Many homeowners wish they had the benefits of having a pool without the drawbacks. One of the most notable is mood improvement, as simply being near water can boost your mental health.
Maintaining pools can be costly, and installing them can be notably expensive. The good news is hot tubs are viable alternatives in many circumstances.
It's crucial to understand how to drain a hot tub, though. We've created a brief guide that outlines the key steps of the process. Let's explore what you should know.
This is the most important step for draining a hot tub. Attempting to do so without cutting the power puts you at risk of electrical shock. This can easily lead to serious injury.
To turn the power off, look for the tub's circuit breaker and change it to the "off" position. This will fully disconnect the power from your tub.
There are certain supplies you'll need to gather before moving forward. These include:
You'll use a garden hose to flush out contaminants in the plumbing lines. Most garden hoses will do, but they need to be long enough to reach the tub's drain valve from the spigot.
The submersible pump you choose should be strong enough to easily remove water from your hot tub. This tool is required if there isn't a drainage point lower than your tub.
For instance, some people have hot tubs on outdoor decks. Submersible pumps often aren't required in cases like these.
Drainage hoses can be used as alternatives to submersible pumps. They function by securing the spa drain valve and releasing the water.
Regardless of what hot tub draining method you use, you'll need to flush the pipes. This helps remove algae, bacteria, and similar contaminants from your tub. Their presence can cause strong odors and even become a health risk.
Failure to remove them could also contaminate the new water you add. To flush the tub's pipes, remove the hot tub cover and locate the drain valve at the bottom. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end in a suitable drainage area.
Let the water run through the hot tub for several minutes to flush out contaminants and loose debris. After the water looks clear and free of debris, turn off the hose and let the remaining water drain on its own.
If using a submersible pump, place the pump in the tub and attach the drainage hose to the outlet port. Run the other end of the hose to a location where the water can safely drain.
Make sure the pump is fully submerged before turning it on. Let it operate until all of the water has been removed.
You can also use gravity to drain your home hot tub if it's on a higher surface than the surrounding area. You can achieve this by attaching a drainage hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tub. Water will flow from the tub to the other end of the hose.
After draining the tub, it's essential to sanitize and clean it. Even if your tub appears to be free of contaminants, bacteria could still be present.
The same can be said about residue from oils and lotions. Properly cleaning a hot tub will depend on the type of tub you have. Check the manufacturer's instructions for more information.
In general, this will involve scrubbing the tub's surface and then using sanitizer to get rid of contaminants. You can't neglect your tub's filters during this part of the process.
These tend to become clogged with debris over time, making them less effective. Regular filter maintenance will keep your hot tub safe and improve its longevity.
To refill your tub, ensure the drain valve and drain plug are closed. If you use a submersible pump, disconnect it and remove it from the tub. Secure a garden hose to the fill spout.
Make sure the other end of the hose is connected to a clean source of water. Slowly fill the tub with water.
Be careful not to overfill it, as water will spill over once people get inside. When the water reaches the desired level, turn off the water source to remove the hose.
Replace the hot tub cover and plug in the power source. This will restart the system.
Let your tub circulate water for at least 30 minutes. Doing so allows sanitizing products to fully dissolve.
Test the water's pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels with a testing kit. If necessary, make adjustments until the levels are sufficient.
It's not recommended to drain your tub on the grass. This water often contains chemicals that could damage the environment. If the drainage runs into nearby bodies of water, it could contribute to water pollution.
Draining large amounts of water will saturate the soil and damage its integrity. It may also serve as a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes.
In most circumstances, it's safe to drain your hot tub into the sewer. Some areas have regulations you'll need to adhere to, though.
It's best to check with your city to avoid infringing on rules. If you're allowed to, it's recommended to use a clean-out port.
This is a special sewer line access point that streamlines the draining process. Never drain your tub directly into a storm drain.
Understanding how to drain a hot tub will prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. It will also help your tub last as long as possible. The tips in this guide will ensure you get started on the right track.
Pool Store Canada serves as a trusted partner for thousands of pool owners. We aim to provide our customers with long-lasting, quality products that exceed their expectations. Reach out to us today to learn more about our available supplies.
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
