As the seasons change and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to give your hot tub a little extra care. If you’ve been wondering how often to clean your hot tub or exactly how to drain a hot tub, you’re not alone. Regular maintenance not only keeps your spa water fresh and inviting—it also helps extend the life of your investment.
In this guide, the experts at Cal Spas walk you through how to drain and clean your hot tub like a pro, how often to do it, and the best products to use to keep your spa in peak condition.
Why Draining & Cleaning Your Hot Tub Matters
A clean, well-maintained hot tub is essential for safe and enjoyable use. Over time, hot tub water accumulates body oils, lotions, dirt, and other organic material. Even if you’re using sanitizers like chlorine or bromine, your water can still become cloudy and unhygienic.
That’s why a proper hot tub spa drain and clean routine is so important. Draining your spa and giving it a thorough cleaning helps:
- Prevent bacterial growth in jets and plumbing
- Extend the life of your hot tub components
- Ensure crystal-clear, fresh-smelling water
- Maximize the performance of your filtration and heating systems
How to Drain a Hot Tub: Step-by-Step
Knowing how to drain a hot tub properly will save you time and prevent damage to your yard or spa system.
Here are a few easy ways to do it:
Method 1: Draining with the Hot Tub Spigot
- Turn off the power to your hot tub.
- Locate the drain spigot on the side or bottom of your hot tub.
- Attach a garden hose to the spigot.
- Place the hose in a nearby drain or sewer—never release the water into your lawn.
- Open the spigot and allow the water to drain. This may take a couple of hours.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any water left in the footwell or jets.
Tip: This is the most budget-friendly method, but it’s slower.
Method 2: Draining with a Submersible Pump
- Turn off power to your hot tub.
- Place a submersible pump on the floor of the tub.
- Attach the outflow hose and run it to a safe drainage area.
- Plug in the pump and let it work—it can drain the tub in as little as 10–15 minutes.
- Use a wet/dry vac for any remaining water.
Tip: If you plan on draining your hot tub regularly, investing in a submersible pump is worth it for the time saved.
Method 3: Draining by Siphoning
If you don’t have a submersible pump and want to drain your hot tub faster than using the spigot, siphoning with a garden hose is a clever, low-cost alternative.
This method uses gravity to draw water out—no electricity required.
- Turn off the power to your spa.
- Place one end of a standard garden hose into the hot tub.
- Use one of the methods below to start the siphon.
- Once the water begins flowing, direct the hose to a suitable drainage area.
Ways to Start the Siphon:
- Method A: Manual Priming
Submerge the entire hose in the hot tub to fill it with water, making sure no air remains inside. While keeping one end underwater, quickly pull the other end out and lower it to the ground (below water level) where you want the water to drain. Gravity will do the rest.
- Method B: Suction Start
Place one end of the hose in the hot tub and suck on the other end (briefly and carefully) until water begins to flow, then quickly point the hose downward to your drainage area. Be cautious not to ingest any water—this method works best with clean spa water near the beginning of the drain cycle.
Tip: The drainage area must be lower than the water level of your hot tub for the siphon to work effectively.
How Often Should You Drain & Clean Your Hot Tub?
We recommend draining and cleaning your hot tub 1-2 times a year. However, if you use your hot tub frequently or host large gatherings, you may want to clean it more often.
Tip: Set a seasonal reminder to perform a full hot tub check to keep your water safe, fresh, and ready for relaxation.
How to Clean a Hot Tub: Full Cleaning Checklist
Once your spa is drained, it’s time for a deep clean. Follow these steps to thoroughly sanitize your hot tub.
1. Clean the Interior Shell
Use a non-abrasive hot tub surface cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge mitt to scrub down the interior. Pay extra attention to:
- Seats and footwells
- Around jets and nozzles
- Any visible buildup or stain
2. Clean or Replace the Filter
Your filter traps debris and keeps your water clear. Here’s how to clean it:
- Remove the filter cartridge
- Rinse with a hose to remove loose debris
- Soak in a hot tub filter cleaner overnight
- Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling
Tip: Replace your filter every 12–18 months, depending on use.
3. Clean the Cover
Don’t forget the spa cover!
Wipe down both the top and underside of the cover, where mold and mildew are most likely to form. Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser and allow the cover to fully dry before replacing it.
4. Flush the Plumbing & Jets
At least once a year, add a hot tub plumbing flush solution before draining. This flushes out biofilm and bacteria hiding in the jets and pipes.
- Add jet/plumbing cleaner to the water
- Turn on the jets and let them run for 30–60 minutes
- Watch for foam or buildup on the water’s surface
- Drain and proceed with your normal cleaning steps
Refill & Treat the Water
Once everything is clean and dry:
- Refill the tub with fresh water using a garden hose
- Turn the power back on
- Balance your water by testing for:
- pH levels
- Alkalinity
- Sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, etc.)
- Add any additional water treatment or shock products
Cal Spas offers a full line of hot tub cleaning supplies, sanitizers, and shock treatments to keep your water perfectly balanced and safe.
Invest in a Hot Tub That’s Built to Last
Hot tub maintenance is much easier when you start with a well-designed spa. Cal Spas hot tubs are engineered for performance, durability, and easy maintenance—making every cleaning cycle quicker and more efficient.
Whether you’re ready to upgrade your current tub or purchase your first spa, we’re here to help. Contact us or visit your local Cal Spas showroom today to explore our full selection.