The temperature had dropped, and the leaves were scattered across the yard. Late fall was here, and with winter fast approaching, it was time to prepare the backyard for the colder months. While my neighbors were focused on raking leaves, I had another task on my to-do list: draining and winterizing our swim spa.
Our family had enjoyed countless hours in the swim spa over the summer and early fall, using it for exercise, relaxation, and family fun. But with freezing temperatures around the corner, it was essential to drain the swim spa to prevent damage.
If it’s time for you to do the same, don’t worry. Draining a swim spa is easier than you might think. This step-by-step will help you feel confident taking care of your spa — whether you’re closing it for the season or getting it ready for a winter of heavy use.
When to drain your swim spa
Draining your swim spa is a key part of seasonal maintenance that helps keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. But how do you know when it’s time to do it? A good general rule is to drain your swim spa every six months. However, how often you use your pool-spa, water care issues, and more can influence how often you drain the water.
There are a few signs and situations, though, that might signal it’s time to drain and refill your spa.
Cloudy or murky water
Even with regular maintenance, water can lose its clarity over time. There are a few reasons why this might happen. Sometimes, the water chemistry can get out of balance. If the sanitizer, pH, or alkalinity levels aren’t quite right, it can lead to dull or hazy water. Everyday use can also introduce oils, lotions, sweat, and debris, which build up even when you’re good about adding sanitizer. Finally, over time, dissolved solids from chemicals and use can accumulate, making the water harder to keep clear.
Out-of-the-ordinary smell
Your swim spa water should smell clean and inviting. After all, no one wants to relax in a spa with an unpleasant odor. If you’re noticing a strong chemical smell or something just doesn’t seem right, it might be time to drain your swim spa water. Odors like these can develop when organic matter builds up, the water chemistry gets out of balance, or the filters need a good cleaning.
Seasonal changes
The shift in weather is a great reminder that it might be time to drain your swim spa. Master Spas recommends changing your water every six months, and doing it in late fall ensures you won’t have to tackle this task in the middle of winter.
Step-by-step guide to draining your swim spa
Draining an H2X Swim Spa requires either a garden hose as a siphon or a submersible pump. Both methods are effective, so choose the one that works best for you.
Turn off the power
Safety first! Before you start draining, turn off the power to your swim spa at the breaker. This ensures that the pumps and heaters won’t run while the spa is empty.
Choose your method
There are two common methods for draining a swim spa. You can use a garden hose as a siphon or use a small submersible pump, which you can find online or at a hardware store.
To use a garden hose, place one end of the hose in the swim spa and the other end at a lower elevation where the water can flow out. Prime the hose by filling it with water, then let gravity do the work. If you have a couple of extra garden hoses, you can use them to run multiple siphons, which will speed the draining process.
To use a submersible pump, place it on the floor of the swim side. Attach a drainage hose to the pump, plug it in, and let it quickly remove the water. The pump is the faster way to drain a spa, but you do need to monitor the process.
Do you have a dual-zone swim spa? Keep in mind that you will need to drain the swim side and hot tub side separately.
Remove any remaining water
Once most of the water is gone, use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to remove any residual water from the bottom of the swim spa, the steps, and hot tub seats. This step is especially important if you’re preparing the spa for winter, as any remaining water could freeze and cause damage.
Clean the interior
With the water drained, it’s time to clean the swim spa. Use a non-sudsy cleaner, such as a vinegar-based window cleaner, and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. Focus on any areas with buildup or residue, and rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning product.
Refilling your swim spa: A refresher
After draining and cleaning, you may want to refill your swim spa so you can continue using it during the colder months.
Choose a water source
Use a garden hose to refill your swim spa. Place the hose in the filter compartment to help prevent airlocks in the plumbing. For added protection, consider using a pre-filter. A pre-filter helps remove impurities like sediment, chlorine, and minerals that might be present in your water, preventing them from entering your swim spa’s system. This not only helps balance the water at start-up but also protects the equipment, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently for a longer time.
Monitor the water level
As you’re filling your swim spa, keep an eye on these lines to make sure the water stays within the recommended range. H2X swim spas come with a helpful sticker that marks both the minimum and maximum fill lines. These indicators are there to guide you in setting the right water level for your spa’s optimal performance. The minimum fill line ensures there’s enough water for the system to function properly, while the maximum fill line prevents overfilling, which could lead to spills or damage.
Turn the power back on
Once the swim spa is full, turn the power back on at the breaker. Run the pumps to circulate the water and check for any air bubbles or issues.
Balance the water chemistry
Once the swim spa is filled, it’s important to balance the water chemistry to ensure safe and clean water. Start by adding metal protectant as this helps protect the equipment from metals like iron and copper in the water. After that, balance the alkalinity and pH levels, as these affect the overall stability of your water. Once those are properly adjusted, add chlorine to bring it up to a higher level during the initial fill-up. Then, allow it to gradually fall to a safe, consistent level. Test the water using a test strip or kit and adjust the chemical levels as needed.
Pro tips for success
As a swim spa owner, you want the process to be as seamless and stress-free as possible, whether you’re refilling, maintaining, or getting ready for your next swim. With a little extra know-how, you can make sure everything runs smoothly and keep your swim spa in top condition.
To help you get the most out of your ownership experience, we’ve gathered a few pro tips that will guide you as you drain and refill your swim spa.
Plan ahead: Choosing a day with good weather can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Draining and refilling your swim spa can take several hours. With a clear forecast, you will have enough time to get the job done without feeling rushed.
Use a submersible pump: To make draining your swim spa faster and easier, a submersible pump is a great tool. It can empty the water much more quickly than a siphon, saving time and effort. These pumps are designed for efficiency, allowing you to drain your spa in a fraction of the time. Just make sure to follow the instructions for safe and effective use to avoid any issues.
Protect your landscaping: H2X Fitness Swim Spas have the EcoPur filtration system, which uses natural minerals to help reduce the amount of chemicals. This eco-friendly feature makes maintenance simpler and gentler on the environment. However, when it’s time to drain your swim spa, it’s essential to consider where the water will go.
Avoid draining water near flower beds or sensitive plants, as the volume and any residual chemicals could harm them. Instead, aim for a safe area like a lawn or a designated drainage spot where the water can flow without causing damage. Being mindful of this step not only protects your landscaping but also helps you maintain a beautiful and healthy outdoor space.
Draining and refilling your swim spa might feel like a bit of a task, but it’s an important step in keeping your investment in great shape for the long haul. By following these simple steps, you’ll feel confident in taking care of your swim spa, knowing you’re setting yourself up for a clean, well-maintained oasis, ready to enjoy whenever you need it.
How to buy a swim spa
Are you ready to create a personal sanctuary in your backyard? Relax, unwind, and reinvent family time with a Master Spas swim spa. Click here to discover the secrets to creating a backyard oasis. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. How much does a swim spa cost? Request a quote here.