How do I drain rain-water from an old and un-used jacuzzi in my
friend's backyard? This jacuzzi is pretty old and has not been used
for many years. I do not know the name of the company that installed
it.

Hi avangari,

Thank you for your question.


Hot Tub Essentials 
http://www.hottubessentials.com/spa_hot_tub_winterize_hibernate.htm

"The next step is to drain out the spa. This can be done by hooking a
garden hose to the spa's bottom drain spout or by siphoning it out. An
easy way to siphon out the water is to connect the hose to a tap and
place the other end in the spa water. Turn the water on until the hose
is full, then turn off the water and disconnect the hose. Run the hose
down an incline to allow the water to continue siphoning.

If you have an electric air blower on your spa, turn the circuit
breaker back on and replace the cover. Turn your blowers on for about
1 minute to drain the water out of these lines. Remove the cover again
and soak up all the remaining water from the spa. If you have a power
switch on your spa pak, turn it off and turn off the circuit breaker
inside your home's electrical panel.

Loosen the PVC (plastic) couplers on your heater housing and one
coupler on each of your pumps to allow drainage. Remove any bleed
valves or drains that may be on the equipment. This will prevent any
equipment from freezing and cracking. If you feel you still have water
in your jet lines, use a shop vacuum to remove excess water. As long
as the majority of water is removed from each water line, freezing
will not cause damage.

Place the cover back on your spa and close up your equipment." 

=========

U.S. Spa - Winterizing 
http://www.partypools.com/kit/manual/cold-temp-use.htm

"Drain the unit fully using the drain valve - water can be encouraged
out of the pipes and jet bodies by tilting the Hot Tub onto each of
its sides.  Any water remaining in the shell should be baled out using
a suitable container. A wet or Dry vacuum can be placed over the jets
to pull water out of the pipes and jet bodies. Excess water can be
blown out of the air pipe system by operating the air blower, Wipe
dry. Cover completely with a good quality PVC sheet or waterproof
tarpaulin and secure around the wooden cabinet to prevent water or
debris ingress.

Warning 

If you intend to drain your Hot Tub and leave it empty, please be
aware of the need to remove all possible water from the equipment and
Hot Tub shell to remove the potential of it freezing and causing
serious damage to the equipment and plumbing. It is almost impossible
to remove all the water from the Hot Tub or equipment and even when
all care is taken freezing may still occur.

We recommend you add an anti-freeze solution formulated for use in hot
tubs prior to draining."

==========


Best regards,
tlspiegel

---

Request for Answer Clarification by avangari-ga on 30 Jan 2005 22:25 PST

Hi tlspiegel,

Thank you for your answer. 

Unfortunately I am still not clear with what need to be done. 

For your first paragraph: the problem is that there is no incline to
run the water from the hose.

For your second paragraph: There is no electric air blower for the spa.

Just a clarification: The spa is located in Southern California (so
there are no issues with winterizing).

I will be grateful if you provide me with other solution.

---

Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 31 Jan 2005 08:51 PST

Hi avangari,

In reference to your clarification request:
"Drain the unit fully using the drain valve - water can be encouraged
out of the pipes and jet bodies by tilting the Hot Tub onto each of
its sides.  Any water remaining in the shell should be baled out using
a suitable container. A wet or Dry vacuum can be placed over the jets
to pull water out of the pipes and jet bodies."

Rent or borrow a wet dry vacuum and suck out the balance of the water
left in the jacuzzi.

Dip buckets into the water and pull it out that way.

I had a very large fountain I'd periodically drain - The way I did
that was with a large plastic 2 quart container with a spout and an
empty cottage cheese container.  First using the 2 quart container and
throwing the water on the ground, and then with the small amount left
in the bottom, just scooping up what I could with the cottage cheese
container.  Then I'd sop up the remaining amount with towels.

There is no really easy way to drain the jacuzzi - it might take a few
hours of work, but it's not hard work.

After it's emptied of water, be sure to place a cover over it so you
won't have to deal with the problem again.
 

Best regards,
tlspiegel

Thanks tlspiegel, 

Under the circumstances it looks like using buckets is the best option. 

Thank you again,
avangari

Hi Avangari,

Fill a long hose with water. Submerge one end. Lay the other end at a
lower drainage point. The other water molecules in the spa will get
the idea and follow the lead.

If the flow stops, refill the hose and repeat. Do not be tempted to
draw the mix of stagnated water from the hose with your mouth.

Phil

Hi Silver777

Thank you for your answer. Unfortunately ther is not incline to run
the water from the hose. Wondering if you have any other solution?

Will be grateful if you can provide with some other solution.

Avangari and Tlspiegel,

T .. I see I jumped the gun there in comment. The GA International
Date Line gets me every time. I will try harder to desist. Maybe  :)

Avangari,

I have some suggestions for you. Simplify the problem with fun. Your
friend needs to throw a party. A spa draining party. BYO bucket. With
a dozen or so friends forming human conveyors, the job will be done in
no time. Or if you are a lazy lot, pay the local kids to do it. Also,
are you draining it just to remove it? Sounds like it's been
neglected. Do you plan to repair it?

I would encourage you to post a 5 star rating to Tlspiegel's answer.
Your initial question was answered correctly and fully based on the
information you first provided. Not bad for two bucks.

Phil

ps Pay the kids with drinks and hotdogs.

We drain our jacuzzi every few months, depending on use, as I don't
like 'old' water. (A thing of mine). Yes, we brominate and maintain
the water, running a filter several hours a day a well. My husband
uses a sump pump/ water transfer pump to drain the last of the water
out.You can buy one at a hardware store for arounf $40, or they can be
rented at tool rental companies. I, who do not like to drag out the
pump, use a plastic margerine bowl to scoop the last 2-3 gallons out.
It takes me less time with the bowls that is does my husband to hook
up the pump, and I'm quieter!

Hi Silver777,

Thank you for your suggestions. I knew using buckets was the last
option and looks like that is the best option under the circumstances.
My friend is draining the water just to remove it and do not have any
plans to repair it.

Yes! I will give 5 stars to Tlspiegel for his answer. It is my mistake
that I provided limited information upfront.

avangari

Hi avangari,

Thank you for the 5 star rating, comments and tip!  

Best regards,
tlspiegel

Hi crabcakes-ga,

Thank you for your info. 

avangari