Lazy Spa – or, more properly, Lay-Z-Spa – hot tubs are fantastic for a few reasons. One of those is easy take-down and storage. But many first-time users get stuck working out how to deflate a Lazy Spa the correct way.
The short answer? Empty it, clean it and let it dry completely. Then open the inflation valve to release the air, gently fold the liner and put it somewhere dry and protected from frost. If your model supports a deflation attachment, you can use that instead of waiting for the air to escape on its own.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? It is, but don’t rush the drying. Nobody wants to unpack a mouldy mess when they’re looking forward to their next soak!
Before You Start Deflating Your Lay-Z-Spa
Have your hose, drainage adaptor, a soft cloth and some dry towels handy. Keep a bag or box nearby for the caps and fittings too. They’re surprisingly good at disappearing between one summer and the next.
Check the manual for your particular Lay-Z-Spa model before disconnecting anything. Valve designs and pump arrangements vary, so instructions for an older Miami won’t necessarily match a newer model with a built-in pump.
How To Deflate A Lazy Spa: Step By Step
1) Empty The Water First
Your hot tub needs to be empty before you let the air out of its walls. Turn off and unplug the hot tub, then follow your model’s instructions for preparing the pump and opening the drain.
Connect the hose using the correct drainage adaptor and direct the water to a suitable drainage area. Chemically treated water can damage plants and grass, so plan where it’s going before you pull the plug.
Still at the draining stage? Our guide to how to empty a Lazy Spa covers that part of the job. If you’re weighing up a quicker option, we’ve also looked at pumps for emptying hot tubs.
2) Clean And Dry Everything
Give the liner, cover and inflatable lid a good clean using products suitable for your hot tub. A soft cloth is your friend here; anything abrasive certainly isn’t. Rinse away any cleaning residue and wipe the surfaces dry.
Pay particular attention to the folds, seams and underside. They can still be damp when the bits you can easily see look perfectly dry.
The pump needs attention too. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and draining instructions for your model and give it time to dry before storage. Don’t assume that every pump can be disconnected or dried in exactly the same way.
For a closer look at cleaning, see our hot tub cleaning guide. The aim is simple: no leftover dirt, no trapped water and no unpleasant surprise when you get it out again.
3) Open The Inflation Valve
Once the liner is empty and completely dry, locate the valve you used to inflate it. On inflatable Lay-Z-Spa models, this is usually near the pump connections.
Open or unscrew the inflation valve as shown in your manual to let the air escape. Take a moment to check which part should be opened on your valve rather than forcing a fitting that won’t move.
Let the walls soften and collapse naturally. You can then gently ease the remaining air towards the open valve as you fold. Don’t stand or jump on the liner to hurry things along. It has a relaxing job to do next summer, and we’d like it to get there in one piece.
4) Deflate The Inflatable Lid
If your cover has an inflatable insert, that needs emptying separately. Make sure it is clean and dry, open its valve and gently release the air. Keep any removable valve caps with the other fittings.
5) Fold And Store Your Hot Tub
Fold the dry liner loosely, allowing any remaining air to escape. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fit into quite the tiny package you remember opening. Getting it back to factory size isn’t the goal.
Store the liner, pump and accessories somewhere dry and protected from frost, following the storage conditions in your manual. Keep sharp tools and heavy objects away from the liner and put the fittings somewhere you’ll find them again.
Finally, check that everything really is dry before closing the storage bag or box. A little patience now beats a big cleaning job later.
Can You Deflate A Lay-Z-Spa Without A Pump Or Kit?
Yes. You can let the air out through the inflation valve without using a deflation kit. Open the valve according to your model’s instructions, allow the air to escape and gently fold the empty, dry liner.
This is a handy option if you’ve misplaced an attachment. You still need to drain and dry the tub first, of course. Deflating it with water inside is not a shortcut worth trying.
How To Deflate A Lay-Z-Spa With A Pump
Some models can use a compatible deflation attachment with the pump’s air system. If yours supports this, follow the connection diagram supplied with the kit and your hot tub.
Check compatibility before buying an attachment. Don’t assume that a kit for another Lay-Z-Spa will fit yours, and don’t improvise by connecting hoses to the water inlets. If the instructions don’t show a supported deflation method, use the manual valve method instead.
The important distinction is that a drainage pump removes water, while a deflation attachment helps remove air. They do different jobs.
How Long Does It Take To Deflate A Lazy Spa?
There isn’t one reliable time for every model. The size of the liner, the valve and whether you’re using a compatible deflation attachment all make a difference.
Allow time for the whole job, especially draining and drying, rather than just the air coming out. If the liner or pump is still damp, it isn’t ready to pack away, however keen you are to reclaim the patio.
Do You Have To Deflate Your Lay-Z-Spa For Winter?
Not necessarily. Some older models have different cold-weather limits, while models with Freeze Shield are designed to help protect the water system in colder conditions. Check your own manual rather than relying on a blanket temperature rule.
Freeze Shield needs power to work. It cannot protect a disconnected pump, and a power cut or fault can stop it doing its job. If you leave your tub set up, it still needs regular checks and water care.
If you’re putting it away, thorough draining and drying remain essential. Lay-Z-Spa’s own packing-away guide and winter care advice are useful companions to your model’s manual.
Why Won’t My Lay-Z-Spa Deflate?
First, check that you’ve opened the correct inflation valve fully according to your manual. If you’re using a deflation kit, check that it is compatible and connected as instructed.
If the liner still holds air, stop and check the manufacturer’s guidance before forcing the valve or adding extra pressure. A stubborn fitting is frustrating; a damaged one is rather more so.
And if your tub is losing air when you haven’t opened the valve, that’s a different problem. It needs a leak check, rather than these packing-away instructions.
In the end, working out how to deflate a Lazy Spa is relatively simple. Empty, clean, dry, deflate and store. Take your time with the drying and you’ll give yourself a much nicer job when it’s time to bring the bubbles back.
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