Ready to relax? Follow our straightforward guide to refill your hot tub in 6 simple steps and get back to enjoying soothing soaks in no time!
Whether you’re a long-time hot tub owner or a newbie in the world of luxurious relaxation, knowing how to refill your hot tub is an essential skill. From the soothing jets to the warm bubbling water, it’s no wonder that these aquatic oases have become increasingly popular.
How to Refill Your Hot Tub in 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Before draining your hot tub, you need to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. It will prevent the pumps and jets from running without water in the spa, which could damage them. If your spa has one, you must also turn off the heater to avoid overheating.
Step 2: Drain the Water
There are two ways to drain the water from your hot tub: the drainage spigot or a submersible pump. The drainage spigot is a valve usually located at the bottom or side of the spa. You can connect a garden hose to it and run it to a drain or an area where you can dispose of the water safely.
Then, open the valve and let the water drain out. This method may take up to an hour, depending on the size of your spa and the water pressure.
A submersible pump is a device you can place inside your hot tub and connect to a hose. It will pump out the water faster than the fixture, usually in about 10 minutes. You can buy or rent a submersible pump from a hardware store or a hot tub dealer.
Step 3: Clean the Spa
Once you have drained all the water from your hot tub, you must clean the spa shell and filter compartment. Use a clean rag and a spa shell cleaner to wipe down the surfaces and remove any dirt, algae, or biofilm. Use a mild bleach solution or vinegar to disinfect the spa. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or household detergents, as they may damage the acrylic finish or leave residues that could affect the water quality.
Now is also a good time to clean your hot tub filters. You can rinse them with a hose or soak them in a filter cleaner solution for a few hours. Then, rinse them thoroughly and let them dry before reinstalling them.
Step 4: Refill the Spa
Put the hose in the filter housing to refill your hot tub and turn on the water. However, this may cause an airlock, an air bubble trapped in the plumbing, and prevents water flow. To avoid this, you can use a hose pre-filter, which is a device that attaches to your hose and filters out any impurities from the tap water. It also helps prevent air from entering the hose.
Another way to prevent an airlock is to fill your hot tub from the bottom up. You can do this by inserting the hose into one of the jets and letting it fill up until it reaches another jet. Then, move the hose to that jet and repeat until all the jets are covered. Finally, please fill up the rest of the spa until it reaches the recommended level.
Step 5: Balance the Water
After you have refilled your hot tub, you need to balance the water chemistry. It means adjusting the water’s pH, alkalinity, hardness, and sanitizer levels. You can utilize test strips or a digital tester to measure these parameters and add chemicals accordingly. The ideal ranges are:
- pH: 7.2-7.8.
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm.
- Hardness: 150-250 ppm.
- Sanitizer: 1-3 ppm for chlorine or 3-5 ppm for bromine.
Balancing the water will help prevent your spa’s corrosion, scaling, foaming, and bacteria growth.
Step 6: Turn On the Power
The last step is to turn on the power to your hot tub and check if everything is working properly. Turn on the pumps and jets and look for leaks or air bubbles. If you notice any problems, you may need to bleed the air from the plumbing by loosening some fittings or valves until water comes out. Then, tighten them back up.
It would be best to turn on the heater and set it to your desired temperature. Depending on how cold it was when you filled it up, it may take several hours for the water to heat up. You can use a thermometer to check if it has reached your preferred level.
Once your hot tub is heated and balanced, you can enjoy it again!
Note to test and adjust the water chemistry regularly and shock it once a week to keep it clean and clear.
For additional information, visit Hot Tub & Patio, or if you’re interested in more reading, see Guides and Reviews.
Final Words:
In conclusion, refilling your hot tub doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following these six easy steps, you can ensure that your hot tub is clean and ready for use. Remember to turn off the power, drain the water, clean the shell, fill with fresh water, balance the chemicals, and finally, turn on the power.
Regular maintenance and proper care of your hot tub will not only prolong its lifespan but also provide you with a relaxing and enjoyable experience. So go ahead and give your hot tub the attention it deserves – start refilling it today!
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