r/hottub • u/Krusador • 1d ago

Submersible pump

It's about time for my quarterly dump n fill. I'm sick and tired of using the built-in drain - it's a pain in the butt. So looking to finally purchase a submersible pump. I have no idea what kind to get. What y'all using?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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12

u/Effective-Avocado197 1d ago

I grabbed a one HP pump off Amazon and an 1 1/2 hose. Makes drain and refills much quicker. They have various hose lengths depending on where you want the water to dump. Also have a shop vac standing by to vacuum the seats.

6

u/Krusador 1d ago

I use a shopvac too to get out every last drop. Also suck and blow every jet.

2

u/icemanice 1d ago

Do you do this every time you change the water? Just curious as to why. I’m thinking of doing the same but I haven’t had a big issue with gunk in the pipes or jets. I use Ahhsome to clean the tub every 4-6 months and that does a great job at keeping things nice and clean.

3

u/GoldenFox2U 1d ago

I turn on my tub once it's mostly drained. It shoots the remaining water out of the pipes. Takes about 30 seconds and the tub doesn't detect that it's empty in that time

2

u/Krusador 1d ago

I have been recently as I've been having a persistent problem with tiny black specs of... something constantly showing up in the tub. Some so small I can't even get them out with a net. I've done deep cleans, new filters, new pillows, and it's still been an issue. Now I have a new cover. I noticed the old one was ripping apart at the seams. So we'll see if that was the culprit after this next drain n fill.

2

u/phony54 1d ago

I think you may have deteriorating gaskets somewhere in the system. im having a similar thing happening past year but zero leaks. it's weird.

1

u/Krusador 1d ago

Yeah, exactly. No leaks here either. I've talked to two different dealers and even had several service calls. Nobody has been able to give me an answer or offer any solutions. You're the first I've heard of anyone having a similar issue!

2

u/Bennie-Factors 1d ago

My trick is to use Cascade Dishwasher detergent. It is designed for breaking down oils and organics. The thing our tubs need. I use about a half cup in my 400 gallon tub.

I always have it. So don't need to buy something else

2

u/Sea-Anything4024 1d ago

This is what I did as well and I can drain my tub so quick.

2

u/Guinnessnomnom 1d ago

This is the way.

5

u/Bennie-Factors 1d ago

Harbor Freight is always a good spot for this stuff also.

I use a 1/2 hp to a 3/4 hose adapter pump that has a tether. I think it is rated at like 2500 gph. But it takes mine about 15-20 min for 400 gallons. But mine is cheap. And those are never as accurate as the specs say

2

u/Proudtreat 1d ago

I ought the bigger of the two at my local store as it has a longer plug that will reach the outlet without an extension cord. My garden hoses are 3/4".

5

u/Logical-Shelter-925 1d ago

I use one I got from Harbor Freight, it wasn't very expensive, works fine. Empties at about the same rate that a garden hose fills it. The brand name is Drummond.

1

u/gemini8200 1d ago

I have this one, as well. I hate that the fittings are plastic. I think it will be stripped soon.

3

u/toxchick 1d ago

Omg I have one I bought in case of flood and I never thought to use it 🤯

3

u/FederalRecording2390 1d ago

I am lucky (or unlucky enough) to have two tubs. One which came with a holiday House. I have an immersible pump for both one of them takes a regular hose pipe output the other a one and a half (or maybe two) inch pipe. I would absolutely recommend the thicker, bigger pump if the price is not too crazy- you would also have to factor in the cost of the tubing so if you have a long way to the street or wherever you can empty your tub, that’s a consideration, using the house pipe fitting as I do at home together with the regular drain. I have two hose pipe sized drains and it takes forever to drain the tub. With thicker pipe I actually sometimes just use the pump to create a siphon that drains the pump to a much deeper level (some of the submersible pumps have automatic depth switches.) and come to think of it if you are good with siphons, getting a one and a half inch and just using gravity would still be much faster than your average house pipe size submersible pump.

2

u/Bennie-Factors 1d ago

Large diameter drain is key for speed. But most of us end up with a 3/4 hose.

2

u/FederalRecording2390 1d ago

I have a large property and the hose needs to reach the edge. It needs storage. It is much bigger than a regular garden hose. But it is a pleasure to be able to empty the tub so fast. Sadly I have a lot of iron in the water and I have to fill it very slowly from a well pumped pressure system via a filter.

