Are you looking for a complete guide on how to drain a pool spa? Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned one, regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool in tip-top shape. Draining your pool spa regularly is an important part of this maintenance routine.
Draining your pool spa can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done quickly and easily. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to drain a pool spa, discuss the best time to do it, and give you some tips on how to maintain your pool spa after draining.
So, if you’re ready to take your pool spa maintenance to the next level, keep reading to learn how to drain a pool spa like a pro!
Table of Contents
Why You Should Drain Your Pool Spa Regularly
Regularly draining your pool spa is an essential part of keeping it clean and healthy for you and your family. Over time, harmful bacteria and contaminants can build up in the water, even with proper maintenance. By draining your pool spa regularly, you can ensure that these harmful elements are removed, keeping the water clean and safe for use. In addition, regular draining can help extend the life of your pool spa by preventing buildup of minerals and other elements that can cause damage.
Another reason to drain your pool spa regularly is to prevent algae growth. Even with proper maintenance, algae can still grow and thrive in your pool spa. Draining the water and scrubbing the surfaces can remove any buildup of algae, preventing it from spreading and causing damage to your pool spa. Additionally, regular draining can help prevent the buildup of calcium and other minerals that can cause discoloration and damage to your pool spa surfaces.
Finally, regular draining of your pool spa can help maintain the water’s chemical balance. Over time, chemicals can become unbalanced, leading to cloudiness, irritation, and other problems. By draining the water and adding fresh water, you can ensure that the chemical balance is restored, keeping the water clear and comfortable for use.
Overall, regular draining of your pool spa is essential for maintaining its cleanliness, extending its life, and ensuring that the water is safe and comfortable for use. By following a regular draining schedule and taking proper care of your pool spa, you can enjoy it for years to come.
Prevents Buildup of Harmful Chemicals
Regularly draining your pool spa prevents the buildup of harmful chemicals that can lead to skin irritation, red eyes, and other health problems. Chemicals like chlorine and bromine used to keep the water clean can accumulate over time and create an unhygienic environment for swimmers. Draining the pool spa and starting fresh with new chemicals reduces the risks of illness and provides a clean and refreshing swimming experience.
In addition to health concerns, failing to drain your pool spa regularly can also lead to chemical imbalances. These imbalances can cause scaling, corrosion, and other issues that can damage your pool spa and shorten its lifespan. Draining your pool spa and refilling it with fresh water helps to maintain proper chemical levels and prevent these issues.
Finally, regular draining of your pool spa can also help to prevent algae growth. Algae thrives in stagnant water and can quickly spread throughout the pool spa, creating an unsightly and slippery surface. Draining and refilling the pool spa helps to remove any existing algae and prevent it from coming back.
When is the Best Time to Drain Your Pool Spa?
If you’re a pool owner, it’s important to know when the best time to drain your pool spa is. There are a few different factors that come into play when deciding the right time to do this.
Water Temperature: The water temperature is a crucial factor in determining the best time to drain your pool spa. The ideal temperature is between 70-80°F, and it’s recommended to drain your spa when the water temperature is on the lower side.
Usage: If you use your spa frequently, it’s recommended to drain and clean it every 3 to 4 months. If you don’t use it as often, you can get away with draining and cleaning it every 6 months or so.
Seasonal Changes: The seasonal changes can also impact when you should drain your pool spa. For instance, it’s best to drain your spa before the winter season as it can cause damage to the spa’s plumbing if there is water left in it.
Chemical Levels: If you notice that the chemicals in your spa are unbalanced, it’s best to drain and refill it. This is because high levels of chemicals can cause damage to the spa’s surface and equipment.
Professional Maintenance: If you’re unsure about when to drain your pool spa or how to do it, it’s best to consult with a professional pool maintenance company. They can help you determine the right time and provide the necessary assistance.
After heavy usage, such as a pool party or extended swim sessions, it is recommended to drain your pool spa. Over time, the accumulation of sweat, oil, and other contaminants can cause the water to become cloudy and unpleasant to swim in. Draining the spa and refilling it with fresh water can help maintain a healthy and safe swimming environment.
