How often you need to drain and fill your hot tub will come down to the size of your spa, your usage habits, and your maintenance routine. Unlike a pool, it is important to completely drain and refill your hot tub several times throughout the year – particularly if you use it year-round.
The process of draining and refilling your hot tub is important to both the health of the tub and the health of the users. As your spa builds up certain contaminants, it can be difficult to remove the buildups with chemicals. Keep your hot tub clean and healthy with proper maintenance techniques such as a hot tub drain and fill.
Hot Tub Drain and Fill Frequency Suggestions
Regular Usage
When you and your family use your hot tub regularly, it is generally recommended that you drain and fill it every three to four months. Regular usage can be defined as one family – with the exception of occasional guests – using the hot tub a few times a week.
If you use your hot tub more often or have guests over often, you may want to consider a hot tub drain and refill at a higher frequency.
Low or Seasonal Usage
If you only use your hot tub a few times a month, or if you close your hot tub for either summer or winter, a hot tub drain and fill won’t be needed as often.
For example, if you close your hot tub for the summer, you may consider draining it at the beginning of the season and not filling it until you are ready to begin using it again.
If you do keep your hot tub open all year but don’t use it often, you can likely get away with a drain and fill every six months – as long as you continue care with chemicals.
High Usage
Some hot tubs are used heavily – if you have one, you might as well use it as often as you can! If you use your hot tub on a daily basis and have guests over frequently, you might want to consider doing a hot tub drain and fill once every month or so.
If you have a large gathering, such as a party, you may want to do a hot tub drain and fill after the get-together to ensure your tub is clean and ready for use again next time.
Why Do I Have To Drain and Fill My Hot Tub?
Over time, the water in your hot tub can become contaminated with bacteria, oils, and other organic matter. These contaminants can build up and create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can cause skin irritation and other health issues. Additionally, the chemicals used to sanitize the water can break down and become less effective over time.
By draining and refilling your hot tub, you can remove these contaminants and start with a fresh, clean slate. It’s also an excellent opportunity to give your hot tub a deep clean and inspect the components for any signs of wear or damage.
Is It Difficult to Drain and Fill My Hot Tub?
With the right equipment, a hot tub drain and fill isn’t too difficult. While your hot tub will most likely have a drain somewhere near the bottom of the shell, using a small, submersible pump will make quick and effective work out of the draining process.
Once your hot tub is empty, use this opportunity to wipe down the walls, clear out the filters, and replace the filter as needed. After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the empty tub, it’s time to fill it back up.
Most homeowners simply fill their hot tub back up with water from an external faucet with a hose. Filling your tub back up may take some time, but you can focus on other outdoor cleaning tasks while you wait for it to finish. Once filled, be sure to add the necessary chemicals back into the water so it is ready to use again as soon as you are.
If you would rather have the professionals take this task off of your plate, reach out to Aqua Pools. We can make sure your hot tub is in tip-top shape after every hot tub drain and fill. Our friendly technicians will make quick work of your drain and fill, leaving you with more time to relax.
Request service here or give us a call today to get on our cleaning schedule. We look forward to hearing from you!