❓ Why Should You Drain Your Spa?

Unlike pools, spa water is not meant to last forever. Even with perfect chemical balance, contaminants build up over time. Reasons to drain your spa include:

• TDS Buildup: Total Dissolved Solids (like sweat, lotions, and minerals) accumulate and reduce chemical effectiveness.
• Unpleasant Odours: Stale water can smell bad due to bacteria or mold in pipes.
• Cloudy or Foamy Water: Signs your water has reached its limit.
• Bacteria Risk: Stagnant water promotes biofilm inside plumbing and jets.

We recommend draining every 3 months, or more often with frequent use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining and Cleaning Your Spa

1. Turn Off the Power: Shut off the spa at the breaker. This prevents pumps from running dry once drained.
2. Add a Pipe Flush Cleaner: Before draining, add a spa flush product. It breaks down grime and biofilm inside the plumbing, jets, and heater. Run jets for 15–30 minutes.
3. Drain the Spa: Use the spa’s drain valve or a submersible pump to remove all water. Be sure to direct water to a legal drainage area as per Auckland water guidelines.
4. Clean Surfaces and Headrests: Scrub the interior shell with a non-abrasive spa cleaner. Wipe headrests and the waterline, and check for calcium scale or stains.
5. Limpia el Filtro del Spa: Antes de volver a llenar el spa, saca el filtro (o los filtros) y enjuágalos con una manguera a presión baja. Si están muy sucios o grasientos, sumérgelos durante unas horas en una solución específica para limpieza de filtros. Esto eliminará restos de aceites, cremas solares, cabello y biofilm acumulado.
   • Tip: Se recomienda hacer una limpieza ligera del filtro cada 1–2 semanas y una limpieza profunda o reemplazo cada 3–6 meses según el uso.
   • No reinstales el filtro hasta que esté completamente seco y libre de residuos. Esto previene que se reintroduzca suciedad o crezcan bacterias.
6. Clean the Spa Cover: Open and clean your spa cover — both sides. Mould, sweat, and debris accumulate here too. Use a mild cleaner and let it dry fully.
7. Rinse and Remove Residue: Rinse surfaces with clean water and wipe down to avoid chemical residue or bubbles forming in the refill

Refill and Rebalance the Water

Once clean and dry:

1. Close drain valve and begin filling with fresh water (use a pre-filter if possible).
2. Power on the spa after it’s at the minimum water level.
3. Add chemicals in this order:
   • Sanitiser (Chlorine or Bromine)
   • Alkalinity Increaser
   • pH Balancer
   • Calcium Hardness Increaser
4. Test levels using a strip or digital tester.
5. Run jets for 10–15 minutes to mix and retest levels.

Need help? Our Spa Cleaning experts in Auckland can do this for you!

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Spa Water

• Always shower before using your spa.
• Use a quality spa cover to keep out debris and heat loss.
• Avoid lotions, oils, or self-tanners before entering.
• Add enzymes weekly to break down organics.
• Check water chemistry twice a week.

Spa Draining Services in Auckland – $225 (includes GST)

If this sounds like too much work — you’re not alone! Many spa owners across Auckland rely on Aqua Luxe Pools for hassle-free Spa Valet & Cleaning. We offer:

• Professional draining and deep cleaning
• Filter maintenance and pipe sanitation
• Expert chemical balancing
• Flexible scheduling around your lifestyle