How to Drain Your Pool Spa: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a simple and effective way to keep your pool spa clean and well-maintained? One of the essential steps to ensuring the longevity of your pool spa is to know how to drain it properly. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to safely and efficiently drain your pool spa, so you can keep it in great shape for years to come.

Draining your pool spa is an important maintenance task that should be done at least once a year to keep your water clear and clean. If you notice that your pool spa water is murky, cloudy or has a strange odor, it’s time to drain your pool spa. This will help to prevent damage to your equipment, save on chemicals, and improve the overall quality of your water.

With our step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to prepare for the draining process, when to begin draining your pool spa, how to clean and maintain your pool spa during and after the draining process, and how to refill your pool spa. Whether you’re a first-time pool spa owner or an experienced pool spa enthusiast, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to keep your pool spa in top condition. Keep reading to learn more!

Ready to start learning how to drain your pool spa? Our step-by-step guide will give you everything you need to know. From preparing for the draining process to cleaning and maintaining your pool spa, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to take your pool spa maintenance to the next level and keep your water clear, clean and inviting.

Know When to Drain Your Pool Spa

Draining your pool spa can be a time-consuming process, and if you do it too often, it can damage your pool’s surface. On the other hand, if you don’t drain it enough, it can cause problems with your pool’s chemistry. It is essential to know when to drain your pool spa to maintain a healthy and safe swimming environment. Water balance, chemical levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS) are crucial factors that determine when you should drain your pool spa.

The water balance is an important factor to consider when deciding when to drain your pool spa. If the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels are too high or too low, it can cause scaling or etching on the pool’s surface.

Another factor to consider is the chemical levels in your pool spa. High levels of chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals can cause skin irritation, red eyes, and other health problems. On the other hand, low levels of chemicals can cause bacterial growth and other health risks.

Finally, you should also monitor the total dissolved solids (TDS) in your pool spa. TDS refers to all the dissolved minerals and chemicals in the water. When the TDS level is too high, it can cause scaling and staining on the pool’s surface.

By monitoring these factors, you can determine when to drain your pool spa. It is recommended to drain your pool spa every three to four months, but it ultimately depends on your pool’s usage, water balance, and chemical levels. Keep an eye on these factors, and when they are out of range, it is time to drain your pool spa.

Knowing when to drain your pool spa is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy swimming environment. In the next sections, we will guide you through the process of preparing for and draining your pool spa step-by-step, so you can ensure your pool spa stays in great condition.

Signs that Your Pool Spa Needs Draining

1. Cloudy Water: If your pool spa water appears dull or cloudy, it may be a sign that it’s time to drain it. Chemicals and contaminants build up over time, and the only way to get rid of them is by draining the water and starting fresh.

2. Unpleasant Odors: If you notice a strong smell coming from your pool spa, it may be time to drain it. Chemicals like chlorine can break down over time, creating a strong odor that can be unpleasant and even harmful.

3. Algae Growth: Algae growth can be a clear sign that it’s time to drain your pool spa. Algae can make your pool spa water look green and can be harmful to swimmers. It’s best to drain the water, clean the pool spa, and start fresh.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly and drain your pool spa. Neglecting these issues can cause health problems, equipment damage, and other costly problems. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help you stay on top of your pool spa’s needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

How Often You Should Drain Your Pool Spa

Knowing how often to drain your pool spa can help you maintain a clean and healthy swimming environment. The frequency of draining depends on various factors, including:

• Usage: The more you use your pool spa, the more frequently you need to drain it.
• Chemical Balance: If you struggle to keep the chemical levels in balance, you may need to drain more frequently.
• Water Quality: Poor water quality may require more frequent drainage.
• Environmental Factors: Dust, dirt, and debris from nearby construction sites or natural occurrences like heavy rain may require more frequent drainage.
• Seasonal: Some pool spa owners choose to drain their spa before winterizing to protect their equipment.

