One of the biggest misconceptions we hear as a hot tub dealer in Edmonton is that a hot tub only needs to be drained once a year.
In reality, at Beachcomber Hot Tubs & Outdoor Living, we recommend to Drain and Refill a Hot Tub in Alberta twice a year.
- Once in the fall, before winter soaking season
- Once again in the spring, as you transition out of winter
This simple routine keeps your water cleaner, your maintenance easier, and your hot tub running better long-term, and it costs less than $5 in water each time.
Why Draining Before Winter Makes Cold-Weather Soaking Easier
Winter is when most Albertans use their hot tubs the most. That means:
- Higher bather loads
- More organic material in the water
- Longer stretches without draining
Going into winter with fresh, clean water makes a noticeable difference.
A fall drain & refill helps:
- Reduce chemical use through winter
- Prevent cloudy water and odours mid-season
- Minimize biofilm buildup inside plumbing
- Avoid unnecessary winter service calls
Simply put, starting winter with fresh water sets you up for an easier, more enjoyable season.
Why Draining Again in Spring Is Just as Important
By the time spring arrives, your hot tub has gone through:
- Heavy winter use
- Months of steady heat
- Repeated chemical adjustments
Even if the water still looks okay, it’s usually tired.
A spring drain & refill:
- Flushes out everything accumulated over winter
- Gives you a clean reset for warmer weather
- Makes water care simpler heading into summer
- Extends the lifespan of pumps, heaters, and plumbing
Why Beachcomber Hot Tubs Are Easier to Drain Properly
Not all hot tubs drain the same.
Beachcomber Hot Tubs are designed with a true floor-level drain, meaning:
- Water drains from the lowest point of the shell
- Every inch of water is removed
Many other brands place drains higher up, leaving 8–12 inches of old water behind. That leftover water mixes with new water at refill, which defeats the purpose of draining in the first place.
On Beachcomber HYBRID models, access to the equipment area is also straightforward, making it easy to:
- Connect a garden hose
- Open the drain & fill valve
- Fully empty the tub without hassle
This design is one of the reasons draining twice a year is realistic and manageable for Beachcomber owners.
The Perfect Time for Preventative Maintenance
A drain & refill isn’t just about water it’s also the best time to check over your hot tub.
While draining, we recommend:
- Inspecting the condition of your cover
- Checking equipment for early signs of wear
- Rinsing and cleaning your filters
- Performing a pipe cleanse to clean areas you can’t see
A proper pipe cleanse removes buildup inside plumbing lines and pumps, helping prevent biofilm and extending the life of your hot tub.
Refilling Your Hot Tub the Right Way
Refilling is just as important as draining.
When refilling your Beachcomber Hot Tub:
- Fill your hot tub up from the filter basket area
- Ensure air is purged from the plumbing before heating
- Balance your water properly before heavy use
This is also the ideal time to refresh your accessories.
Refresh Your Accessories for Better Water Care
Each drain & refill is a perfect opportunity to replace or reset small items that make a big difference:
- Fresh filters or thoroughly cleaned filters
- New Filter Savers™ to extend filter life
- A new Hydro Mop™ for dealing with oils
- Any worn accessories that affect water clarity
These small updates help keep your water cleaner, reduce strain on your filtration system, and make ongoing maintenance easier.
One Simple Rule We Share With Our Customers
If you want stress-free hot tub ownership in Alberta, go into both winter and summer with fresh water.
Draining and refilling twice a year:
- Costs very little
- Takes less time than most people expect
- Prevents the majority of water-care issues we see
Need Help With Your Drain & Refill?
At Beachcomber Hot Tubs & Outdoor Living, we’re always happy to help with:
- Water care advice – Water Care FAQ’s
- Service questions
- Hire us to drain and refill or winterize your hot tub! Book a technician visit today!
A simple routine goes a long way toward protecting your investment, and keeping every soak enjoyable, no matter the season.
Check out the video we made on Draining and Refilling a Beachcomber Hot Tub with the Help of Ahh-Some Jet and Plumbing Cleaner
