areas like Los Angeles with warm, dry weather, special care can keep your spa in top shape. Regular draining and cleaning, as outlined in our six-step guide, are essential, but you should also monitor water chemistry weekly to prevent issues like cloudy water or odors. In Los Angeles, where water hardness can be a concern, consider using a water softener to reduce mineral buildup. For all regions, cover your hot tub when not in use to protect it from debris like pollen or dust, and schedule professional maintenance checks annually to ensure long-term performance. These steps apply whether you’re in Los Angeles or elsewhere, keeping your hot tub clean and inviting year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Draining and Cleaning a Hot Tub
How do you drain a hot tub with a garden hose?
Turn off the power and disconnect anything electric first. Attach the garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a safe drainage spot. If your spa has two drains, open the primary drain first to remove most of the water, then the secondary drain to empty the internal lines. Check local regulations before you start, since some areas prohibit draining into storm sewers or onto grass.
How do you clean hot tub pipes and plumbing?
Use a line flush product before draining. Turn on the hot tub jets, add the line flush, and let it circulate for the amount and time span outlined in the product instructions. This clears biofilm out of the lines and pipes so it does not carry over into the fresh water when you refill.
What is the best way to clean a hot tub after draining?
Spray the empty shell with a hot tub-specific cleaning solution and wipe it away with a clean towel, then rinse with a hose and dry with a second towel so no residue remains before refilling. Avoid harsh household cleaners like bleach or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch or discolor the surface. Diluted white vinegar works for light scale buildup.
How do you clean a hot tub that has been sitting unused?
Give it a full drain and clean before anyone soaks. Follow the same six steps: flush the lines, drain the water, clean the filters, clean the shell, refill, and balance the chemicals. Discoloration, odors, or trouble regulating pH after a tub has sat unused are all signs the water should be replaced rather than treated.
Shop Our Selection of Low-Maintenance Hot Tubs Today!
If you’re ready to take the plunge and invest in a hot tub, we are proud to be the leading supplier of high quality hot tubs in North Carolina. Known for their long-lasting durability, innovative water purification system, and powerful massage jets, our spas have a well-earned reputation for excellence. Shop our hot tubs for sale in Raleigh, Durham, or Charlotte today or request a virtual appointment at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below to get started.
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About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