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you drain your pool spa every 3-4 months. However, this can vary depending on the above factors. Always keep an eye out for signs that your pool spa needs draining and test your water regularly to ensure a healthy swimming environment.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your pool spa in great condition and avoid any potential health hazards that come with neglecting regular maintenance.

Tips to Determine the Right Time to Drain Your Pool Spa

If you’re unsure about the right time to drain your pool spa, consider these factors to determine when it’s necessary.

Water Chemistry: Check your water chemistry regularly, if the water is not balanced and has high calcium hardness or total dissolved solids, it’s time to drain your pool spa.

Appearance and Smell: A dirty and cloudy pool spa with a strong chlorine odor can indicate that it’s time for a water change. If the water is discolored or has a bad smell, then it is time to drain it.

Usage: If you have frequent pool parties or use your pool spa more than usual, then it needs to be drained more often to maintain water quality and hygiene.

By keeping an eye on these indicators, you can determine the right time to drain your pool spa and keep it in good condition for swimming and relaxation.

Prepare for the Draining Process

Clear the Area: Begin by removing any furniture, decorations, or items around the pool spa that might get damaged or obstruct the draining process. This includes plants, outdoor equipment, and pool toys.

Switch Off Power: Before you start the draining process, switch off all power sources that supply electricity to your pool spa. This includes the pool pump, heater, and any other electrical appliances near the pool spa.

Remove Water: Use a submersible pump or a siphon hose to remove as much water as possible from the pool spa. You can use the water for watering plants or cleaning, depending on its quality.

Clean the Spa: Once you have drained the water, clean the interior of the pool spa thoroughly. This includes scrubbing the walls and the bottom of the spa, removing any debris or dirt, and using a pool cleaner to vacuum any remaining dirt or debris.

Inspect the Drainage System: Check the pool spa’s drainage system, including the pipes, valves, and filters. Clean or replace any clogged or damaged parts to ensure proper drainage during the process.

Gather the Required Equipment and Tools

Before starting the draining process, you will need to gather the necessary equipment and tools to make the process smoother. Pool cover, pump, hose, vacuum, pH test kit, and alkalinity test kit are some of the essential tools and equipment that you will need.

You will also need to have a discharge plan in place. The discharge plan should outline where the water will go after draining the pool spa. It is important to note that you should not drain the pool spa onto the street or any nearby storm drains. The best place to drain the water is a sanitary sewer or a proper drainage system.

Begin Draining Your Pool Spa

Step 1: Turn off the Power

Before beginning the draining process, make sure to turn off the power to your pool spa. This will prevent any accidents from happening during the draining process.

Step 2: Remove the Drain Plug

Locate the drain plug of your pool spa and remove it. Allow the water to drain completely from the spa.

Step 3: Use a Submersible Pump

If your pool spa has a large amount of water, you may need to use a submersible pump to speed up the draining process. Place the pump in the center of the spa and let it run until the water level is low.

Step 4: Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum

Once the water level is low, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the pool spa. Be sure to vacuum up any debris or dirt that may be left behind.

Step 5: Clean the Pool Spa

With the pool spa empty, take the time to clean it thoroughly. Use a pool spa cleaner and scrub the walls and floor of the spa. Rinse the spa out completely with a hose.

Now that you have successfully drained your pool spa, you can perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. Remember to keep the pool spa clean and well-maintained to prevent the need for frequent draining in the future.

Turn Off the Power and Gas Supply

Before beginning the draining process, it is crucial to turn off the power supply to your pool spa. This will help avoid any electrical hazards that could arise during the process.

If your pool spa is heated using gas, it is equally important to turn off the gas supply to the spa. Gas leaks can be hazardous and could cause serious harm to you and your family.

Ensure that you follow the right steps to turn off both the power and gas supply to your pool spa. If you are unsure about the process, it is advisable to seek professional assistance.

Clean and Maintain Your Pool Spa

Regular maintenance: To keep your pool spa clean and functional, you should regularly clean the filter, remove debris from the pool, and check the chemical levels. This will prevent any buildup that can lead to the need for draining.

