getting water out of the tub

[exit109gal]

I have a sorrento by hot spot. I got it in july and yesterday thought it was time to empty and clean and refill.
Not all the water emptied out. There was quite a bit in the bottom of the tub that did not come out the hose.
I ended up getting a vac and getting it out and then when I cleaned the tub I had to vac that out too.
Did I do something wrong. I am missing some basic physics class of water displacement.
thanks
pat

[96SC]

I don't know anything about hot spot spas but my guess is that your drain is on the wall down inside your tub not on the floor and the water drained out until the water level reached the bottom of the drain, leaving the excess water.

[Cyn]

Does anyone know why the tubs don't have the drain in the actual bottom of the tub??

[Richs100]

Does anyone know why the tubs don't have the drain in the actual bottom of the tub??

My Hot Spring does.  Just emptied the tub yesterday.  

Open valve, drain tub, close valve, refill.
Hot this morning.
Ahhhhh, fresh soak tonight.  

[Cyn]

My Hot Spring does.  Just emptied the tub yesterday.  

Open valve, drain tub, close valve, refill.
Hot this morning.
Ahhhhh, fresh soak tonight.  

Lucky, lucky guy!!  Now why don't they all have that advantage?? :-?

[In Canada eh]

exit109gal,

   Go to your local Home Depot and pick up a small submersible pump that will attach to your garden hose.  Should cost you about $80 and will suck the tub dry in about 30 minutes.  I use one all the time for the Hot Tub and the pool cover,  works great

[Brewman]

Does that pump leave any water in the spa?  

It may surprise some of you that even if all the spa water is drained (which in most cases isn't absolutely necessary, btw) the plumbing itself may contain several gallons that just stays there unless you vacuum it out.  
 At least my Optima is that way.  I was very surprised at how much water was left in those pipes.

[In Canada eh]

Does that pump leave any water in the spa?  

Brewman,

   Down to about the last 1/2 inch, I just use a sponge to get the last little bit out.  I don't worry about the left over water in the pipes

[cooltoy2000]

My Hot Spring does.  Just emptied the tub yesterday.  

Open valve, drain tub, close valve, refill.
Hot this morning.
Ahhhhh, fresh soak tonight.  

Same here. HS drain empties it all the way. Some water left in the seats, I just syphon to the bottom with a short hose.

[Flyonthewall]

i use a wide bladed squeegie to get the water off my seats.  pretty quick that way.  if you plan on owning a spa for 5 years or more a pump is the only way to go like the above poster mentioned.  i've seen a cheap one at lowes for around $60.  think of all the hours you'll save over the years.  

[sonofsail]

There is actually an adapter you can attach to a drill that is a water pump.  It needs a hose on each end (in and out).   Probably much cheaper than a sump pump if you have a drill.

[Brewman]

I've tried those drill powered pumps.  The one I had was a cheap POS and I'd never recommend one for the volume of water in a spa.    
If you need to use a pump, the submersible pumps are the way to go.  

Funny how some people fret over the last inch of water left in the bottom of the spa, but don't mind the same amount of water (Or more) trapped in the plumbing.
Leaving a bit in the bottom hardly hurts anything.  

How long do your built in spa drains take?  Mine empties in about a half hour (500 gallons).
I have a buddy whos spa takes several hours.  I'd be pumping for sure for that one!  

[tony]

Funny how some people fret over the last inch of water left in the bottom of the spa, but don't mind the same amount of water (Or more) trapped in the plumbing.
Leaving a bit in the bottom hardly hurts anything.  

I agree...its not worth the effort.

[In Canada eh]

 

How long do your built in spa drains take?  Mine empties in about a half hour (500 gallons).
  

Brewman,

   The one and only time I used the bottom drain it took about 2 hours. Granted I have to attach 50' of garden hose to the drain so that slows thins down a little.  I thought that was too slow so I started to use the pump.

  And yes,  Bullfrog also has a drain recessed into the side right at the floor

[Brookenstein]

If I only use the drain it takes my spa over 4 hours to drain.  If I use a thicker hose (its from my wet vac) in addition to the drain, it takes less than an hour.