How to drain an inflatable hot tub

Before you start

Draining with the pump running can damage it, so always switch off and unplug first.

• Switch off the pump and unplug it with dry hands.
• If you plan to refill, purge the lines with a line cleaner first, as the label directs.
• Let the sanitiser level fall if you are draining onto the garden.
• Have a garden hose, the drain adaptor from the box and a towel ready.
• Plan where the water will go.

Note:Unplug the pump before draining and keep the plug and pump unit away from the draining water. Do not let children play near the tub while it drains.

Draining through the valve

Lay-Z-Spa, Intex and other makers each have their own valve design, so check the diagram in your manual. Some pumps also have a drain mode that pushes water out through a hose.

1. 1

   Find the drain valve on the outer wall near the floor; remove its outer cap.

2. 2

   Screw or clip the drain adaptor onto the valve, as the manual shows.

3. 3

   Attach a garden hose to the adaptor and run it to your chosen drain.

4. 4

   Open the valve, often by pushing or twisting the inner plug, and let the water flow.

5. 5

   When flow slows, lift the opposite side of the tub gently to push the last water towards the valve.

6. 6

   Close the valve, remove the adaptor and refit the cap.

How long it takes

Gravity draining is slow because the water level is low and the valve is small. A tub of around 800 to 1,000 litres commonly takes a few hours, depending on the hose length and how far below the tub the end sits. Keeping the hose short and the end lower than the tub helps.

A submersible pump or a wet and dry vacuum speeds things up a lot. Place the pump on the tub floor, run its hose to the drain and switch it on, keeping its plug well away from water and on an RCD protected socket. Finish with a sponge or towel for the last few centimetres.

Where the water can go

Hot tub water contains sanitiser and other chemicals. Do not drain it into surface water drains, ditches, streams or ponds, as these often lead straight to rivers. A foul drain that goes to the sewer, such as an outside gully connected to your household drainage, is usually the right place. If you are not sure where a drain leads, check with your water company or local council.

If you want to use the water on the lawn, stop adding sanitiser and let the level fall to zero first, and spread it rather than flooding one spot. Avoid draining onto vegetable beds.

How often to change the water

Makers give their own guidance, often every few weeks to a few months depending on use. Heavy use, persistent cloudiness, foam or readings that will not balance are all signs it is time. Draining is also part of the end of season routine; see how to store an inflatable hot tub.

After draining, wipe the liner, clean or replace the filter, refill and balance the new water. See what chemicals a hot tub needs. Use the water volume calculator to estimate fill time from your tap's flow.

See smaller tubs that drain faster →

Frequently asked questions

How do I drain an inflatable hot tub with a hose? Attach the drain adaptor to the valve, connect a garden hose, run it to a suitable drain and open the valve.

How long does it take to drain a Lay-Z-Spa? Commonly a few hours by gravity. A submersible pump is much faster.

Can I drain my hot tub onto the lawn? Let the sanitiser fall to zero first, and spread the water. Do not drain into surface water drains or streams.

Do I need to drain the tub to clean it? For a full clean, yes. Purge the lines before draining.