How to Drain an Inflatable Hot Tub: Easy Steps for Fun-Loving Families

TLDR

• Drain your inflatable hot tub every 3–4 months (or more often for heavy use) to prevent bacteria, cloudiness, and damage.
• Use the built-in drain spigot for most water removal; a wet/dry vacuum or a small submersible pump can help get the last puddles.
• Never dump treated tub water into storm drains or natural waterways—dispose via the sanitary sewer or after dechlorinating for garden use.
• Always dry the tub thoroughly after draining to prevent mold, mildew, and nasty surprises at your next pool party.
• The right draining and cleaning routine makes your hot tub last longer, stay safer, and keeps backyard magic going strong.

Table of Contents

Why Drain Your Inflatable Hot Tub?

Draining your inflatable hot tub isn’t just a chore; it’s the pulse check that keeps every soak delightful, not dubious. Hot tub water looks clear at first, but it’s secretly hosting a wild party of bacteria, body oils, lotions, and sanitizer residue. Over time, chemical sanitizers like chlorine or bromine get “tired” battling grime, leaving bacteria, biofilm, and cloudiness free to form. If you skip regular drainage, you risk more than murky water—you invite unwanted guests, like mold or even harmful bacteria such as Legionella and Pseudomonas.

Health agencies and spa experts recommend draining and refilling your tub every three to four months, or more often if your spa gets regular use by the whole gang. Why? Even the best filters and sanitizers can’t zap everything. Residual chemicals build up, and total dissolved solids—the invisible gunk—make it almost impossible to keep water balanced. Add in the material realities of inflatable spas (which are more sensitive to neglect than solid tubs), and regular draining becomes your ticket to a safer, fresher, and longer-lasting hot tub.

Best Methods for Draining an Inflatable Hot Tub

Understanding how to drain an inflatable hot tub efficiently (and with minimal backyard drama) comes down to picking the right technique:

The Built-In Drain Spigot: Simple & Standard

Most inflatable hot tubs feature a drain spigot—a cap near the base, built for straightforward gravity drainage. To empty your spa:

• Turn off the power and unplug everything.
• Unscrew the drain cap (often under a flap).
• Attach a garden hose (if you want to direct water someplace specific).
• Place the hose or opening downhill, making sure it won’t flood your flower beds or end up in the street.
• Open the valve and let gravity do the work. For standard-sized tubs, expect this to take up to an hour.

• No special tools or fuss required
• Ideal for small to medium tubs
• Safe, with minimal risk of equipment mishaps

• Only works if you have somewhere for water to go at a lower elevation
• May leave small puddles behind in the base and under seats

Submersible Pump: Quick and Thorough (For the Impatient Soaker)

If speed is your style, a small electric submersible pump is a lifesaver. Place the pump at the lowest point of the tub, attach a hose, and fire it up. It’ll suck up water far faster than gravity, making it a favorite for big tubs or when you’re racing a rainstorm.

• Drains rapidly—often in 10–30 minutes
• Effective regardless of the yard’s slope
• Can direct water further away (through a long hose)

• Needs a safe, dry plug (GFCI recommended)
• Watch the pump so it doesn’t run dry when water’s nearly gone (risk of overheating)

Wet/Dry Vacuum: The Leftover Slayer

Even after drainage, you’ll spot stubborn puddles in the footwell or under the inflatable seats. Enter the wet/dry vacuum. Use it to suck out every drop—and don’t forget to blow air through jets or crevices where water might hide.

• Perfect for finishing the job
• Removes water from hard-to-reach nooks

• Not ideal for emptying a full tub (the tank is too small for the full workload)
• Requires repeated emptying/toting

Combining Methods: The All-Out Approach

Most spa owners use a combination: drain spigot for the bulk, submersible pump for anything gravity can’t reach, and wet/dry vac for the last lingering splashes. This way, your inflatable hot tub is left ready for a quick clean and fresh refill—no swampy surprises next time.

Before you begin:

• Always disconnect electrical power before draining.
• Scout the exit route for water—never let it sit against your patio, home foundation, or enter a storm drain.
• Prepare your cleaning tools (sponges, cloths, cleaner) for post-drain care.

Eco-Friendly Water Disposal (And Legal Must-Knows)

Hot tub owners often treat draining as a “set it and forget it” task, but where that water goes truly matters. Treated spa water contains more than a season’s worth of cheerful bubbles—it’s also packed with chlorine or bromine, plus occasional heavy metals and “micro-yuck” from body oils and detergents. If released directly into storm drains, creeks, or public spaces, it wreaks havoc on local waterways by harming sensitive fish, frogs, and beneficial bacteria.

Here’s how to stay both eco-friendly and out of trouble:

Avoiding Environmental Hazards

• Never drain straight to a storm drain or natural waterway. Even “clear” water can contain enough chlorine to destroy aquatic life.
• Don’t dump large volumes in one spot. This can kill grass, damage soil, and create runoff into the wrong places.

The Best Disposal Options

1. Sanitary Sewer (Your Best Bet)

Direct the drained water into your home’s utility sink, toilet, or shower drain. The sanitary sewer system is specifically designed to treat and neutralize chemicals before releasing water back into the environment.

2. Dechlorination for Lawn/Garden Use

If your city allows, let your hot tub sit uncovered for several days after turning off any chemical treatment. Sunlight will help reduce chlorine and bromine naturally. For a faster fix, use a dechlorinating agent (sodium thiosulfate tablets work wonders), test with a test strip, and ensure chlorine/bromine is <0.1 ppm before using the water to gently irrigate your lawn. Avoid using hot tub water on edible plants to prevent any chemical uptake.

