How Long Does It Take To Drain A Hot Tub?

Different hot tubs come with different drainage systems, and each takes varying times to drain out water completely. The most frequently installed is the bottom drain that can take up to an hour to drain all the water.

Your hot tub’s size is another vital factor to consider when trying to gauge how long it will take to drain it.

Alternatively, several types of equipment can help the drainage process take as little as 5 minutes.

How do I Drain my Hot Tub Faster?

Using a shop vac siphon or a submersible pump allows you to drain your hot tub within ten minutes or less, depending on the hot tub size.

You will need a 1/3 HP pump plus a ¾ garden horse for an 1800 gallons per hour drain with a submersible pump. This means that a 450-gallon hot tub can easily go empty in at most 15 minutes.

For the shop vac siphon, you will need a long vacuum hose that goes into the tub. It would be best if you turned on the wet/dry vacuum for a few seconds to get the flow started and then turn it off. Use a larger horse diameter for faster draining.

Can you Leave a Hot Tub Drained?

Leaving your hot tub drained is a valid option, especially for people seeking to summarize or winterize their spas.

Else, running it all year round is still possible, and many people don’t mind doing so. However, if you must leave it drained, you need to do it right so you don’t incur extra costs from damages you could have otherwise avoided.

First, make sure you drain every water drop if you plan on leaving the tub open. During winter, left drops can crystalize in acrylic tubs, thus causing cracks. Other times, such leftovers could turn into breeding hubs for bacteria, algae, or cause stains. Alternatively, cover the tub to keep off environmental moisture.

How do you Drain a Hot Tub with a Hose?

To drain your hot tub with a hose, follow the following steps:

  1. Drop the hose into the tab, make sure it lands in the bottom, and then turn it on. Keep it on until there is no more air escaping into the tab.
  2. Turn it off and plug out from the faucet. Keep it low on the ground, making sure it’s lower than the tab, and allow gravity to work its magic.
  3. Return to the tub and make sure the hose remains at the bottom. Once the draining ends, suck out the remaining portion.

How Often Should I Drain my Hot Tub?

This decision depends on how often you use your hot tub.

Public hot tubs need frequent draining and cleaning, often daily or weekly. For private tubs, thrice to 4 times a year should be okay.

In any case, it only takes an average of one hour and another to clean, so this sums up to at least six hours a year. That’s a reasonable time for proper maintenance.

How Long does it Take to Fill a 500-gallon Hot Tub?

Several factors determine how long it takes to fill a hot tub. Some include the size of the tab and the method you are using.

On average, a 500-gallon tab should take between 1 ½ and 2 hours to fill. If you have a high-pressure filler, it could be as little as an hour to get the tub full then an extra day to stabilize your pH and temperature levels.

Is it Safe to Drain Hot Tub Water on Grass?

Where to drain your hot tub depends on the environmental guidelines of your state. Hot tub water could be harmful to vegetation, especially if it has high chlorine levels.

If you must drain hot tub water on grass, then refrain from adding chemicals two days prior. Test the pH before draining and if the chlorine is not yet zero, run the tub for a few hours to neutralize the remaining chemicals.

How do you Clean a Hot Tub that has Been Sitting?

If your tub has been sitting, there’s a high possibility that the filters are clogged up.

To clean this before restarting, soak it overnight with filter cleaners. Rinse thoroughly in the morning with clean water and leave it to dry for a few hours.

How do you Clean a Hot Tub Without Draining it?

You can easily clean a hot tub without draining using these three options:

  1. Test and balance chemical levels, then shock the spa with chlorine. If the tub is in terrible shape, read the dosage instructions, and double it.
  2. Softly scrub different corners of the tab, and then use a skim net to clear out the dirt. A spa vacuum will help with the debris.
  3. If your tub’s jets are removable, soak them in a 50:50 vinegar solution. This clears out calcium clogs and allows you to get the pipes cleaned more keenly.

What is the Best Thing to Clean a Hot Tub Tith?

You can easily get a few household items that perfectly clean your hot tub.

The best thing to clean your hot tub with is white vinegar, used for getting rid of calcium stains and to whiten discolored corners. And a sponge or microfiber cleaning cloth which is easy on your tub’s surface.

However, if you are dealing with stubborn stains, you might need to repeat a corner a few times for an excellent result. A spray bottle with warm water is more convenient than a bucket, but either of the two will work rightly.

Can I use Windex to Clean my Hot Tub?

Windex can make a suitable option when cleaning your hot tub. It helps clear out tough stains, oily film, and debris.

However, it is advisable to keep its use at a minimum. If not thoroughly rinsed, it can affect the chemical composition of your tab. It can also leave a gritty film in the tub that takes months to clear out. For best use, a simple spray will do, followed by a fiber cloth scrub. Wipe it off when done and rinse thoroughly.

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Emily Williams

Emily is a passionate Hot Tubs researcher who loves writing about all things Hot Tubs! She has years of experience and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, these articles are here to answer all your burning questions in a simple and easy to read style.
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