Swim spas, like hot tubs and pools require regular maintenance which is crucial to keep them in optimal working and sanitary condition, which includes occasionally draining out the water. There are three methods for draining a swim spa, some of which are easier and more efficient than others: using a drain spigot, using a submersible pump, or using a wet/dry vacuum.

How to Properly Drain a Swim Spa

Before attempting to drain your spa, check your local ordinances for guidance or restrictions on discarding chemically treated water, as some towns have laws on emptying water into the street or even within your own yard. If your spa has a built-in drain spigot, you can attach a garden hose to the valve to drain the tub. If your tub doesn’t have a spigot, or you’d prefer a faster drainage process, you can use a submersible pump. 

Before draining your swim spa, make sure to turn off the power supply, this step is crucial for your safety. Locate the main electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the spa, then turn off the water supply. Most swim spas have a dedicated shut-off valve or a valve connected to the main water supply, you’ll need to close this valve to prevent any water from entering the spa during the draining process.

If your spa has a built-in drain valve, attach a garden hose to the valve and position the other end into an appropriate drainage area. If it doesn’t have a drain valve, you’ll need to place a submersible pump into the center of your spa with a hose attached to the end to remove the water. After the majority of the water has been drained, use a wet/dry vacuum or manually mop up the residual water left in the tub. Once it’s completely drained, you can give it a deep clean and it’ll be ready to fill again. 

What’s the Fastest Way to Drain a Swim Spa? 

The time it takes to drain a swim spa varies depending on the size of the spa, the method used for draining, the power of the pump, and the water pressure. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to completely drain. Using a submersible pump is faster than relying on a built-in drain valve, and the draining process can be further expedited if you choose a pump with higher horsepower and use a wider diameter hose to maximize water flow.

Using a wet/dry vacuum is slower than a submersible pump, but faster than using the drain spigot. Attach the vacuum’s hose to the machine and place the open end of the hose in the water. Turn it on so water starts flowing through the hose and once it does, turn it off and disconnect the hose from it. The water should continue to flow, so be sure to put the open end of the hose over a drainage area to let the water pour directly into it.

The slowest option is to use your drain spigot; position the valve over a drain, open the valve and allow the water to flow out. If the drain/sewer is farther away, attach a garden hose to the spigot, put the other end over the drain, and open the valve. If your drain is uphill from your tub, you’ll need a submersible pump to drain it. Once the water in your tub becomes too shallow to be drained out effectively, you’ll need to use a wet/dry vac to draw out the remaining water or mop it up by hand. 

If you have any questions about how to care for your swim spa, from maintenance to chemical balance or cleaning, give us a call at 970-879-4390 or contact us here.