Last Updated on May 7, 2023
There’s nothing quite like sinking into a hot tub after a long day and feeling your muscles relax as the warm water envelopes you. However, as much as we all love the luxurious experience, there comes a time when the water needs to be changed.
For someone who’s never done it, it can be daunting. Fortunately, the right tools and steps can quickly drain your hot tub. Using a sump pump, connecting the hoses, and selecting a suitable drainage location, you can quickly and efficiently complete the task without hassle.
These simple processes can help ensure your hot tub stays pristine, providing many more relaxing nights. Make sure to handle electrical components cautiously. Continue reading to learn more about draining a sump pump hot tub.
How to Drain a Hot Tub With a Sump Pump: 8 DIY Steps
Draining your hot tub can seem daunting, but with a sump pump and a bit of effort, you can do it without fuss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to draining a hot tub with a sump pump:
STEP 1. Gather Your Equipment
Before you start, you’ll need to gather all the necessary equipment. You’ll need a sump pump, a long garden hose, and a suitable drainage location. If your hot tub has an attached pump and heater, you’ll need to disconnect them from the power supply before draining the hot tub.
STEP 2. Turn Off the Hot Tub Power Supply
Always turn off the tub’s power supply before draining the water. This will prevent any potential accidents that may risk your safety. Once you have turned off the tub’s power supply, you can proceed to the next step.
STEP 3: Connect the Garden Hose to the Sump Pump
Attach the garden hose to the sump pump’s water intake valve by inserting it directly into the valve. Use hose clamps to secure the garden hose in place. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the hose clamps to ensure they don’t come loose once you drain the water from the hot tub.
STEP 4: Run the Hose to a Suitable Drainage Location
Once you have connected the hose to the sump pump, direct the other end to a proper drainage location. Ensure that the hose is securely in place and that there is no kinking or blockage in the hose while draining the water. Let the sump pump run until you’ve drained all the hot tub water.
STEP 5: Put the Sump Pump at the Hot Tub Lowest Point
Now you have connected the hose to the pump, place the pump at the lowest point of your hot tub. This will ensure all the water is completely drained from your hot tub. Whether your hot tub is indoor or outdoor, it would have the lowest point where water accumulates.
That is where the sump pump should be placed. Ensure that the pump’s intake is fully submerged in the water.
STEP 6: Connect the Pump to Power Supply & Turn on
Next, connect the sump pump to a power supply and turn it on. It would start to pump out the water. Ensure the pump’s discharge hose runs outside, and point it towards a suitable drainage location.
STEP 7: Monitor the Draining process
While the sump pump drains the water, you should monitor the process closely. Ensure that the pump functions correctly and that water flows out as expected. If the water slows down significantly, the sump pump might be clogged, and you will need to turn it off, clean it, and reattach it before continuing.
STEP 8: Disconnect the Equipment
Once the hot tub is empty, it is time to disconnect the equipment. First, turn off the sump pump, remove the discharge hose, and detach the power supply. Always remember to exercise safety when handling electrical equipment around water.
Finally, clean your hot tub thoroughly, refill it with water, and you are all set to use it again.
What Sump Pump Should I Need to Empty a Hot Tub?
When it’s time to drain your hot tub for cleaning or maintenance, you want a sump pump that can do the job quickly and efficiently. The best sump pump for emptying a hot tub is a submersible pump with a high flow rate, explicitly designed for removing water from tight spaces.
A submersible pump is ideal because it can be completely submerged in water, allowing it to draw in water from every corner of the hot tub. This type of pump is also designed to handle the high temperatures of hot tub water without overheating or damaging the motor.
When selecting a submersible pump for your hot tub, look for one with a high flow rate, measured in gallons per hour (GPH). A pump with a higher flow rate will be able to empty your hot tub more quickly, reducing the time and effort required to complete the task.
Another consideration when choosing a pump is the size of the hot tub. A larger hot tub will require a more powerful pump with a high flow rate to empty it quickly.
Smaller hot tubs can be drained with a less powerful pump, but choosing one that can handle the high temperatures and harsh chemicals in hot tub water is still essential.
Finally, consider the construction and durability of the pump. Look for a pump made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated use and exposure to hot, chemically treated water. A pump with solid construction is a wise investment that will last for years.
So are you ready to make draining your hot tub water a stress-free experience? Discover the perfect solution with our post about the best sump pump for hot tubs. Higher quality and proper installation can ensure this task runs smoothly, so take advantage and pick up an amazing sump pump today.
What Size Submersible Pump Do I Need for a Hot Tub to Drain water?
When selecting the appropriate submersible pump for draining hot tub water, there are several factors to consider. The first and most important factor is the pump’s flow rate or gallon per minute (GPM).
Generally, a 15-20 GPM flow rate requires a 1/4 Hp submersible pump to drain a hot tub. But, if your hot tub is larger or deeper, you may need a larger submersible pump with a higher flow rate.
Another essential factor to consider is the lift or the height from the base of the hot tub to the drain. The higher the lift, the more powerful the submersible pump must be to move the water efficiently. It is essential to measure the lift accurately to ensure that you get a pump that is powerful enough for your hot tub.
The third factor to consider is the electrical requirements of the submersible pump. Typically, submersible pumps require a 120 Volt, 60 Hz single-phase power supply. But some larger pumps may require 240 volts to operate correctly.
Do I Have to Drain a Hot Tub With a Sump Pump Completely?
You must drain your hot tub completely using a submersible sump pump when storing it. A partial draining may leave stagnant, bacteria-filled hot tub water that could lead to health risks and damage your hot tub.
Leaving any water in the hot tub can cause damage to the pipes, heater, and pump due to freezing and expanding during the winter months. Also, any leftover water can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria, algae, and other harmful organisms.
How Long Does it Take to Empty a Hot Tub With a Sump Pump?
Draining a hot tub with a pump depends on various factors, such as the tub’s size, the pump’s strength, and amount of water in the tub. Draining a standard-sized hot tub that holds around 400 gallons of water may take around an hour or less.
To speed up the process, select a sump pump with a higher capacity that can pump out more water per minute. Also, position the pump at the hot tub’s lowest point to ensure it can remove all the water. Also, you can use a garden hose to attach the sump pump to a nearby drain or sewer to dispose of the water quickly.
How Often Should I Completely Drain a Hot Tub With a Sump Pump?
It is recommended to completely drain a hot tub with a submersible pump every 3-4 months. This helps remove any buildup of bacteria, scale, and other contaminants that can affect the water quality and damage the hot tub’s components.
But the frequency of draining your hot tub may depend on various factors such as how often you use it, how many people use it, and how well you maintain the water quality. If you notice any cloudy, foamy, or discolored water, it may signal to drain the tub and refill it with fresh water.
It is also essential to clean and service your hot tub routinely to ensure it remains in top condition. Regular hot tub maintenance tasks include sanitizing the water, balancing the water chemistry, cleaning the filters, and inspecting the tub’s moving parts, plumbing, and electrical components.
Make Draining Your Hot Tub a Breeze with Sump Pumps
Maintaining a hot tub can be an arduous task, especially when it comes to draining it of water. But, using a submersible sump pump is simple and efficient. This eliminates the hassle of creating a mess while doing so.
However, it is crucial to handle the electrical components of the hot tub with caution and disconnect it from the power supply before beginning the draining process. Choosing a location lower than the hot tub is also essential to drain all the water effectively.
By following these steps, you can maintain your hot tub for extended periods without any issues, ensuring you are always ready to take a dip.