Scrub and vacuum: Scrub the walls, floor, and tiles of your pool spa with a pool brush to remove any stubborn dirt or algae. You should also vacuum the pool floor to remove debris that has settled on the bottom.

Chemical balance: The chemicals in your pool spa play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. Regularly check and balance the pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to keep the water clean and healthy for swimming.

Professional maintenance: To ensure that your pool spa is well-maintained, you may want to consider hiring a professional pool maintenance company. They can perform regular maintenance and catch any issues before they become more significant problems.

Thoroughly Clean the Pool Spa

Once you have drained your pool spa, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or algae that may have accumulated.

• Scrub the walls and floor: Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of your pool spa. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas with visible dirt or algae.
• Clean the filter: Remove and clean your pool spa filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty filter can cause poor water circulation and lead to cloudy water.
• Remove debris: Use a net or skimmer to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the water balance: Test the water chemistry and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the water is properly balanced. Imbalanced water can cause damage to the pool spa and be harmful to swimmers.

Remember to wear gloves and eye protection while cleaning your pool spa. You may also want to consider using a pool spa vacuum to remove any remaining debris from the bottom of the pool spa.

Inspect and Repair Any Damages

Regular inspection and repair are crucial in maintaining a functional and safe pool spa. First, check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pool’s structure, including the walls and floors. Look out for any loose or broken tiles that can pose a safety hazard. Check the pool’s plumbing and electrical systems for any signs of wear and tear.

If you notice any damage, it’s essential to address it promptly. Ignoring minor issues can lead to more significant problems down the line, resulting in costly repairs. For instance, a small leak can worsen over time, causing structural damage to the pool’s foundation.

If you’re not confident in your ability to inspect and repair the pool yourself, consider hiring a professional. A pool contractor can help identify any issues and recommend the necessary repairs to ensure your pool spa stays in top shape.

Refill Your Pool Spa

After draining and cleaning your pool spa, it’s time to refill it. Here are some important steps to follow:

Check the water level: Make sure the water level is at the appropriate level for your pool spa. You can check this by using a water leveler or measuring the depth of the water with a ruler.

Add necessary chemicals: Once the pool spa is filled, you’ll need to add the necessary chemicals to balance the water chemistry. This will help prevent algae growth, cloudy water, and other issues.

Check the filter: Before turning on the pump, make sure the filter is clean and in good condition. A dirty or damaged filter can affect the water quality and circulation.

Turn on the pump: Finally, turn on the pump and let it run for several hours to circulate the water and distribute the chemicals. You may need to adjust the pump settings to ensure proper circulation.

Refill the Pool Spa

Once the cleaning and maintenance tasks are complete, it’s time to refill your pool spa with fresh water. Before starting the process, ensure that the drain plug and valves are closed, and any cleaning equipment is removed from the spa.

To refill the spa, use a garden hose or fill bucket-by-bucket, depending on the size of your pool spa. It’s essential to monitor the water level continuously and check the chemical balance using a pool testing kit.

When filling the pool spa, avoid overfilling and ensure that the water level is below the skimmer. Once the desired water level is reached, turn the power and gas supply back on and start the heating system.

It’s crucial to maintain the proper water level in the spa to avoid any damage to the pump or other components. Regularly check the water level and refill as needed to keep your pool spa in good working condition.

Rebalance the Water Chemistry

• Test the water chemistry using a reliable pool testing kit to determine the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels.

• Adjust the pH level first, aiming for a range of 7.2 to 7.Use a pH increaser or decreaser product as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Balance the alkalinity next. The recommended range is between 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm). Add an alkalinity increaser if the levels are low, or an alkalinity reducer if the levels are high.

• Check the calcium hardness levels and adjust them as needed to prevent damage to the pool spa’s equipment and surfaces. The recommended range is between 200 to 400 ppm.

• Add the appropriate amount of chlorine to bring the levels to the recommended range of 1 to 3 ppm. Use a pool shock product if the chlorine levels are very low or if there are algae or other contaminants in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions