Drain and refill is the single most important service on a hot tub. Skipping it is why most cabin tubs feel "off" by the time guests notice. We do it the right way and document every step.
When you need one
A typical formula: days between drain = total dissolved solids ÷ (3 × bathers per day). For a vacation rental hot tub averaging 4 bathers a day, that's roughly every 90 days. For a residential tub with 2 bathers a few times a week, every 4 to 6 months.
Signs you're overdue:
- Foam that won't go away no matter how much defoamer you add
- Water feels "heavy" or slick even with balanced chemistry
- Sanitizer demand keeps climbing
- Cloudy water that filtration can't clear
- Persistent waterline ring after every cleaning
For STR cabins in heavy season, we recommend more frequent drains. Guest expectations are higher than residential tolerances.
What a drain & refill includes
- Line flush. A non-acid plumbing cleaner circulates through the jets for 20 to 30 minutes to dissolve biofilm.
- Full drain. Submersible pump empties the tub completely, including footwell residue.
- Shell scrub. Walls, headrests, jets, footwell, and cover underside.
- Filter service. Existing filter chemical-soaked and rinsed, or replaced if past life. We carry common filter sizes.
- Refill. Fresh water added via hose. We use the filter housing for fill to bleed air and prevent airlocks.
- Chemistry balance. Hardness, alkalinity, pH, sanitizer. Brought to spec before we leave.
- Heat to set point. We don't leave until the tub is heating and circulating correctly.
- Service log. Before and after photos, water chemistry readings, time, and date.
How long it takes
2 to 3 hours of on-site work, plus 8 to 24 hours for the tub to heat back to set point depending on starting water temperature and ambient. For cabin turnover deadlines: tell us when the next guest arrives and we'll schedule the drain at least 24 hours ahead. Refilling at the last minute usually means a guest checks in to a 70-degree tub.
Cost
- Standard drain & refill: $200 to $325 per tub depending on size and access
- With filter replacement: add $25 to $60 for a standard pleated filter
- Recurring schedule (per cabin): reduced rate, see maintenance contracts