At The Hot Tub Store in Hermantown, Minnesota, we understand that hot tub ownership brings incredible relaxation and therapeutic benefits to your daily routine. However, with 25 years of experience serving families throughout the Duluth area, we know that many homeowners worry about one crucial question: Will hot tub water kill grass when it’s time to drain and maintain your spa?
The relationship between hot tub water and your lawn depends on several critical factors, including chemical levels, pH balance, and proper drainage techniques. With our expert guidance, you can protect your landscape while enjoying all the wellness benefits.
Understanding Why Hot Tub Water Can Affect Your Lawn
Your hot tub water contains essential chemicals that keep it clean and safe for hydrotherapy sessions. While these chemicals are necessary for maintaining your spa, they can potentially harm grass and other plants when concentrated in specific areas.
Chlorine serves as the primary sanitizer in most hot tubs, effectively eliminating bacteria and maintaining crystal-clear water. However, when chlorine levels are high, this chemical can create dead grass spots where hot tub water is concentrated on your lawn.
Bromine offers an alternative sanitizer that’s gentler on skin during your relaxation sessions, but it can still damage vegetation at elevated levels when you drain your hot tub.
pH adjusters help maintain proper water balance, typically keeping levels between 7.0 and 7.8. Water that’s too acidic can harm plant roots and disrupt soil composition, affecting the long-term health of your landscape.
The good news is that reusing hot tub water on your lawn is absolutely possible with proper preparation. Our maintenance experts at The Hot Tub Store recommend following these essential steps to protect your grass while making the most of your 650-gallon hot tub capacity.
Before you drain the water from your hot tub onto your grass, test the water chemistry carefully. The pH level should be between 7.0 and 7.8, and chlorine or bromine levels should be minimal. If the chlorine level is too high, refrain from adding any chlorine or other chemicals to the water for at least two days before draining.
Run your hot tub for several hours without adding chemicals to help dissipate existing sanitizer levels. This process ensures the water won’t harm plant life when applied to your landscape, allowing you to water your lawn while maintaining your spa responsibly.
When you’re ready to drain your hot tub and want to water your home’s lawn, follow these expert-recommended precautions:
Test a small area first and move around the lawn every thirty minutes to prevent flooding any single spot. Use a hose to distribute the water flow evenly across different sections rather than concentrating it in one location.
Position the hose strategically to avoid directing water toward your home’s foundation or concrete driveway to prevent cracks in the material. You may want to water your trees and shrubs as well, making efficient use of the entire water volume.
Monitor the water flow to ensure you don’t flood your lawn or overwhelm any particular area. The key is a gradual, even distribution that allows your grass to absorb the water naturally.
At The Hot Tub Store, we recommend following these steps to safely drain your hot tub while protecting your landscape:
Turn off the power to prevent pump damage during draining. Remove the drain cap and attach your garden hose, then allow gravity to drain the majority of the water. Use a shop-vac to suck up any remaining water drops on the bottom of the hot tub.
This entire process typically takes several hours, giving you ample time to distribute the water across your property and clean your spa components.
Eco-Friendly Drainage Practices
Consider local regulations regarding water discharge laws before draining. Some areas have restrictions or guidelines about where you can drain spa water from your property.
Time your draining to coincide with lawn watering needs, maximizing the water’s beneficial use. Your hot tub is more than enough to wash your car or water your lawn while you’re maintaining your spa, making it a valuable resource rather than a waste.
While some homeowners consider placing their hot tub directly on grass, this approach creates significant challenges for both your spa and your landscape. A hot tub installed in your backyard directly on grass compacts soil and prevents proper drainage, ultimately killing the grass underneath.
Our expert installation team at The Hot Tub Store provides professional, safe, and efficient delivery and installation services that protect your landscape. We handle proper placement on stable surfaces like concrete pads, composite decking, or gravel bases that allow for attractive landscaping while maintaining stability.
During installation, we ensure proper drainage channels direct overflow away from sensitive plants and toward areas where occasional water exposure won’t cause damage. This forward-thinking approach protects your investment in both your spa and your landscaping.
Regular maintenance prevents water quality issues and reduces the frequency of complete drains, ultimately protecting your grass and minimizing environmental impact.
Our maintenance programs include professional hot tub winterization, spring restarts, and ongoing chemical balance monitoring. We provide expert repair services for all makes and models, handling everything from leaks and jets to pump maintenance.
With proper maintenance from our experienced team, you’ll maintain optimal water chemistry longer, reducing the need for frequent draining and minimizing potential impact on your lawn when you do need to drain the water.
Test the water chemistry weekly using reliable test strips or digital testers. Maintain proper sanitizer levels to keep your hot tub water clean without creating concentrations that would harm your grass when it’s time to drain and clean your spa.
Keep pH levels stable to prevent acidic conditions that could damage your lawn during drainage. Our team provides comprehensive guidance on achieving this balance for optimal hydrotherapy benefits and environmental responsibility.
At The Hot Tub Store, we offer Hot tubs specifically designed with advanced filtration systems that help maintain water quality longer, reducing drain frequency and protecting your landscape.
The 880™ Series hot tubs define luxury with smart technology and feature-rich design that makes water management effortless. The 780™ Series offers easy maintenance that forms the basis of a no-hassle lifestyle, perfect for families who want to enjoy relaxation without complex upkeep.
Our 680™ Series spas provide custom options with over 30 years of Sundance experience built into every design, while Sundance Splash® models offer full-body therapeutic benefits with simplified maintenance requirements.
Protecting your grass while enjoying your hot tub doesn’t have to be complicated. Our comprehensive services include site consultations, maintenance programs, and expert guidance on eco-friendly practices that benefit both your wellness routine and your landscape.
Whether you’re interested in traditional hot tubs, infrared saunas, or Bear Naked Saunas, we provide the expertise and support you need for responsible ownership. Our flexible financing options make spa ownership accessible, while our ongoing maintenance services ensure you can enjoy hydrotherapy benefits without worrying about environmental impact.Ready to discover how proper hot tub ownership enhances your well-being while respecting your landscape? Contact us today at (218) 740-3105 or visit us at 4881 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811. Let our expert team help you find the perfect spa solution and provide ongoing support for all your maintenance needs, ensuring you can enjoy relaxation while protecting your beautiful Minnesota lawn.
