One of the many great things about Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs is that they can be easily packed down and set up again whenever you like.
Whether you are packing away your inflatable hot tub for winter or simply because you are not going to use it for a while, we have created this step-by-step guide to help you clean and pack away a Lay-Z-Spa.
How to pack down a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub
Disconnect the pump
Before taking down your Lay‑Z‑Spa for winter or putting it away for a while, the first thing you need to do is disconnect the pump. You simply need to turn it off and unplug it. Next, remove the ChemConnect® and filter housing and place the stopper caps over the debris screens. Then, loosen and unscrew the couplings and pull the pump away.
Clean and dry the pump
Flush or backwash the pump using a garden hose. This will help remove any tiny dirt particles or scale build-up. After this, tilt your pump forwards and make sure no water remains inside. Next, attach the inflation hose, turn on the AirJets™ and insert the end of the hose into the water inlet pipes to blast out any droplets of water. Give the surface a wipe down and make sure it is completely dry before packing it away. We would recommend bringing it indoors to dry for a couple of days.
Drain the water
To drain the water from your Lay‑Z‑Spa, screw on the hose pipe adapter to the drainpipe that comes from underneath your Lay-Z-Spa and lift up the drain plug inside the bottom of the liner and direct your hosepipe to a drain. You may need to tilt your liner to get every last bit of water out or flip it upside down.
Please note: Chemically treated water can kill flowers and discolour grass so you should lead the hose to a suitable drainage area. If you don’t own a drainage valve or an adaptor to screw the hose in place then spares are available on our website.
Clean your hot tub
It is important to thoroughly clean every part of your Lay-Z-Spa before putting it into storage. Use an antibacterial spray or soapy water and wipe around the inner part of the liner, the outside, inflatable lid and top cover. More rigorous cleaning may be required at the waterline and on the base. After a thorough clean, give everything a rinse. You may find it easier to have the liner on its side and rinse the inside and outside with a hose.
Clean filters and accessories
Don't forget to give your spa pillows, drinks holders, floor protectors and filters a good clean so they are ready to use again next time you set up your Lay-Z-Spa.
Dry your Lay-Z-Spa thoroughly
Mildew and mold thrive in damp conditions so it is really important to make sure your Lay-Z-Spa is completely dry before putting it away. We would recommend drying your inflatable hot tub before deflating it as it is then easier to dry all areas including under the AirJet™ belt. Use cloths and old towels to completely dry every part of your liner, lid and top cover.
Top Tip: If you have any droplets or moisture in the liner, connect the inflation hose from the pump to the liner and activate the AirJets™ for up to 4-5 hours, or until no moisture remains.
Deflate your Lay-Z-Spa
Once your inflatable hot tub is empty and completely dry, unscrew the inflation valve to let the air out. You can use the Lay-Z-Spa deflation T Joint to force more air out quicker. Attach the T Joint to your pump on the AirJet™ outlet, connect the inflation hose to it and the deflation hose attachment to the other end. Insert the deflation hose attachment into the inflation valve and press the AirJet™ button. See this video for help on how to do this. You can repeat the process for the inflatable lid.
Fold your Lay-Z-Spa liner
Once your Lay-Z-Spa liner is completely dry and deflated you can sprinkle talcum powder around the interiors and exterior so that it doesn’t stick together when folded and to absorb any small amounts of moisture that you may still be there.
There is no special technique to folding a Lay-Z-Spa liner and please be aware that it will never be as compact as when you first took it out of the box - so don't force it and squash it into shape.
When manoeuvering and folding your inflatable liner:
- Don't ever drag it on the floor
- Don't twist or crush the pipes
- You might need two people to lift it
How to store a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub
Protect a Lay-Z-Spa in storage
It is unlikely that you will be able to fit everything back in the original box and it doesn’t offer as much protection after initial unboxing. So, we would recommend a large plastic container for your liner, lid and top cover and use the box for your pump and fittings. You can also tightly wrap your Lay-Z-Spa liner in a large sheet of tarpaulin.
Where to store a Lay-Z-Spa
Most Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs tend to be stored in garages or sheds and we advise that you keep it off the ground, such as on a wooden pallet, as a barrier from the floor to protect it from spillages, flooding or mice trying to burrow inside it. Make sure it is well protected from damp.
Please note: Even when it’s been tightly folded, the liner is a difficult size, shape and weight to carry so you may require two people or a wheelbarrow to transport it to your shed or garage.
Storing your Lay-Z-Spa inflated
Some Lay-Z-Spa owners choose to not deflate their liner when putting it away. If you have space in a large shed or garage, you can store the liner inflated. If you would like to do this, carry out the cleaning process as above then carefully store your inflated liner making sure it won’t run the risk of getting punctured or damaged whilst in storage. Keep all other parts in a safe and dry place.
