How Often Should You Drain and Refill your Hot Tub (by a hot tub cleaning service near me)

The before and after of a hot tub drain and clean

Owning a hot tub is all about relaxation, recovery, and family fun — but none of those benefits matter if your water isn’t clean. Over time, even with regular chemical balancing, hot tub water collects body oils, lotions, sweat, detergents, and bacteria. Eventually, the water simply becomes too “tired” to stay clean, no matter how many chemicals you add. That’s when it’s time to start fresh. So, how often should you drain a hot tub? The short answer: every 3–6 months. But depending on usage, location, and water chemistry, you may need to do it sooner. Let’s break down the signs, schedules, and benefits of a professional water change.

Why Do You Need to Drain and Refill a Hot Tub?

Even though your spa’s sanitizers (chlorine, bromine or biguanide) do a great job of keeping water safe, they can’t work forever. Over time, contaminants build up in your hot tub water, including:

• Body oils and lotions from skin and hair products

• Laundry detergent residue from swimsuits

• Sweat and bacteria from multiple bathers

• Foam and film from accumulated contaminants

As these substances collect, chemicals become less effective. Eventually, you’ll notice cloudy water, strong odors, or skin irritation — clear signs it’s time for a hot tub water change. Regular draining and refilling also protects your hot tub’s pumps, heaters, and jets from long-term damage.

General Rule of Thumb: Drain Every 3–6 Months

Most hot tub manufacturers and spa care professionals agree: drain and refill your hot tub every 3–6 months. This schedule works well for the average homeowner who uses their spa a few times a week and maintains proper water chemistry.

You may need to adjust your hot tub water change schedule if:

• You use your hot tub daily or entertain guests frequently

• The water is difficult to balance despite chemical adjustments

• You notice persistent cloudiness, foam, or an unpleasant odor

• It’s been more than 4 months since your last drain and refill

When in doubt, remember: fresh water means a fresher, safer soak.

When Should You Change the Water More Frequently?

While 3–6 months is a solid guideline, there are times when more frequent draining is best:

• Vacation rentals or Airbnbs: Hot tubs used by multiple guests may require monthly draining.

• Heavy family use: If your spa is used daily by several people, water can become saturated quickly.

• Poor chemical maintenance: Skipped treatments or imbalanced pH/alkalinity accelerate water deterioration.

• After contamination: If your spa develops algae, biofilm, or bacteria growth, it’s safest to fully drain and sanitize.

By paying attention to these factors, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your hot tub safe for everyone.

What’s Included in a Professional Hot Tub Water Change?

Draining and refilling your spa is more than just pulling the plug and adding fresh water. At Stay Clean & Classy Spa Care, our water change service includes a deep clean that keeps your spa in top condition:

1. Flushing the jet lines to remove hidden biofilm and bacteria

2. Draining the hot tub completely, including water trapped in plumbing lines

3. Shop-vacuuming out debris left at the bottom of the spa

4. Deep cleaning the shell and hot tub cover

5. Replacing or cleaning filters to restore filtration power

6. Refilling the spa with fresh water

7. Adding startup chemicals for perfect water balance from day one

This process ensures your spa isn’t just refilled, but reset — giving you the cleanest, safest water possible.

How to Extend Time Between Drains

Want to keep your water fresher for longer? Here are a few easy tips to extend the life of your water between full drains:

• Rinse filters twice a month to keep debris out of circulation

• Shower before soaking to remove lotions, oils, and detergents

• Keep the cover on when not in use to block debris and sunlight

• Maintain proper water chemistry with regular testing and adjustments

Following these steps helps you stretch your water change schedule without sacrificing safety or comfort.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Too Long

A clean, balanced hot tub isn’t just nicer to soak in — it’s also safer, healthier, and easier on your equipment. By following the 3–6 month water change rule (or sooner if needed), you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water, better chemical efficiency, and peace of mind knowing your spa is safe for your family.

At Stay Clean & Classy Spa Care, a hot tub cleaning service near me, we specialize in routine maintenance and professional hot tub water changes in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar and the greater San Diego area. If it’s been more than three months since your last water change, now’s the perfect time to refresh your spa.

👉 Schedule your hot tub water change service today and keep your soak clean, safe, and classy. stayclean@hottubcleaningsd.com