Every 3-4 months, spa owners should drain and refill their spa. There is more to it than just pulling the plug and letting the water run out. At Goodall Pools & Spas, we have tips that will make the process as easy as possible.
Preparing to Drain Your Spa
Determine where the water will go: Each township has regulations regarding where you can release the water. For example, you cannot release it into a sewer grate. Most recommend you release it into your grass.
You may be concerned about chlorine or other chemicals damaging or killing your grass. Just be sure that on the day you drain the spa, the water has a low chlorine or bromine reading.
Remove the filter: Set it aside for cleaning later.
Add a System Flush Product to the old spa water: We recommend adding a product called “System Flush” into your old spa water and then running the jets. This will push out the “gunk” that builds up in the plumbing into the old spa water before you drain and refill your hot tub. Using system flush means you will be starting with the cleanest spa possible.
Draining and Cleaning the Spa
Drain the spa: Shut off the power to your spa at the breaker. Check the manufacturer’s manual or with the dealer who sold you the spa to be sure you know how to do this correctly. Your spa may have a front panel you take off to find the drain. Others have a drain at the corner of the spa. As discussed above, drain the water according to the requirements of your Township.
Remove remaining water: After the water has been drained, use a submersible pump or shop vac to get out the small amount of water that will be left in the seats or in the bottom of the spa.
Clean the spa shell: Use a cleaner specifically designed for a spa shell. We sell one by BioGuard called “Off the Wall.” It is made specifically for cleaning off the gunk or “ring around the tub” left on your spa shell. Use a spa cleaning mitt or basic washcloth to scrub the spa shell. Do Not Use a household cleaner, which can damage the surface of the shell or make the water foamy when you refill the spa.
Refill the spa: Most people just use their garden hose to refill the spa. Make sure to periodically check the spa as it refills so it does not overflow!
Clean the filter: Now is the time to clean your filter it with a spray-on cartridge cleaner. This removes a lot of the small particles that just hosing it off will not get.
Put a clean filter in the spa and replace the mineral cartridge: Once the spa is full, put the clean filter back into the spa. This is also a good time to put in a new mineral cartridge to help with the sanitization process.
Test the water: You can bring us a water sample into any of our stores for a free test. We will make sure you add the proper chemicals before your first use of your spa with its refreshingly clean water.
For more information about draining and filling your spa or would like to request spa service, contact us at Goodall Pools & Spas.