In addition, draining your pool spa after heavy usage can help prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals, including chlorine and other sanitizers, which can lead to skin and eye irritation. Regularly changing the water can also help reduce the need for excessive use of chemicals, saving you money in the long run.
It is important to note that heavy usage can vary depending on your specific situation. If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, you may need to drain your spa more often than someone who uses it infrequently. Pay attention to the water quality and schedule regular maintenance to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Tools and Materials Needed for Draining a Pool Spa
If you’re planning to drain your pool spa, there are some tools and materials you’ll need to have on hand. Here are the essentials:
Submersible Pump: You’ll need a submersible pump to remove the water from the pool spa. Make sure to get one that’s appropriate for the size of your pool spa.
Garden Hose: You’ll need a garden hose to attach to the submersible pump so that the water can be drained to a suitable location.
Chemical Test Kit: It’s important to test the chemical levels in your pool spa water before you drain it. This will help you determine whether or not the water is safe to dispose of.
Cleaning Supplies: Once the pool spa is drained, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly before refilling it. Make sure to have a good pool brush, a skimmer net, and some cleaning chemicals on hand.
Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is an essential tool for draining your pool spa. It is a device that can be completely submerged in water, making it ideal for removing large volumes of water from your pool. Look for a pump with a horsepower rating that is appropriate for your pool spa’s size.
When selecting a submersible pump, make sure that it has a long enough power cord to reach your nearest electrical outlet. It should also come with a garden hose adapter that can be attached to the pump’s outlet for easy drainage.
Before using the submersible pump, ensure that it is completely submerged in the water to avoid any damage to the pump.
Hose
A hose is an essential tool for draining your pool spa. You will need it to transport the water from your spa to the desired location. Make sure to choose a hose that is long enough to reach your desired location and has a large enough diameter to drain the water efficiently.
When selecting a hose, consider the material and quality. Some hoses are made of low-quality materials that can easily puncture or leak, causing water damage. It is recommended to choose a high-quality, durable hose that will last for several years.
Before using the hose, ensure that it is free from any kinks or knots. Kinks can impede the water flow, making the draining process longer and more difficult. To prevent kinks, lay the hose out straight before starting the draining process.
Once you have finished using the hose, drain it thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent any mold or mildew growth.
Nozzle or Spray Wand
A nozzle or spray wand is an essential tool when it comes to draining a pool spa. This tool allows you to control the water flow and direction, making it easier to direct the water into the drain or other desired location.
When choosing a nozzle or spray wand, look for one with an adjustable spray pattern, so you can customize the flow of water based on your needs. Additionally, consider the length of the wand or nozzle to ensure it is long enough to reach all areas of your pool spa.
Using a nozzle or spray wand will also help to minimize water splashing and ensure that the draining process is as efficient as possible.
Make sure to attach the nozzle or spray wand to the end of the hose before beginning the draining process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drain Your Pool Spa
Step 1: Gather your materials – Before you start, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials to drain your pool spa. You’ll need a submersible pump, a hose, a nozzle or spray wand, and a power source.
Step 2: Turn off the power supply – Safety should be your top priority. Turn off the power supply to the pool spa and unplug any electrical components to avoid any accidents while you are draining the water.
Step 3: Attach the hose to the submersible pump – Attach the hose to the submersible pump and place the pump in the pool spa. Make sure that the hose is long enough to reach a drain or a suitable area for the water to be discharged.
Step 4: Begin pumping the water out of the pool spa – Once the submersible pump is in place and the hose is attached, turn it on and allow it to pump out the water. Use the nozzle or spray wand to direct the water towards the drain or desired location.
Step 5: Clean and store your equipment – After the pool spa has been drained, it’s time to clean and store your equipment. Disassemble the submersible pump, hose, and nozzle or spray wand, and store them in a safe and dry place until you need them again.
