So you’ve had a long, exhausting day of school or work. You’re back aches, your muscles are tight, you just wanna be in chill mode. How nice would it be to sink into a warm hot tub at home? Hot tubs are like mini-spas. They bring feelings of peace, joy and calm. But in order to use your hot tub, you’ll need to be aware of how to safely fill it with and drain out the water. Don’t worry! We’ll guide you through the easy way to do that, step by step.
99 Reasons to Get A Home Spa
It’s really nice to have a hot tub. There’s no need to pay a visit to a spa in some remote location. You are free to let go whenever you please. Plus, it can be cost-effective because you won’t for those expensive spa treatments. Hot tubs are fun and relaxing and help you sleep better. And spending time in warm water is good for your muscles and helps you feel healthy.
What You Will Need
Here are few tips to take note of when filling or emptying your hot tub: Before you begin, collect some items:
- A garden hose
- Submersible Pump (Optional– For quick draining)
- Wet/dry vacuum (optional)
- Testing strips or water testing liquid kit
- Sanitizer for your hot tub (chlorine or bromine)
- Shocked (To keep pool free from slime and algae)
- Soft cloth or sponge
These gadgets are little helpers that make your job easier and safer.
Safety First
Before you begin, it can’t be stressed enough: Safety first.
- Turn off the power. Hot Tub Breaker Always turn off your hot tub breaker before filling or draining.
- Check electrical safety. Hot tubs use electricity. Ensure that it is plugged into a GFCI outlet. If yo’uv aren’t, ask a licensed electrician.
- Don’t let the heater run dry. Never add more water than the correct line or your heater may become damaged.
- Follow local rules. Check local laws when you drain water outside. Do not dump water with chemicals into storm drains.
Before You Fill
Before adding water:
- Examine your hot tub for cracks or leaks.
- Clean or replace filters. Clogged filters can obstruct the flow of water.
- Check if all valves are open.
- Optional: If your tub has been empty for an extended period, you can use a hot tub plumbing purge.
On the addition help side, your hot tub will function properly by you taking these steps.
Step-by-Step: Filling Your Hot Tub
A few weeks spent heading to the spa at 6 a.m. for an hour of relaxation, ending with the addition of modesty-protecting bubbles as more customers arrive never felt ripe indeed. FILLING A HOT TUB It’s easier than you think! Follow these steps:
- Turn off the power. Safety first!
- Place the hose down into the well of the filter. This assists in ridding the pipes of air.
- Fill water to the mark. There’s usually a line on the inside of most tubs to indicate how full the water should be. Don’t overfill or underfill.
- Prime the pumps. Turn the jets on low or open the bleed valves to purge any air out of the system.
- Turn the power on. Set the temperature. Test the heater and the water flow.
- Balance the water. Verify pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels using a test strip.
- Add shock treatment. This prevents bacteria and makes the water clean.
- Cover the hot tub. This keeps the water hot and safe until you are ready to use it.
Water Chemistry Made Simple
Hot tub water must be balanced. Don’t worry, it’s easy:
- pH: 7.2–7.8 (a nice balanced acidity level)
- Total alkalinity: 80-120 ppm (stabilizes pH)
- Calcium hardness: 150 to 250 ppm (helps protect the tub)
- Sanitizer: 3-5 ppm Cl or 4-6 ppm Br
Test your water with strips. Chemicals should always be adjusted gradually. Alkalinity first, then pH, then hardness, then sanitizer. This is what keeps your water clean and safe.
How to Drain Your Hot Tub
There are times when you need to drain the hot tub to clean it, or get rid of old water. There are two main ways:
Using the Built-in Drain
And if you have a jetted tub, it probably has a drain at the bottom. Somehow, connect a garden hose and let the water out. This typically only takes 1–1.5 hours depending on tub size. It is inexpensive and basic, but rather slow.
Using a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is faster. Set the pump in the lowest part of the tub and turn it on. A full tub will take approximately 45 minutes to drain. It costs a little more, but it saves time.
How Often Should You Drain?
Hot tubs require a regular supply of fresh water. Typically, once in every 2–4 months is sufficient. But if your water starts to look cloudy, foamy or smell funky, that’s a clue to drain it sooner. Always verify with chemical levels, and don’t forget the conditioning guidelines.
How to Dispose of Hot Tub Water
Here are steps to take before you dump hot tub water outside:
- Ensure sanitizer levels are within the proper range.
- Do not pour water in storm drains.
- Splash it gently on grass or soil. This prevents plants from safely uptaking such water.
- If you have a lot of water with chemicals in, wait or neutralize it first.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
There are times when hot tubs can be problematic. Here are simple fixes:
- Jets sputtering, or making noise: Air in pipes. Prime pumps low. Crack open bleed valves.
- Not enough heat: Water level and filters. Make sure water flows.
- Cloudy or foaming water: Add sanitizer and shock, rinse filters, or drain and refill.
- Strong Chemical Smell: Ventilate, rebalance pH and sanitizer, verify instructions.
Enjoyable Suggestions for a Relaxed Hot Tub
- No airlocks with filling from the filter well.
- Employ a hose pre-filter to maintain water quality clear.
- Use the cover while cooking to conserve energy.
- Mini-check, weekly: Check water, clean filters and wipe the edges.
- Always relax! Fun and stress relief are what the hot tub is for.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be difficult to fill and drain your hot tub. You can with the right tools, a few simple steps and some attention to detail. Use this guide, then be safe and chill in nice warm clean water. Your hot tub time is a time for you to full of relaxation, and it’s never been easier.