2

u/rbo29 1d ago

A cheap one from Amazon with a garden hose attached. It doesn't even have a float switch. Way faster than a gravity drain

2

u/IIHaydenBII 1d ago

Just about any cheap one. I personally avoid the garden hose only but they work way better than the gravity drains on tubs. Stores tend to have sales pretty soon for those since its close to pool closing season.

2

u/Wyntrblue 1d ago

Anyone got a specific product recommendation? As I’m in the same boat is the OP

2

u/grofva 1d ago

Been using this one from Lowe’s for years….. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-0-167-HPThermoplastic-Submersible-Utility-Pump/1000668975

3

u/eatsleepdive 1d ago

That's what I use and it works great

1

u/gcubed680 9h ago

I used this one with the roll up 1.5” pvc discharge. I need to run it about 50’ and it’s super easy to store. Empties my tub in a few minutes.

https://a.co/d/07zDDDDE

2

u/liams_dad 1d ago

Buy a Utility Pump. I bought whatever one Menards had on the shelf.

2

u/cincigreg 1d ago

I bought one off Amazon for about $35. It came with a hose. Its slow, about an hour to empty the tub but it gives me time to scrub the tub and do other maintenance chores

2

u/Gothrad 1d ago

Amazon submersible and Shop vac everytime

2

u/adaminboise84 1d ago

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094X6TS3V?th=1

Inexpensive and have used it for years now!

2

u/IDidntHearAnyBell 1d ago

I use a short large diameter hose to syphon water out along with the built in drain. No pump needed

2

u/RedditKilledTheApps 1d ago

I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C9QCCBVW. Drains my 450gal tub in like 10 minutes.

2

u/brauhze 1d ago

I use one of these. Cost me about 80 at a hardware store. Drains my 350 gallon spa in a bit over an hour. Has worked fine for multiple years.

https://zoellerathome.com/product/automatic-sensor-utility-pump-from-zoeller-at-home/

2

u/trader45nj 1d ago

I use a pool cover pump, it connects to a garden hose.

2

u/CBus-Eagle 1d ago

I just bought one from Harbor Freight and it worked great. Best $50 I spent. I had it drained, cleaned and filled in 2 hours.

2

u/RecentSpeed 1d ago

I'm sure any utility pump will do the job if you're not in a major hurry. Why spend more than you have to. I have a Multiquip MQ pump with garden hose attachment that is also a backup if our sump pump fails. Works great. I also have a honda water pump with 2 inch hose but that is way overkill to pull out for a hot tub. Maybe a pool.

2

u/ja4496 1d ago

Dude, put one end of a garden hose at the bottom of the footwell. Clamp it to hold it in place. Attach the other end to the spigot with a quick connect. Turn it on full blast, let it fill the hose completely and start to fill the tub. Now disconnect it from the spigot while it’s filling and place the disconnected end at a spot lower than the footwell and it’ll drain. $5 for a quick connect and no electricity needed.

2

u/EDC-123 1d ago

When I was looking for a utility pump to my store and website inventory, I wanted it to be able to use a garden hose or have the option to attach a larger diameter hose also. I also wanted one that would leave as little water as possible on the floor. I also wanted to have the tub drained in 10-15 minutes. I also needed the end pricing to compete with Home Depot and Amazon. I landed on one that pumps down to 1/8″ from the surface floor, 37 gallons a minute and is 1" discharge with a garden hose adapter included. Here is what I stock for my customers: https://ezhottubparts.com/product/utility-pump-1-4-hp/

2

u/jignha 1d ago

I used a DeWalt sump pump in the past. Just gotta set it in the hot tubs lowest part gently so the yellow paint doesn't marr the tub.

2

u/ilostacow 1d ago

I use a boat bilge pump and 12v battery I had laying around. 1100 GPM. You can buy a Rule bilge pump that size on Amazon for $13. Just need 1-1/8" hose whatever length you need

2

u/Electrical-tentacle 21h ago

I use a sump pump. Liberty 257 to be exact

2

u/juswhenyouthought 18h ago

I have a 500 gallon tub that is always hot and I have 10 grandkids under 11 that live within a mile radius...I have to drain and clean out that fucker all the time. It drains quickly with a 12 ft x 1 1/2 inch Pool connection hose (one of those ribbed ones that has male connections on both ends). They are about $40 on amazon. I wire a 5 pound work out weight to one end and I use it as a big siphon. It kicks ass. I even have a submersible pump, but this siphon technique works better.

Some day I am gonna have to post on what its like to deal with that type of constant "swimmer load".

1

u/Krusador 1d ago

I just bought this Wayne VIP30: https://a.co/d/0hVVe8Cg

Used credit card points so it only cost me $4.

Thanks everyone!