How long does it take to drain a 500 gallon hot tub?

Author: Kimberly Legros  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Depending on the size of your spa, it should take around an hour to drain using the hot tub's drainage spigot, or ten minutes to drain with a submersible pump.

How long to drain a 500 gallon hot tub?

A reasonable estimate is somewhere between one and two hours. Depending on the water pressure where you live, the filling process should take anywhere from two to three hours. But there are a couple of considerations for the day before you drain and the time period before you fill.

How long does it take to drain a hot tub with a garden hose?

The math is pretty simple - a 450 gallon spa can be emptied in as little as 15 minutes flat.

How to speed up hot tub draining?

The fastest way to drain your hot tub is to use a submersible pump to forcibly move the water out. Attach an outflow hose to the pump and place it on the floor at the center of the tub. See if the other end of the hose is long enough to reach the nearest drain or sewer.

How long does it take to fill a 500 gallon hot tub with a garden hose?

Plan for around an hour to fill your tub. Garden hoses have an average flow rate of 6-8 gallons per minute (gpm) depending on their length and diameter. So if you have a 270-gallon hot tub and your hose is 7 gpm, it will take approximately 40 minutes to fill completely.

How to DRAIN and CLEAN a HOT TUB

How long does it take to drain a 600 gallon hot tub?

Depending on the size of your spa, it should take around an hour to drain using the hot tub's drainage spigot, or ten minutes to drain with a submersible pump.

How many chlorine tablets for 500 gallon hot tub?

The recommended amount of chlorine tablets for a hot tub is usually 1–3 tablets per 500 gallons of water per week. 2. Chlorine granules: Chlorine granules are a fast-dissolving form of chlorine that can be added directly to your hot tub water.

Why is my hot tub draining so slowly?

Air is getting into the plumbing lines. This can cause the hot tub to drain slowly or unevenly. Try turning off the power to the hot tub, disconnecting the pump, and opening the drain valve to allow any trapped air to escape before draining the water.

What can I use to make my tub drain faster?

This natural, eco-friendly method helps dissolve clogs caused by soap scum and minor hair clogs:
  1. Remove standing water from the tub.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
  3. Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
  4. Cover the drain with a wet cloth.
  5. Wait 5–10 minutes.
  6. Flush with hot water.

How often should you completely drain a hot tub?

On average, you should aim to completely drain it about three to four times a year. Lucky for you, the time it takes to drain your hot tub is usually around an hour or so. One hour of time spent cleaning roughly four times a year is only four hours of your time to ensure that you are resting in a sanitary hot tub.

Is it OK to drain hot tub into yard?

In most cases, very little to no damage will occur to the lawn when a pool, hot tub, or other chlorinated water source is emptied on it, provided it is not done frequently, dumped all in one spot, and care is taken to reduce the chlorine concentration as much as possible from the typical range for a pool or hot tub (1 ...

What do you run through a hot tub before draining?

Flush the lines

Turn up the jets to the maximum, then pour the recommended amount of hot tub flush or any other pipe cleaner into the water to clear all the sludge, bacteria or biofilm out of its plumbing. Then allow the jets to run for 15-30 minutes before moving on to the draining process.

Where does the water go when you drain a hot tub?

When draining your pool or hot tub, following these procedures:
  • Drain the water to the sanitary sewer or allow it to infiltrate into the ground, if available. ...
  • Never allow water to flow onto the sidewalk, street, or right-of-way. ...
  • Never allow water to flow onto neighboring properties.

What is the best hot tub brand?

Sundance Spas®, HotSpring®, Jacuzzi®, and Dimension One Spas® all offer exceptional hot tub options, each with its unique features and benefits. Whether you prioritize hydrotherapy, energy efficiency, or advanced technology, these brands have something to offer for a premium spa experience.

How long does it take to empty a hot tub with a hose?

However, if the drain is not nearby, attach the spigot to a garden hose and then place the other end into the drain, before opening the drain valve. Using this method, most hot tubs/spas will be drained in about one or two hours. There might also be pools of water left depending on the contours of the hot tub.

Is it OK to drain a hot tub and leave it empty?

The quick answer to this question is yes, you can leave your hot tub empty. But before you leave your hot tub empty, take these precautions to protect it, which will vary depending on the time of year.

How do you speed up drainage?

Try the vinegar and baking soda trick. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then allow the reaction to clear any minor clogs or buildup. Finally, flush the drain with hot water.

Why does my tub take so long to drain?

A slow-draining bathtub is almost always caused by clogs in the upper tub drainage section. These are usually caused by build-ups of hair, oil, soap scum, and mineral deposits like limescale over time, but can also happen when something like a hair tie, toy, or shampoo bottle cap accidentally ends up down the drain.

What to do when your tub isn't draining fast?

Can I Unclog the Bathtub Drain Myself?
  1. Try to Use a Sink Plunger Over the Drain to Unclog It. This creates a vacuum of air that can dislodge whatever is clogging the pipe, such as a wad of hair. ...
  2. Pour Boiling Water to the Drain Opening. ...
  3. Try a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture. ...
  4. Use Chemical Drain Cleaners.

Why did my hot tub drain overnight?

It has a spring-loaded “flap seat” that stops water from flowing. If anything gets trapped within that valve, such as debris, it can disturb the flap and prevent the valve from sealing properly. That allows the water to flow backward and drain instead of remaining inside your hot tub.

How do you run a hot tub efficiently?

  1. Lower your hot tub's base temperature. ...
  2. Make use of your hot tub's cover. ...
  3. Clean your hot tub filters regularly. ...
  4. Check your hot tub's filter cycle. ...
  5. Keep your hot tub clean. ...
  6. Invest in an air-source heat pump. ...
  7. Turn your hot tub off when not in use. ...
  8. Reduce how often you use your hot tub.

Is shock the same as chlorine?

1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.

How often should I shock my hot tub?

How often should you shock your hot tub? If you use your hot tub most days you should shock it at least once a week. Bump this up to twice a week if your spa gets used multiple times a day or you have a heavy bather load every time it's used.

Can I put OxiClean in my hot tub?

Can I use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover in place of chlorine to treat my pool or hot tub? No. Can I use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover on rubber surfaces? We suggest you contact the manufacturer of your rubber surfaces for cleaning recommendations.

Previous article
Is it okay to use tissue after pooping?
Next article
What is an example of disinfection?