Spas and Hot Tubs

How often should I drain my spa?


This depends on several factors but the rule of thumb is to drain a residential spa every three months. If the spa is quite small or very heavily used, you may need to drain more often. Some systems will suggest a drain and refill every four months. If a dealer (or a friend) tells you that you can go a year or more without draining your spa... they are misinforming you. Although the water in a spa is filtered and sanitized, it has a limited life that is dictated primarily by the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).

Imagine your spa as a large cup of tea. You add one teaspoon of sugar and it dissolves easily. If you dump several teaspoons of sugar into the cup of tea, you will eventually saturate the water with sugar and you will find a residual of sugar at the bottom of the cup. The same thing happens with a spa. You are applying chemicals to keep the water crisp and clear. Eventually, you will add enough chemical that the water will be saturated and it will no longer be easily managed.

Follow the guidelines of a reputable professional and change the water in your spa at least every three to four months.