One of the main reasons Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tubs have become so popular is their portability; they can easily be packed up and moved when needed.
So if you want to pack up your spa for the winter, are going on holiday or are not going to be using the hot tub for a while, you’ll be pleased to learn that it isn’t as hard as you may think.
However, you don’t want it to be damaged, punctured or covered in hot tub mould when you unpack it, ready to use again.
Packing, moving and inflating are all part of the general maintenance to expect with a Lay Z Spa.
This in-depth guide will show you how to pack away a Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub the right way and give you some storage tips.
So, let’s dive in and get started!
How to Pack Down and Fold Away a Lazy Spa
1. Disconnect and clean the pump
Before storing your Lay Z Spa, you will need to disconnect the motor unit,
- First, simply switch the pump off and unplug the motor unit from the power source.
- Next, you need to place the stopper caps on the debris screens and remove the filter housing and the ChemConnect chemical dispenser.
- The next thing you need to do is unscrew the couplings and the motor unit will be free from the main tub.
- To remove any dirt, debris or scale build-up, use a garden hose to flush, then tip the pump to ensure no water remains.
- Attach the inflation hose, switch on the bubble jets and insert the hose into the inlet pipes; this will blast any remaining water.
- Finally, wipe down the surface of the pump with a damp cloth.
It’s essential to make sure the motor unit is completely dry and see if the lay z spa is leaking water from the bottom of the pump before storage, so use some old towels to absorb any remaining moisture and it’s a good idea to bring the pump inside for a day or two to dry out.
2. Drain your Lay Z Spa
The next step is to empty the water out of your Lay Z Spa. To do this, simply attach the hose pipe adaptor to the drainage valve at the bottom.
Remember, the chemically treated water in your inflatable hot tub may kill flowers, and plants and is extremely dangerous to aquatic life, so don’t just empty the water anywhere when packing up your hot tub for winter. If you haven’t got a hose adaptor, you can pick one up relatively cheaply on the official Lay Z Spa website.
Once the water is below the outlet, attach the garden hose to the drainage stopper valve underneath your Lay Z Spa and open the drain valve. You may need to lift the spa to completely drain it or turn it upside down to get every drop out.
3. Clean your Lay Z Spa
Your Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub must be cleaned thoroughly before storing to avoid any bacteria build-up. Here’s a quick Lazy Spa cleaning guide.
Wash down the hot tub liner and outer shell and base with a mild detergent or anti-bacterial spray. Then rinse with the hose and wipe with a damp cloth. You can also clean the ground areas underneath where your tub has been to clear it of any mildew or debris.
4. Don’t forget the accessories.
Since you have everything to hand, now is an excellent time to start the cleaning process for your hot tub filters, all the removable fixtures and inflatable spa accessories such as headrests, valves, steps, fixtures and drink holders, so they are ready to go when you unpack your Lay Z Spa.
This will save you time when you next start inflating an inflatable hot tub as you’ll have everything ready to go from the start.
5. Make sure the tub is completely dry
Mould loves damp conditions, so it’s vital to ensure your Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub is completely dry before packing it away. This is best done before you deflate your hot tub so you can get to those hard-to-reach places like under the Airjet belt and filter housing. Use microfibre cloths a dry cloth or old towels to dry every part of your tub, including the lid and top cover.
6. Deflate your Lay Z Spa
Next, you need to let the air out of your Lay Z Spa; this can be done two ways. You can either use the deflation T-joint.
Here’s a video from Bestway showing how to deflate your Lay Z Spa using the T-joint.
Alternatively, you just remove the inflation valve to release the air, but you will manually need to manually squeeze out the remaining air in your inflatable hot tub like letting down an airbed.
7. Folding the liner
Lastly, once you have let out the air you need to fold up the liner of the hot tub before you pack it away. We recommend sprinkling with a light dusting of talcum powder; not only will talcum powder absorb moisture, but it will also stop the liner from sticking together when you pack away your hot tub.