3. Municipal Guidance and Rules

Check with your local water authority for specific rules. Some areas require advanced notice for large discharges, or ban tub water from being discharged into septic systems or storm drains under penalty of hefty fines.

Pro Tip:

If in doubt, call your local public works or environmental agency. Rules change, and even neighborly communities get cranky if spa water shows up in their driveway.

How Draining Affects Hot Tub Health and Longevity

Every time you drain your inflatable hot tub, you do two things: you cut down bacteria and biofilm (major health risks), and you give your tub a new lease on life. But draining isn’t just about what leaves the tub, but what’s left behind.

Health Risks from Skipping or Botching Draining

• Standing leftover water grows mold, mildew, and biofilm—homes for bacteria like Legionella and Pseudomonas (the culprits behind hot tub rash and more serious infections).
• Chemical buildup means sanitizers stop working well, leaving the water smelly, irritating, and prone to cloudiness or “tub rash.”
• Moisture trapped in the lining—especially in soft-sided tubs—can lead to mildew, unpleasant smells, or degrade delicate vinyl seams.

Material and Structural Effects

Inflatable hot tubs are resilient, but not invincible:

• Draining too infrequently lets chemical-laden water stress the vinyl, promoting small cracks that let water and air escape.
• Leaving drained tubs with lingering puddles can weaken seams or damage foam/insulating layers over time.
• Regular, gentle draining (not aggressive pulling or squeezing) helps sustain tub firmness and prolongs sidewall life.

The Goldilocks Rule: Not Too Often, Not Too Rarely

While draining every month isn’t necessary (and repeated refill cycles can stress cheap vinyl), a quarterly schedule balances hygiene, fun, and tub longevity. High-traffic tubs might benefit from partial water changes monthly, with a full drain every season.

Essential Maintenance After Draining

Empty isn’t clean—lucky for you, inflatable tub maintenance after draining is super manageable and makes a real difference.

Step 1: Mop Up Every Last Drop

After primary draining, use a wet/dry vac, towels, or sponges to soak up puddles—especially in the footwell and crevices. Don’t skip this: moisture fuels bacteria and mold even when you’re not looking.

Step 2: Clean and Rinse

Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner (there are spa-specific sprays, but mild dish soap in warm water can also work) to scrub the surfaces inside. Pay attention to jets, seats, and the waterline where grime loves to cling. Rinse thoroughly so soap residue doesn’t create next time’s foam party.

Step 3: Dry It Out

Let the tub fully air-dry, preferably in the sun—sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Wipe down any stubborn wet spots. Don’t rush this step if you’re packing away the tub for storage: dry means mildew-free.

Step 4: Cleaning/Changing the Filter

Remove filter cartridges and hose them off, or soak overnight in a filter cleaning solution if you detect stubborn gunk. Replace if the cartridge looks frayed, discolored, or smells off (most filters last 6–12 months with regular rinsing).

Step 5: Inspect for Wear

Check seams, valves, and the air pump’s connection points. Repair any minor pinholes or cracks now, before you refill (inflatable patch kits are your friend).

Step 6: Mindful Refill

When ready, refill with a garden hose, letting water flow gently to prevent air locks. Make sure drains are securely closed, and run the pump for several hours after refilling to circulate and mix in sanitizers evenly.

Bonus: Winterization

If you’re shutting down for winter, store your clean, totally dry tub indoors or in a weatherproof bag in a dry garage. Water left behind during a freeze can crack or split the tough vinyl, taking the “pop” out of your next springtime spa session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I drain an inflatable hot tub?
A: For families using the tub a few times a week, draining every 3–4 months hits the sweet spot for cleanliness and material health. For heavy use (daily soaks or frequent parties), consider draining a bit sooner or doing partial water changes monthly.

Q: Is it okay to drain hot tub water into my yard or garden?
A: Only after dechlorinating and if local rules allow. Let sanitizer levels drop below 0.1 ppm (by waiting several days or using a neutralizer) before watering grass or non-edible plants. Never use on veggies or near ponds.

Q: Can I drain my inflatable hot tub water into the street or storm drain?
A: No! Treated water harms wildlife and is illegal in most areas. Always dispose via the sanitary sewer or, if permitted, safely onto your lawn after dechlorination.

Q: Why is there always a little leftover water, even after draining?
A: The spigot can’t reach every dip and cranny. Use a wet/dry vac or towels to finish the job. This prevents mold and keeps things fresh.

Q: What if I see mold or pink slime after draining?
A: Clean with a spa-friendly disinfectant, focusing on affected areas. Let dry fully before refilling. Regular draining, thorough drying, and proper chemical balances help prevent future outbreaks.

Conclusion

Draining your inflatable hot tub is about more than flipping a valve—it’s a small, satisfying ritual that keeps every soak safe and sparkling. By using the right method, disposing of water responsibly, and giving your tub a post-drain spa day of its own, you’ll set the stage for hundreds of happy, low-stress soaks to come. Regular draining and thoughtful aftercare extend the life of your inflatable spa and protect all the backyard memories it helps make. Whether you use a spigot, pump, or a trusty wet/dry vac, follow up with attentive cleaning and drying. With these steps down, you’re not just caring for a tub—you’re sustaining a hub for laughter, stories, and everyday magic.

If you're considering upgrading your setup or want a spa that's easy to maintain, check out our Inflatable Hot Tubs collection for models designed with convenience and durability in mind.

About the Author

Alex Morgan is a consumer home-lifestyle writer and weekend backyard experimenter who’s helped dozens of families evaluate outdoor leisure purchases. Alex combines research-backed analysis with practical setup experience to help readers choose gear that fits both budgets and backyards.