Many spa hot tub users wonder whether they should suspend use of their outdoor spa hot tub during the summer, or even drain it. Spa hot tubs are typically used more frequently in the fall and winter, or during cooler weather. In the hot summer, the need for hot water decreases, leading some people to consider completely draining their spa hot tub until the weather cools down.
However, is this a reasonable approach? Can a spa hot tub be left empty for extended periods during the summer? How can the equipment be maintained to ensure its longevity? This article discusses these questions to help outdoor spa hot tub users make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary damage or additional maintenance costs due to improper operation.
Can an outdoor spa hot tub be left empty during the summer?
First, it's important to clarify that, technically, an outdoor spa hot tub can be left empty during the summer. Draining the tub and not using it for a period of time will not directly damage the equipment. However, in practice, this practice can present a number of issues, requiring careful consideration.
1. Potential Problems of Emptying a Spa Hot Tub
While draining a spa hot tub during the summer is possible, doing so may lead to the following problems:
• Drying out and aging of components: The pump, pipes, and seals in a spa hot tub may dry out after prolonged periods without water, accelerating aging. Some materials require a certain level of moisture to maintain elasticity and sealability. If these components are exposed to air for extended periods, they may crack or lose their function, shortening the lifespan of the spa hot tub.
• Risk of Equipment Damage: Draining a spa hot tub does not completely eliminate the need for maintenance. If not regularly inspected during periods of vacancy, dust, insects, and even small animals may enter the system. These external intruders may clog the filter, pipes, or pump, causing damage. Especially if the tub is not covered, contaminants can enter the pump or heating system, potentially leading to additional repair costs.
• Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to strong sunlight can affect the durability of the materials used in outdoor spa hot tubs. In particular, the tub's interior and exterior, if left unprotected by water for extended periods, can become discolored, brittle, or even crack. Ultraviolet rays are particularly damaging to plastics and other synthetic materials.
2. Common Misconceptions About Draining the Water
Many people believe that draining an outdoor spa hot tub requires no additional maintenance. However, an empty spa hot tub can be more susceptible to environmental influences than a full one. During the draining process, residual water in the pipes and filtration system may not be completely drained, potentially allowing bacteria, mold, and algae to grow in these areas, compromising the sanitary condition of the spa hot tub.
Therefore, if you decide to drain your spa hot tub, it's recommended to take additional cleaning and drying measures. Ensure that all residual water in the pipes and pump is completely drained, and treat the pipes with an appropriate chemical cleaner to prevent any microbial growth.
Alternative Summer Spa Hot Tub Management Options
While draining an outdoor spa hot tub may seem like a simple solution, it's actually more ideal to keep the water in the tub and take appropriate care of it. This not only helps maintain the condition of the spa hot tub but also avoids additional problems caused by draining the tub.
1. Lower the water temperature and continue using it
Completely stopping your outdoor spa hot tub in the summer isn't the only option. Consider lowering the water temperature or even turning off the heat, allowing your spa hot tub to function as a cool bath. This avoids the problems associated with leaving the tub unused while still providing a cool, relaxing experience on hot days.
Modern spa hot tubs often feature flexible temperature controls. Many allow users to adjust the water temperature to a lower temperature that matches the outdoor environment, or to a slightly warmer temperature that's just above the outside air temperature. On hot summer days, maintaining a water temperature between 26°C and 30°C provides a refreshing, but not freezing, soak.
2. Use a Cover and Shade
Providing a cover for your outdoor spa hot tub is crucial for preventing water quality issues and reducing maintenance. A cover prevents fallen leaves, dust, and other debris from entering the tub, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Furthermore, shade devices (such as umbrellas or canopies) can reduce direct sunlight damage to the tub's exterior and interior, preventing aging and discoloration.
Another benefit of keeping your tub covered is that it effectively reduces water evaporation. If you plan to use your spa hot tub intermittently during the summer, a cover can help maintain water temperature and reduce the need to refill water frequently due to evaporation.
3. Regularly Circulate the Water
If you decide not to use your outdoor spa hot tub during the summer, it's still wise to maintain some water circulation. Even if the water temperature drops or the heat is turned off completely, regular water circulation helps prevent impurities from accumulating and maintains water quality. Many spa hot tub circulation pumps are designed to run for extended periods at low power consumption, ensuring continuous water filtration.
In addition, running the circulation pump regularly prevents stagnant water in the pipes, which can lead to dead zones and significantly reduce bacterial and algae growth.
4. Maintain Chemical Balance
Even with lower water temperatures in the summer, it's crucial to maintain a balanced chemical balance in the water. The correct pH and disinfectant levels prevent bacterial and algae growth, ensuring safe water quality. If you decide to use your spa hot tub less frequently during the summer, it's recommended to test the water at least weekly and add chlorine or other disinfectants as needed.
In the summer, when water temperatures are higher, chemicals deplete faster, making it even more important to maintain a balanced chemical balance. Proper water quality management not only extends the life of the water but also prevents corrosion and damage to the equipment.
What's the proper way to shut down a spa hot tub in the summer?
If you ultimately decide to completely drain your outdoor spa hot tub for the summer, here are some steps to ensure trouble-free reactivation:
1. Thoroughly Clean and Drain
First, thoroughly clean the interior, filter, and piping of the spa hot tub using a professional cleaning agent. Ensure all water is completely drained from the pipes, pump, and filtration system. Pay special attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas to prevent residual moisture from breeding bacteria.
Also, use an appropriate amount of mold inhibitor during cleaning to prevent mold growth while the equipment is idle.
2. Dry the Equipment
After draining the water, ensure the equipment is completely dry. For critical components like the pump, piping, and heater, use a hairdryer or other drying device to ensure no residual moisture remains.
3. Turn Off the Power
After the equipment is completely drained and dry, disconnect all power connections. Turning off the power helps prevent electrical damage caused by weather (such as thunderstorms) or other accidents.
4. Protect the device with a dust cover
Even after draining, outdoor spa hot tubs still need protection. It's recommended to use a waterproof and dustproof spa hot tub cover to prevent dust, dirt, and insects from entering the device. Especially in outdoor environments, where equipment is exposed for long periods of time, it's susceptible to environmental influences, so a reliable cover is essential.
5. Regularly check the device's condition
Even after draining the water, it's still necessary to regularly check the device's condition to ensure there are no external contaminants and that the material is not deteriorating or damaged. Failure to check for extended periods may result in problems when the device is reactivated.
Do you provide spa training or technical support for resellers?
Yes, we provide full product training and technical resources to support our resellers and partners. Our training includes installation guides, maintenance tips, troubleshooting support, and marketing materials. Whether you’re new to the spa industry or expanding your current offerings, we ensure you have all the tools to sell and support our products effectively.
As a responsible manufacturer and long-term supplier, we care about your success and offer ongoing assistance with both sales and service.
