Hot Tub/Swim Spa Drain, Clean & Refill Guide
Keeping your hot tub/swim spa in great shape doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you’re prepping for the season or simply want crystal-clear water, a regular drain, clean, and refill routine helps maintain water quality, performance, and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
Step 1: Jet & Plumbing Purge
If your hot tub is 2–3 years old and hasn’t had a plumbing purge, now’s a good time. Before draining, remove the filters and add the appropriate dose of Jet Clean. Run the jets for 2–3 cycles (about 30–45 minutes), let the water sit for an hour, then run the jets again for 2–3 more cycles. During draining, you may need to rinse the interior walls to help remove any loosened debris.
Step 2: Kill Power to Hot Tub/Swim Spa
Before draining, turn off the breaker to the hot tub/swim spa. This prevents the pumps from running without enough water, which could cause damage.
Step 3: Remove All Filters
If you didn’t already remove the filters during the purge, do so now.
Step 4: Drain the Existing Water from the Hot Tub/Swim Spa
You can drain your hot tub/swim spa one of two ways. The first is by removing the main access panel and using the built-in gravity drain valve. Once the cap is removed and the drain line is pointed downward, water will start flowing out.
The second option is using a submersible pump. Attach a garden hose to the pump, route the hose where you want the water to go, place the pump in the footwell, plug it in, and begin draining. Once empty, unplug the pump and use a shop vac to remove any remaining water.
Step 5: Clean the Acrylic
Once the tub is empty, clean the shell using a non-abrasive cleaner like Clean & Perfect, or a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Wipe down all interior surfaces.
Step 6: Fill the Hot Tub/Swim Spa
Once dry and clean, begin filling the unit. Connect a pre-filter to your garden hose and place the hose inside the filter housing. Filling through the filter housing helps prevent air locks in the plumbing lines.
Step 7: Add a Sequestering Agent
When the unit is about halfway full, add the appropriate dose of a sequestering agent such as Metal Gon by Leisure Time. This helps remove any metals that may be present in the water, especially if you're filling with well water.
Step 8: Finish Filling the Unit
Continue filling until the water reaches the “Max Fill” line on your hot tub/swim spa. If there’s no sticker, fill to just below the neck and shoulder jets on the Biomagnetic Therapy Seat. These jets should sit above the waterline.
Step 9: Turn the Breaker Back On & Prime Pumps
Once full, turn the breaker back on. The topside panel will prompt you to prime the pumps. Turn all jets to high speed and keep the filters out during this cycle to allow maximum water flow and remove any air trapped in the plumbing.
Step 10: Put Filters Back In
After the priming cycle, reinstall the filters. For best results, use new filters with fresh water to avoid introducing bacteria from the old ones.
Step 11: Once the Hot Tub/Swim Spa Reaches 80°, Balance the Chemicals
Wait until the water reaches at least 80°F before testing and adjusting your water chemistry. Water chemistry changes with temperature, so balancing too early may result in needing to re-balance. Use a test strip or take a water sample to your local pool and spa store. Add chemicals gradually, starting with small amounts and adjusting as needed.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Your hot tub/swim spa is now clean, filled, and ready to go. Enjoy the fresh water and the relaxing soak!