How to Drain a Hot Tub Using a Submersible Pump

Draining your hot tub is a necessary task that every owner will face at some point. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance, preparing your hot tub for the off-season, or need to clean and refill the water, draining it properly is crucial. One of the most efficient ways to drain a hot tub is by using a submersible pump. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of draining your hot tub using a submersible pump, step-by-step, so you can get the job done safely and effectively.

Why Use a Submersible Pump to Drain a Hot Tub?

Using a submersible pump to drain your hot tub is one of the most effective and efficient methods. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider this approach:

Speed: Submersible pumps are fast and can drain your hot tub in a fraction of the time it would take using a hose or buckets.
Efficiency: They can remove more water than gravity draining, ensuring that your tub is drained completely.
Convenience: Using a pump saves you from manually lifting or carrying buckets of water, making the process easier on your back and less time-consuming.

Key Benefits of Draining with a Submersible Pump

Less Mess: The pump will direct the water to your preferred drainage location, keeping the surrounding area dry.
Minimizes the Risk of Leftover Water: A submersible pump is highly efficient, removing nearly all the water from the tub, which reduces the risk of leftover water that can stagnate and lead to unpleasant odors or debris build-up.
Convenience: You don’t have to wait for the water to drain naturally, which could take hours. Instead, a submersible pump will do the heavy lifting in a fraction of the time.

What You’ll Need to Drain Your Hot Tub with a Submersible Pump

Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment to ensure the process runs smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Submersible Pump: Choose a pump designed for use with hot tubs or pools. Make sure it has enough power to handle the volume of water in your tub.
Hose: You’ll need a hose to direct the water to a proper drainage location. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach your drainage area.
Extension Cord: Most submersible pumps are electric, so you’ll need a long enough extension cord to reach a nearby power outlet.
Bucket (optional): A bucket may be handy for catching any remaining water or debris that the pump doesn’t pick up.
Gloves: Protective gloves are recommended to avoid contact with debris or chemicals in the water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Hot Tub with a Submersible Pump

Now that you have all the necessary equipment, follow these steps to drain your hot tub using a submersible pump.

1. Turn Off the Power

Before you begin draining your hot tub, it’s important to ensure that the power is completely turned off. This is essential for safety, as you don’t want to risk damaging your hot tub’s electrical system or pump during the draining process.

Turn off the power: Locate your hot tub’s main power switch and turn it off completely. Disconnect it from the electrical supply if necessary.
Shut off water heaters and pumps: If your hot tub has a heater or additional pumps, turn those off to avoid any damage.

2. Set Up the Submersible Pump

Now it’s time to set up the submersible pump to begin draining the water.

Position the pump: Place the submersible pump in the deepest part of the hot tub. Make sure the pump is sitting on a flat surface and is fully submerged in water.
Attach the hose: Connect the pump’s discharge hose to the outlet of the pump. Ensure that the hose is securely attached to avoid any leaks during the draining process.

3. Set Up the Hose for Drainage

Once your pump is properly positioned, set up the hose to direct the water to the drainage area.

Choose a drainage location: Find an appropriate place to drain the water. You can direct it to a storm drain, garden, or any other location that can handle the amount of water.
Position the hose: Lay the hose out from the pump to the drainage area. Ensure the hose is free of kinks, and make sure it’s angled downward to allow water to flow freely.

4. Turn On the Pump

Once everything is set up, turn on the submersible pump to start draining the water.

Start the pump: Turn on the pump by plugging it into the power outlet. Most submersible pumps have an on/off switch, but if yours does not, simply plug it in to start.
Monitor the draining process: Keep an eye on the pump as it works. Ensure that the water is flowing smoothly through the hose and into your drainage location.

5. Let the Pump Run Until the Water Is Drained

Allow the pump to run until the hot tub is completely drained. Depending on the size of your hot tub and the power of the pump, this process could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Check for any remaining water: As the water level gets lower, check to see if any water remains at the bottom of the tub. A small amount of residual water is normal, but if there’s still too much water left, you may want to tilt the pump to get every last drop.
Turn off the pump: Once the water has drained, turn off the pump and disconnect it from the power source.

6. Clean the Hot Tub and Filter

Once the hot tub is drained, it’s a great opportunity to clean it thoroughly.

Clean the tub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the interior of the hot tub, removing any dirt, grime, or buildup that may have occurred over time.
Clean the filter: Remove and clean the filter by spraying it with a hose and letting it dry. If the filter is too dirty, consider replacing it with a new one.

7. Dry and Inspect the Hot Tub

After draining and cleaning your hot tub, it’s important to dry it thoroughly before refilling.

Dry the interior: Wipe down the interior surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture.
Inspect the tub: While the hot tub is empty, inspect the shell, jets, and plumbing for any visible signs of wear, leaks, or damage.

8. Final Check Before Refill

After the draining process, before you fill the hot tub back up, perform one last inspection to ensure everything is working properly.

Check the drain valve: Make sure the drain valve is closed tightly to prevent any leaks when the tub is refilled.
Inspect the electrical connections: Verify that all electrical components, including the pump, heater, and control panel, are functioning properly.
Check water level sensors: If your hot tub has water level sensors, ensure that they are in good working condition so that the tub doesn’t overflow when refilling.

Common Questions About Draining a Hot Tub

How Often Should I Drain My Hot Tub?

It’s generally recommended to drain your hot tub every 3 to 4 months, but this can vary depending on how often you use the tub. If you use it frequently, you may need to drain it more often.

Can I Drain My Hot Tub Without a Pump?

While it’s possible to drain your hot tub without a pump, it’s much slower and more labor-intensive. Using a submersible pump is the most efficient and effective way to get the job done quickly.

Can I Drain the Hot Tub Water Outside?

You can drain your hot tub water outside, as long as you direct it to a proper drainage location. Avoid draining it into areas where water could pool or flood, such as near your house foundation or garden.

Is It Necessary to Clean the Hot Tub When Draining?

Yes, it’s a good idea to clean your hot tub when draining it. Draining is the perfect time to remove dirt, debris, and buildup from the tub and filter, ensuring that the water will be clean when you refill it.