What water level should I use when filling a hot tub?

Fill until the water is just above the highest jets so intakes stay covered. Too low draws air; too high reduces skimming and may spill over.

Do I need to turn power off before filling or draining?

Yes. Always power the unit off at the breaker or isolation switch before filling or draining to protect pumps and heaters.

How do I prime the circulation system?

After filling, briefly open air valves to purge trapped air, then close them and start the pump. Check for smooth flow at jets.

What chemicals should I add after filling?

Balance pH to 7.2–7.8 and alkalinity, then add a suitable sanitizer. See your manufacturer guidance and compare systems in hot tub water care resources.

How do I winterize a hot tub I won’t use?

Power off, fully drain, blow out lines, open drain caps, dry the shell, and fit a tight insulated cover. Check monthly for moisture ingress.

How to Fill & Empty a Hot Tub Safely (Step-by-Step)

Filling and draining a hot tub sounds simple, but doing it the right way protects your equipment, extends component life, and keeps your water safe. Follow this guide for the best results, including water-level tips, priming the system, safe draining, and winterizing. For routine upkeep, see our hot tub maintenance checklist.

Flow diagram showing the correct hot tub filling sequence — Hot tub filling: rinse → hose + prefilter → fill slowly → purge air → leak check → heat only when jets are covered.

Power OFF at the breaker or isolation switch.
Confirm the drain valve is closed and caps are seated.
Check the filter basket is clean and correctly fitted.

How to Fill a Hot Tub

Rinse and inspect: Remove leaves and grit. Rinse the shell and wipe dry around unions and valves.
Attach hose + prefilter: Prefilters help if you have hard water or sediment.
Fill slowly: Watch for drips at fittings. Stop if leaks appear and reseat the joint.
Set water level: Keep water just above the highest jets so intakes stay covered.
Prime circulation: Open air valves for a few seconds to purge air, then close and start the pump.
Balance & sanitize: Adjust pH (7.2–7.8) and alkalinity. Add non-foaming sanitizer and start heating (compare systems in hot tub water care options).

Hot tub water level guide relative to seats and jets — Maintain the recommended water band: too low causes air intake; too high risks spills and poor skimming.

How to Empty / Drain a Hot Tub

Always power the unit off before draining. Use the built-in drain valve or a submersible pump. Direct water to a safe runoff or sewer—avoid flooding the foundation or garden beds. If your tub is built-in, confirm access and outflow routing (see guide to sunken hot tubs).

Schematic of hot tub drain valve with hose routed to a safe runoff point — Gravity drain schematic: connect a hose to the drain and route to an approved runoff point.

Winterizing (If Not in Use)

Power off. Fully drain the tub.
Blow out lines with a wet/dry vacuum.
Open all drain caps, remove residual water, and dry the shell.
Fit a tight insulated cover. Check monthly for water ingress.

More seasonal tips: winter hot tub care.

Checklist diagram for winterizing a hot tub — Winterizing checklist: power off → drain → blow out lines → open drains & plugs → dry shell → cover → monthly checks.

Related Guides (Internal Links)

Winter Hot Tub Care — Freeze protection, draining, and cover tips.
How a Wood-Fired Hot Tub Works — Heat-up behavior and safe operation.
Guide to Sunken Hot Tubs — Drainage planning and access panels.
Hot Tub Maintenance — Filters, sanitizing and covers.
Best Wood for Outdoor Hot Tubs & Saunas

Key Safety Reminders

Never run the heater without water flow.
Keep children and pets away while filling or draining.
Use non-slip footwear; wet decks are slippery.
Dispose of drained water responsibly; follow local rules.

Conclusion

With the right sequence—rinse, fill, prime, balance, and careful draining—you’ll protect pumps, heaters, and fittings while keeping water clear and safe. Bookmark this guide and pair it with our winter care tips for year-round reliability.

Filling And Draining an Outdoor Hot Tub, how?