How to Change Hot Tub Water: Step by Step Guide

So, it's time to give your hot tub a fresh start by changing the water. Don't worry if you're a first-time user; we've got you covered with this step-by-step guide, complete with tips, tricks, and links to recommended products.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items:

Submersible Pump: A pump to drain the water efficiently.
Hot Tub Cleaner or Flush: To remove any lingering contaminants.
Filter Cleaner: For a thorough cleaning of your hot tub filter.
Garden Hose: For refilling your hot tub with fresh water.
Test Strips or Kit: To check water quality after refilling.

Step 2: Draining the Hot Tub

Pre-Cleaning

• Run a Hot Tub Flush through the tub before emptying the water, this helps to maintain internal plumbing and helps to keep the hot tub in tip top condition. Make sure your diverter valves are in the middle. Also remove head rests and clean properly.

Turn off Power

• Ensure the hot tub is powered off at the consumer unit before starting any maintenance.
• Remove the Cover: If you have a cover, take it off and set it aside.
• Drain the Water: Connect the submersible pump to a power source. Submerge the pump in the water and begin draining. Direct the hose to a suitable drainage area.
• Clean While Draining: Add a hot tub cleaner as the water is draining. This helps break down any residues inside the tub.

Cleaning the Hot Tub & Filters

• Remove the filters and clean them using a filter cleaner.
• You can either use a manual filter cleaner or a Wellis Filter Cleaning Machine.
• Let the filters dry completely before putting them back, as this helps kill any remaining microbes.
• Use a tub scrubber or soft cloth to wipe down the shell.

Step 3: Refilling The Hot Tub

• Check for Damage.
  While the tub is draining, inspect the interior for any signs of damage or wear.
• Put the filters back in to the hot tub.
• Connect a garden hose to a water source and fill the hot tub. Ensure the hose is clean and free from contaminants.
• Fill the spa, with a hose pipe, directly into the filter housing to prevent any air locks.
• Fill water to the fill line which should be above the top of the jets so that no air is being sucked in through the jets.
• Turn on Power. Once the hot tub is filled, turn on the power and reset any settings as needed.
• Balance the Water. Test the water using the provided test strips.
  Adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels as necessary.

Tips & Tricks

• After the water has been replaced test to see how the chemical levels are and adjust as required. Add extra sanitizer on initial fill to kill off any contaminants from the hose.
• Make sure all diverter valves are in the middle to ensure proper chemical mixing and make sure all pumps are on (except air as this is not needed)
• Leave uncovered for approx 30 after adding all chemicals to stop gas buildup under the cover