How to Drain Your Hot Tub Fast: Use a Pump, Hose and Tips for Quick Results

A submersible pump is the quickest way to drain a hot tub, hands down. You’re looking at 10 to 20 minutes versus hours of waiting on the built-in drain. Once the water is out, clean the shell, flush the plumbing, and refill with balanced water so the spa stays clean and easier to maintenance.

Fastest Way to Drain a Hot Tub

If you want pure speed, use a submersible pump. A small ⅓ HP pump usually moves around 2500 to 3500 gallons per hour, which is enough to empty a 400 gallon spa in 10 to 15 minutes.

Gravity draining through the built-in drain can take 1.5 to 4 hours depending on hose length and elevation.

Method	Speed	Best For
Submersible pump	Fastest, 10–20 minutes	Anyone who wants it done quickly
Shop vac siphon	20–30 minutes	No pump, but still need speed
Built-in drain valve	1.5–4 hours	No extra tools
Garden hose siphon	40–90 minutes	Backup method

How to Drain a Hot Tub Fast 

Before draining, turn off the power, disconnect the pump, and locate the drain plug, which varies by model, typically found at the base or on the side of the unit.

1. Power Off: Before draining, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This will prevent any electrical accidents from occurring.
2. Locate the drain valve: The drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the hot tub, near the floor. It may be covered by a cap that you need to unscrew.
3. Connect a hose: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach a drain or a safe area to dispose of the water.
4. Open the valve: Slowly open the drain valve and allow the water to flow through the hose. Be careful not to damage the hose or the valve.
5. Drain the water: Depending on the size, it may take several hours to drain completely. While the water drains, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the tub.
6. Clean the tub: Once the hot tub is drained, use a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the interior. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely.
7. Refill the tub: After cleaning, close the drain valve and refill the tub with fresh water.

Safety should always be your top priority when working with electrical appliances and water.

Three Primary Methods for Draining a Hot Tub

1. Using the Drain Valve: The standard method, attach a hose to the valve and let gravity do the work.
2. With a Submersible Pump: The fastest method, use a pump to quickly remove water.
3. Siphoning with a Garden Hose: A slower, manual method, create a siphon to drain the water.

How to Drain a Hot Tub Using the Built-In Drain Valve

If you don’t have a pump, this method works fine, it’s just slower.

1. Shut off power at the breaker.
2. Find the drain port at the base of your tub.
3. Connect a garden hose.
4. Run the hose downhill or to a safe drainage area.
5. Open the valve and let gravity handle the rest.
6. Plan for a couple hours depending on tub size and hose length.

Real numbers: A 350 gallon spa with a standard gravity drain usually takes 2 to 3 hours.

How to Drain a Hot Tub Using a Siphon

This is an easy backup when you don’t have a pump and don’t want to wait on the slow drain valve.

1. Place the garden hose completely underwater until it fills.
2. Cover one end with your thumb.
3. Pull it out and place it downhill.
4. Release your thumb and let gravity take over.

A siphon usually moves 6 to 12 gallons per minute, so expect 40 to 90 minutes.

How to Remove the Last Few Inches of Water

No method drains every drop. Here’s how to finish the job fast.

Quick ways to dry the bottom:

• Shop vac to suck up the puddles
• Old towels pushed into the corners
• Tilt the tub slightly if yours is light enough (portable spas only)

If you want a spotless reset, run a shop vac on blow mode into the jets to clear water in the lines.

How to Flush the Pipes Before Draining

Biofilm builds up inside plumbing lines over time. A quick flush before draining gets rid of the gunk.

1. Add a plumbing line cleaner while the tub is still full.
2. Run the jets for 10–20 minutes.
3. You’ll see foam and grime lift off the sides.
4. Drain right after so the junk doesn’t settle again.

This helps sanitizer last longer and keeps water looking cleaner between drains.

WHEN & WHY TO DRAIN YOUR HOT TUB

Water only stays “healthy” for so long. Even with sanitizer, the water slowly fills with body oils, sweat, detergents, lotions, and minerals. Once the water gets saturated, no amount of chemicals will balance it.

Heavy-use tubs sometimes need draining every 60 days.