Disconnect the Power
Step 1: Turn off the power to the pool pump and spa heater at the main breaker box. This will prevent any electrical accidents while draining the pool spa.
Step 2: Ensure that the power is disconnected by trying to turn on the pool pump or heater from the control panel. If they don’t turn on, it means that the power has been successfully disconnected.
Step 3: Check the owner’s manual of your pool spa to confirm that there are no other specific instructions for disconnecting the power.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pool Spa After Draining
Clean the pool spa thoroughly: Before refilling the pool spa, make sure to clean it thoroughly with a scrub brush and a solution of water and bleach to remove any build-up or debris that may have accumulated during the draining process.
Balance the chemicals: Once the pool spa is refilled, it’s important to balance the chemicals to ensure the water is safe and comfortable to swim in. Test the water and adjust the levels of pH, alkalinity, and chlorine as needed.
Check the equipment: After draining and refilling the pool spa, check the equipment to make sure it’s functioning properly. Inspect the pump, filter, and heater and replace any worn or damaged parts.
Cover the pool spa: Finally, cover the pool spa when not in use to prevent debris and dirt from accumulating in the water. This will help maintain the cleanliness of the water and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
Clean the Spa Shell and Cover
Use a mild cleaning solution: After draining the spa, use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the shell and cover. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the spa’s surface.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the shell and cover thoroughly with water to remove any remaining debris or cleaning solution.
Dry completely: Wipe down the spa shell and cover with a soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Make sure they are completely dry before covering the spa.
Cover the spa: Cover the spa with a well-fitting cover to keep out debris and prevent evaporation. Use a cover that is designed specifically for your spa to ensure a proper fit.
Refill with Fresh Water
After draining and cleaning your pool spa, it’s time to refill it with fresh water. Turn on the hose and fill the spa to the appropriate level. It’s important to note that you should not use hot water to fill your spa, as it can damage the equipment.
As the spa is filling, check for any leaks in the plumbing or equipment. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water and call a professional to make the necessary repairs.
Once the spa is filled to the appropriate level, turn on the power and run the pump and filter for at least 24 hours to ensure that the water is clean and balanced. Test the water and adjust the chemicals as necessary to maintain proper balance.
Regularly checking and maintaining your pool spa’s water chemistry will help keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Balance the Chemical Levels
pH: Test the pH level of the water using a pool test kit. The ideal range for pH levels in pool water is 7.2-7.Use a pH increaser to raise the pH level or a pH decreaser to lower it.
Chlorine: Check the chlorine level in the water and maintain it within the range of 1-3 parts per million (ppm). Add more chlorine to increase the level or use a chlorine reducer to decrease it.
Alkalinity: The ideal range for alkalinity in pool water is 80-120 ppm. Test the alkalinity level and use an alkalinity increaser to raise the level or an alkalinity reducer to lower it.
Cyanuric Acid: Cyanuric acid is used to stabilize the chlorine in pool water. The ideal range for cyanuric acid levels is 30-50 ppm. Test the level and use a stabilizer to increase it or drain and refill the water to decrease it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed to drain a pool spa?
Draining a pool spa requires a submersible pump, a garden hose, a vacuum, and a container for the drained water.
How long does it take to drain a pool spa?
The time it takes to drain a pool spa depends on its size, the water level, and the speed of the pump, but it usually takes several hours.
What should be done before draining a pool spa?
Before draining a pool spa, it’s important to disconnect the power, remove debris, and open the drain valve to release any excess water.
How should the pool spa be cleaned after draining?
The pool spa should be cleaned using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush to remove any dirt or stains, and the cover should be cleaned and dried before storage.
How can the chemical levels be balanced after draining a pool spa?
The chemical levels can be balanced by testing the water and adding the necessary chemicals, such as chlorine and pH adjusters, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What are some tips for maintaining a pool spa after draining?
Some tips for maintaining a pool spa after draining include cleaning the shell and cover regularly, refilling with fresh water, and balancing the chemical levels to prevent algae growth and corrosion.