Once you have removed the filter housing and let down the hot tub using the inflation hose folding up the shell of a Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub is relatively easy; you just need to make sure nothing is twisted or damaged and as an inflatable hot tub is still heavy, even when folded up, it’s a much easier job with two people.
The best way to do it is to have the pipes facing away from you, fold the edges into the centre, and repeat; you should end with a neat square with the pipes peeking out which you can then pack away.
How Do You Store A Lay Z Spa For The Winter?
Don’t pack your spa and leave your Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub on the ground as spillages could damage it. We recommend wrapping it in a tarp and placing it on a wooden pallet or garden trolley. Alternatively, you could place your inflatable hot tub on a sturdy shelf. Just remember to take into account the weight and make sure it is supported.
Where to Store
Most Lay Z Spas are stored in sheds or garages, but there are one or two things to consider.
It’s also important not to store your Lay Z Spa hot tub somewhere mice can get to it; burrowing rodents can do a lot of damage to an inflatable hot tub
Hot Tub Storage Ideas
Like most things, it can be tough to get your Lay Z Spa back in its original box, so you may need another solution when storing your inflatable hot tub, below are just a few.
- Storage bags – You can purchase large storage bags for storing garden furniture etc. Just make sure it is large enough and made from heavy-duty waterproof fabric, as a Lay Z Spa is heavy even when folded down.
- Plastic container – Two sizeable plastic storage boxes are probably the best option. You can keep the liner of your inflatable hot tub protected in one and the rest of the gubbins in another.
- Garden storage A plastic garden storage unit is also a good solution for a Lay Z Spa. However, we would recommend wrapping your Lay Z Spa inflatable hot tub in a large tarpaulin if using one of these to protect against dampness.
Do You Need To Empty Your Lay Z Spa Before Storage?
It isn’t necessary to drain and deflate your inflatable hot tub before storing and some Lay Z Spa owners prefer to pop their hot tub into a shed or garage inflated. This is absolutely fine if you have the space and can ensure that nothing on the ground will damage or puncture the tub.
How Many People Are Needed To Pack Away A Lay Z Spa?
One person can drain and pack away a Lay Z Spa; however, even without the pump, when the air is removed and it’s folded, the liner is still heavy, so having a wheelbarrow, garden trolley, or another person to help will make the job much easier.
FAQ’s
How do you empty a Lay Z Spa with a garden hose?
If your Lay Z Spa hot tub has a hosepipe adaptor, it’s simple just to attach your garden hose and use the drainage valve to drain the water to a designated area. If not, Lay Z Spa sell the adapters, or you can buy them on Amazon.
Can Lay Z Spas be left empty?
Experts advise not to leave a Lay Z Spa empty when storing your hot tub for winter as the lack of water will cause a build-up of calcium in the pipes and smaller parts like seals and gaskets may dry out. There is no real reason to leave your Lay Z Spa empty as the water can be left in all year round due to the FreezeShield® technology.
Do I need to bring a Lay Z Spa inside for the winter months?
It’s not necessary to bring a Lay Z Spa inside and store in a box during the winter due to their innovative Freeze Shield technology, which automatically switches the heater on and heats the hot tub water to 10℃ if the temperature outside drops below 6℃.
Last Word
It’s good to know that your hot tub can be packed up and moved easily when needed. Whether you are moving home or just want to pack your hot tub away for the winter.
You need to drain the spa using a garden hose and deflate the tub, remember to remove the filter housing and chemical dispenser making sure it is clean and dry before putting it away in a suitable box or container.
A Lay Z Spa can be stored in an outbuilding or garage as long as you take precautions and protect the unit from moisture; It’s unlikely to fit back into the original box, so you may prefer to buy a heavy-duty storage bag or plastic container; alternatively, you can just wrap the Lay Z Spa in a tarpaulin and keep on a wooden pallet.
Following the tips above will ensure you put your Lay Z Spa away correctly and are ready for use when you next want to enjoy a soothing massage experience.
