Regularly draining and refilling your spa is essential for maintaining clean, healthy water. Over time, contaminants build up, reducing the effectiveness of your sanitiser and making the water look and feel less inviting. If you’re unsure how to properly drain and refill your spa, this guide will take you through the process step by step, ensuring your spa stays in tip top condition.
How to Drain Your Spa
1. Turn Off the Power
Always turn off the power at the switch or socket before draining your spa. This protects your spa’s components from running while dry or spraying water from exposed jets.
2. Locate the Drain Valve
Most spas have a built-in drain valve which is usually found near the base of the spa or inside the cabinet. Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure where to find it.
3. Attach the Hose and Drain the Water
Connect your garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end to an appropriate drainage area and open the valve to allow the water to flow out. Depending on the spa you have this, may either require pulling out or rotating the drain assembly to release water.
If you’re unable to locate or access your drain, siphoning with a hose or using a submersible pump are two alternative options. A submersible pump will require some upfront cost but will quickly empty your spa and allow you to direct the water uphill. This is particularly useful if your spa is sunk into the ground or a deck.
A short section of garden hose (2-3m) can be used to siphon out the water. Simply submerge the hose in the water until all the air has escaped, put your finger over one end, and release it at ground level outside the spa – no sucking needed! A larger pool hose can also be used for a faster siphon.
4. Remove Any Remaining Water
Once the spa has finished draining, there may still be some water left in the footwell or seats. Use a bucket, sponge, or a wet-dry vacuum to remove any excess.
5. Clean the Spa Interior
With the spa empty, take the opportunity to wipe down the shell. A mild household cleaner can be used, but make sure to rinse this off so no residue remains when the spa is refilled. Alternatively, methylated spirits can be used sparingly on the shell as any excess will evaporate and the alcohol content acts well as a sanitiser and cleaner.
How to Refill Your Spa
1. Inspect and Clean the Filters
Before refilling, remove the filters and give them a good rinse or soak them in a bucket with a dedicated filter cleaning solution. This ensures optimal water flow and filtration. If your filters are older than two years, it is recommended you replace them.
At SPA DEPOT, we offer a range of premium filters suited for a variety of spa brands:
- Signature Spa Filters – from $200 per set of 2
- Bullfrog Spa Filters – from $100 each
- Leisure Rite Spa Filters – from $120 each
- Leisure Rite & Cyclone Spa Filters – from $200 per set of 2
2. Place the Hose in the Filter Well
To reduce airlocks, place the hose in the filter well rather than directly into the spa. This helps the plumbing fill evenly and prevents air from getting trapped, which can cause the spa to not start.
3. Fill to the Recommended Level
Turn on the water and fill the spa to the manufacturer’s recommended level. This is usually just above the highest jets.
4. Turn the Power Back On
Once the spa is filled, switch the power back on at the circuit breaker. Run the pump to circulate the water and check for any airlocks. If you notice weak water flow, try turning the jets on and off a few times to release trapped air.
5. Balance the Water Chemistry
Test the water using a spa test kit and adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels as needed. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps the water crystal clear.
6. Enjoy Your Fresh Spa Water!
Now that your spa is clean and refilled, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Regular maintenance, including draining and refilling every three to four months, will keep your spa water fresh and inviting. For more on spa pool chemicals, read our guide!
Stock Up on Spa Essentials
For all your spa maintenance needs, visit our Auckland spa shop for high-quality chemicals, filters, and accessories. Not in Auckland? No problem – we ship New Zealand-wide, so you can get what you need, delivered to your door.
Prefer to Leave It to the Experts?
Draining and refilling your spa is just one part of keeping it in top shape—ongoing maintenance, water care, and regular cleaning all play a big part too. If you’d rather skip the hassle, SPA DEPOT offers a professional spa and pool valets to take care of it all for you.
During our Annual Tune Up, our experienced technicians inspect the spa components, flush out the pipes, drain the water, clean the shell, refill the water, and balance the chemistry for you—starting from just $295 a year.
It’s the easiest way to keep your spa clean, safe, and ready for the year ahead!