How to Drain and Clean your Hot Tub

Keeping our hot tubs clean and germ-free is an important part of ownership. In this article,I’ll teach you exactly how to drain and clean your hot tub as well as all the other tips I’ve learned over the years.

Steps to Draining and Cleaning your Hot Tub

There are several reasons why you may want to drain and clean your hot tub. Most importantly, it’s a good idea to replace your tub’s water every three to four months to avoid overexposing it to sanitizers and chemicals. It also gives you a chance to clean out the hot tub shell and the front of the jets.

Hot tub water typically lasts between three to four months, after which non-organic contaminants—like sunscreen, lotion, and salt from perspiration—build up. These are known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and they can make your water cloudy and begin to cause chemical imbalances. Replacing your spa’s water helps ensure it stays clean, sanitized, and looking great.

Whether you’re preparing for winter or just flushing out the system in summer, draining your hot tub every few months is essential. So, it’s worth knowing how to do it properly.

Draining your hot tub is a straightforward process. First, turn off the circuit breaker to the spa. You definitely don’t want the tub trying to heat, filter, or pump with no water inside. Turning off the circuit is the safest way to prevent this.(Be sure not to turn it back on until the tub is refilled to its normal operating level.)

It’s recommended to use a submersible pump to drain the water efficiently. If you don’t have one, a standard garden hose will work too. The following steps are for using a garden hose:

1. Remove the front panel of your hot tub and locate the hose spigot.
2. Attach the hose and extend it to a safe drainage area. Avoid letting the water flood your yard—aim for a driveway or the street instead.
3. Open the spigot and let the water begin to drain. This is called a gravity drain—it takes longer than using a pump, but it works just as well.

Once the hose has finished draining as much water as it can, use a mop or wet/dry vacuum to get the remaining water from the bottom of the tub. The goal is to make the hot tub as dry as possible to ensure a thorough clean. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe out any leftover moisture.

Now’s the perfect time to clean the shell. Use a multi-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and mildew. Don’t forget to wipe around the jets and into the small crevices, where buildup can easily hide.

Apply a surface wax to the shell to add a shiny, protective layer that helps preserve your tub’s finish.

While you’re at it, take time to clean your hot tub filters. Since the tub isn’t running, this is a stress-free opportunity to let the filters soak. Consider replacing them once a year.

It’s also a great time to condition your hot tub cover, rinse off the cabinetry with a garden hose, and check the interior for any signs of leaks.

Once everything is clean and dry, detach the hose and securely close the spigot. You’re now ready to refill your hot tub.

How to Clean a Hot Tub the Natural Way

Before we dive into the everyday household products you can use to clean your hot tub, let’s first talk about the types of cleaners you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet. Understanding how these cleaners work makes it easier to choose the right one for the job.

For example, you wouldn’t use bleach to clean a sensitive surface—just like you wouldn’t use olive oil to clean your toilet. Let’s not even imagine that disaster. Yikes.

So here’s a quick breakdown of common household cleaner types and what they do best:

• Detergents: These help break down sticky stains by emulsifying the oils that bind dirt to surfaces. Think dish soap or laundry detergent.
• Acids: These tackle rust and hard water stains. You’ll usually find them in toilet bowl cleaners or tile sprays.
• Sanitizers: These are your heavy hitters—products like bleach that disinfect and kill bacteria while removing odors.
• Bases: Great for cutting through grease and grime. These are your typical all-purpose cleaners.
• Abrasives: These scrub away tough messes but can scratch delicate surfaces, so use with caution. Steel wool and scouring powders are examples.

How Often Should You Clean a Hot Tub?

When it comes to hot tub maintenance, there’s no simple one-size-fits-all answer. Cleaning your hot tub isn’t just a one-and-done chore—it’s an ongoing process that keeps your water, components, and accessories in top shape. Here’s a timeline to help you stay on track:

Every 3 to 4 Days:

Especially during frequent use, give your hot tub a quick visual and chemical check.

• Look for cloudiness, discoloration, or any film on the surface.
• Use test strips to check your water chemistry: pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and bromine or chlorine levels.
• Important tip: Space out chemical adjustments by at least two hours to avoid unwanted chemical reactions.

Once a Month:

• Clean your hot tub’s filter to remove dust, debris, and buildup. Using two filters and alternating between them each month makes the job easier and helps both filters last longer.
• Wash your hot tub cover with a dedicated cover cleaner and conditioner. This protects it from UV rays, snow, and rain—and keeps your water safer from outside contaminants.

Every 4 to 6 Months:

Time for a deeper clean.

• Drain the water completely—do this every 4 months if you use the tub more than twice a week.
• Inspect jets and interior surfaces for grime or damage. Use a manufacturer-approved cleaner to safely remove buildup.
• Refill with fresh water, but run the hose for a few minutes first to flush out debris.
• Pro tip: Fill through the filter compartment to prevent air locks.

Once a Year:

When it’s time for your yearly drain and refill, consider scheduling a professional maintenance check—just like taking your car in for a tune-up. A technician can help catch potential issues early before they turn into expensive repairs.

If you stick to this simple maintenance timeline, your hot tub will stay clean, powerful, and ready to enjoy for years.

Conclusion

Having a clean and healthy hot tub is a necessity that you need to plan well for. Be sure to follow the step and tips on how to drain and clean your hot tub. It might sometimes sound like a lot but I assure you, you’ll save a fortune in the long run. Both in terms of your health and your hot tub’s. 

If there’s anything i can help you with then feel free to reach out. 

Until then, Happy Hot Tubbin!

Credits
thermospas.com
swimuniversity.com

Check out cleaning supplies here. 

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Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Fast forward to 2025, I've helped over 1400+ DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi