How Often Should You Drain Your Spa or Swim Spa | Pool & Spa Shop

Why Regular Water Changes Are Important

Spa and swim spa water might look clean on the surface, but over time it accumulates body oils, cosmetics, detergents, sweat, and minerals.
Even with good filtration and sanitising, these contaminants can build up, making your water harder to balance and less hygienic.

Regular draining and refilling keeps your water fresh, balanced, and safe, while also protecting your equipment and surfaces from long-term wear.

How Often Should You Drain Your Spa?

For most standard spas (up to 2,000L), we recommend a full drain and refill every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often it’s used.

However, if you notice any of the following, you may need to do it sooner:

  • Water feels sticky, cloudy, or has a strong odour

  • Foaming or film forming on the surface

  • Difficulty keeping chemicals balanced

  • More than 3–4 heavy users per week

Before refilling, it’s essential to give your spa a deep clean using the right products to remove oils and biofilm.

👉 Try our Spa Cleaning Pack for quick, regular cleans,
or our Spa Deep Cleaning Pack for a more thorough refresh.

How Often Should You Drain Your Swim Spa?

Swim spas hold more water and are generally used for longer sessions, meaning they build up contaminants more slowly — but still need attention.

A complete water change every 4 to 6 months is ideal, depending on use frequency and the number of users.
Between full drains, you can maintain water quality by:

  • Regularly testing and balancing chemicals

  • Cleaning filters weekly

  • Using a clarifier or oxidiser to refresh the water

When the time comes for a full drain, use one of our cleaning kits to remove scale, oils, and biofilm from jets, walls, and seats before refilling.

The Best Way to Drain and Refill

  1. Turn off power to the spa or swim spa and apply pipe cleaner / degreaser

  2. Use a submersible pump or drain valve to empty water.

  3. Apply your cleaning pack – scrub the shell, jets, and waterline with tools included in your kit.

  4. Rinse and dry before refilling with fresh water.

  5. Test and balance your pH, alkalinity, calcium, and sanitiser levels once refilled.

Why Buy from Pool & Spa Shop

  • Tasmanian-owned and operated, serving all of Australia

  • Expert advice and friendly local service

  • Premium Bioguard spa and swim spa chemicals

  • Convenient online ordering with fast, Australia-wide delivery

Final Thoughts

Keeping your spa or swim spa water fresh isn’t difficult — it just takes a regular routine.
By draining, cleaning, and refilling every few months (and using the right products), you’ll keep your water clear, your spa healthy, and your relaxation time stress-free.

👉 Shop our cleaning range today:

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