1. Routine Maintenance:
   It’s recommended every 3 to 4 months, depending on how often it’s used. Frequent use or hosting multiple users may require more frequent draining to keep the water fresh and balanced.
2. Water Quality Issues:
   If you notice cloudy water, an unpleasant odor, or difficulty balancing the chemicals, it might be time to drain the tub. These issues often indicate that the water is saturated with minerals, chemicals, and organic matter that regular maintenance can’t resolve.
3. After Heavy Use:
   Following a party or a period of heavy use, it’s a good idea to drain and refill because High bather loads can quickly degrade water quality.
4. Seasonal Changes:
   Draining before winter or summer can help prepare it for the upcoming season. Winterizing involves draining it completely to prevent freezing damage, especially in areas where temperatures drop significantly.
5. Equipment Issues:
   If you’re experiencing problems with your pump, heater, or jets, draining might be necessary to inspect and repair these components.
6. Calcium Build-Up:
   When calcium deposits start forming on the sides or bottom of the hot tub, it’s often a sign that draining is needed to clean the tub and address any scaling issues without damaging the surface.

Where You Can Drain Hot Tub Water Safely

Most cities allow draining on your property as long as the water is neutral and chlorine is below 0.5 ppm.

Good places to drain:

• Gravel areas
• Flower beds
• Gutter access points
• Driveway that slopes away from the house

Avoid draining onto lawns when possible. The chemicals can stress the grass unless the water is fully balanced and dechlorinated.

Gather the Required Tools and Materials

Gather Tools: Garden hose, Submersible pump (optional), A bucket and a sponge for the remaining water, Towels.

1. Turn Off the Power: Shut off the power supply to prevent accidents.
2. Locate the Drain Valve: Find the valve, usually at the bottom, and refer to the manual if needed.
3. Connect the Hose: Attach the garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end where water can drain safely.
4. Open the Drain Valve: Allow water to flow through the hose.
5. Remove the Cover: Take off and dry the hot tub cover while the water drains.
6. Clean the Hot Tub: Once drained, clean the interior with a non-abrasive cleaner and rinse.
7. Refill the Hot Tub: Use the garden hose to fill with fresh water, ensuring the level is appropriate.

Restart the Hot Tub

• Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
• Replace or clean the filter.
• Turn on the power and pump.
• Adjust the temperature and test the water chemistry.
• Replace the cover and enjoy!

Safety Measures to Consider

Before draining a hot tub, we need to make sure we take some safety measures. These include:

• Turning off the power supply to the hot Tub
• Wearing gloves to protect your hands
• Wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes
• Asking for adult help if you need it

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when draining the hot Tub
• Use a submersible pump if you want to empty the hot Tub faster
• Keep the cover clean and dry to prevent damage
• Regularly empty and clean the hot Tub to keep it in good condition
• Use a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the hot Tub and avoid damage to the surface

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not turning off the power supply before draining
• Not wearing gloves or safety goggles
• Draining on the lawn or other plants can damage them
• Using abrasive cleaners, which can damage the hot Tub’s surface
• Filling the hot Tub with hard water can cause mineral buildup and damage its components

FLUSH YOUR PIPES

Flushing your pipes during the draining process, crucial for removing built-up debris and biofilm, ensures cleaner water and better system performance. To effectively flush your pipes, add a pipe cleaner to the water before draining, run the jets for about 15 minutes, then drain the tub completely—getting rid of the gunk before refilling.

Winterizing: Draining a Hot Tub for Cold Weather

If you’re shutting your tub down for winter, you need to remove all water so nothing freezes inside the pipes.

Here’s the quick checklist:

• Drain completely
• Shop vac the remaining water
• Blow out plumbing lines
• Remove and dry filters
• Open all valves
• Leave the cover on but vents open

Inflatable and portable tubs should be dried and stored indoors.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Hot Tub Isn’t Draining

Water isn’t flowing:

• Hose isn’t downhill
• Air locked in hose
• Drain valve clogged with debris

Siphon won’t start:

• Hose isn’t fully filled with water first

Pump shuts off early:

• Thermal overload from running dry
• Puddle too shallow to pick up

For additional information visit Hot Tub Patio or if you’re interested in reading reviews and guides for hot tubs, visit our guide on hot tub maintenance.