How Often to Drain Hot Tub? Everything You Need to Know

How often to drain hot tub? What?! Aren’t you supposed to just dump chlorine and forget about it? You can, if you want to soak in your very own swamp.

So read this article to learn how often you must drain to keep your water clean.

Why Is It Important to Drain A Hot Tub?

Draining your spa water might seem like a waste, but it’s an essential part of your hot tub maintenance.

Draining your hot tub is important because not maintaining the water’s condition properly can damage your health as well as your spa.

How Often Should I Drain My Hot Tub? 

An easy way to evaluate how often you need to drain the water is to use a simple formula which is:

 Gallons of water ÷ number of users ÷ 3
dirty hot tub water needs draining

It’s important to realize the formula only provides a general guideline. If you notice signs that your spa is getting dirty, DRAIN IT!

A common question new hot tub owners ask is how often to drain the hot tub. It’s a good question because dirty water poses many health issues.

Signs It’s Time to Drain Your Hot Tub

It’s imperative to remember that you shouldn’t see this formula in black and white. Knowing when it’s time for a water change hinges on a few factors, the likes of which I’ve discussed below.

Cloudy Water

Air bubbles in your pool might look cool, but they’re a problem that should be addressed. Murky water can be a playground for bacteria and dirt. 

Weird Odor

An odd smell coming from your hot tub water usually means that the water chemistry is off. That’s when it’s time to drain and refill your hot tub with fresh water.

Excessive Chemical Use

Excessive chemicals can disrupt the pH levels of your water, causing it to become saturated with used chemicals.

Skin Irritation

If you notice your skin getting itchy or rashes after you use the tub, this could be your hot tub’s cry for fresh water.

Steps for Draining and Refilling Your Hot Tub

It might seem like a chore to drain and refill your spa, but it’s really not that hard. Follow this step-by-step guide to replace the water in your hot tub.

man maintaining hot tub

  • Turn the power off.

  • Disconnect the water supply and culvert with a drain valve or sump pump.

  • Spray a spa cleaner inside the hot tub and wipe clean.

  • Refill the water using your hot tub filter.

  • Turn the power on.

  • Add chemicals to your spa.

Enjoy Your Hot Tub Safely and Cleanly!

Remember to drain your swim spa frequently to keep your hot tub clean. So, look for signs of murky water, and have a blast soaking in your backyard oasis!

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