Bestway Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tubs should be deflated in a specific order: drain, clean, dry, then deflate. Each step protects the PVC from permanent creases, mold, and tears that shorten the product’s lifespan. Skipping or rushing any of them—especially drying—can turn routine storage into damage that only becomes apparent the following spring.
Sealing plugs and the deflation valve: two parts not to confuse
Most guides treat deflation as a single action (open the valve, let the air out, fold the spa). The mechanics of a Lay-Z-Spa are a little more involved, as two connection points come into play.
The first is the connection between the pump and the liner. Bestway specifies that sealing plugs must be fitted before disconnecting the pump from the liner; otherwise, any water left in the system will drain onto the ground. These plugs are included in the accessory kit supplied with the spa. If you’ve misplaced them, compatible replacement parts are available from Bestway.
The second is the deflation valve itself. Depending on the model (AirJet, HydroJet Pro, etc.), this valve may be in a different location. Some models require a specific adapter to connect it to the inflation hose and extract the air. Before doing anything, check the manual for your exact model to avoid forcing an ill-fitting connector.
When you need to deflate a Lay-Z-Spa for winter storage, locating these two parts in advance and checking their condition saves time and reduces the risk of leaks when you set it up again.
Draining a Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tub: remove the water without improvising
Always drain the spa before deflating it. Trying to deflate a spa that is still full, even partially, puts abnormal pressure on the PVC seams.
Use the built-in drain valve
Every Lay-Z-Spa has a drain valve, usually located on the outer wall near the ground. Connect a garden hose adapter to the valve to direct the water to a suitable drainage point (a drain, permeable ground, or a stormwater system, depending on local regulations).
Water treated with bromine or chlorine should not be poured directly onto plants or into a body of water. If your municipality has specific rules for discharging pool water, they also apply to inflatable hot tubs.
Remove any water left at the bottom
The valve won’t drain everything. A few liters of water will remain at the bottom of the tub. To remove it:
- Gently tilt the spa toward the open valve by lifting the opposite side, without sharply folding the liner
- Use a sponge or mop to soak up the last puddles, especially in the folds at the bottom
- Check the pump connections: water may remain trapped in the filtration system, which is where the sealing plugs come into play
Dry completely before folding: the step everyone rushes
This is the most overlooked step, yet it has the greatest impact on the spa’s lifespan. Bestway recommends leaving the deflated spa in the sun for half a day before storing it. According to the manufacturer, a damp spa can develop mold within a few weeks.
Both sides of the liner need to dry. The inside dries faster with direct exposure to the sun. The outside, which is in contact with the ground, retains more moisture. Turning the spa over halfway through the drying process helps dry both sides.
In cloudy weather or at the end of the season, drying can take 24 to 48 hours. Storing the spa before all traces of moisture have disappeared can lead to black spots and persistent odors that penetrate deep into the PVC.
Cleaning the liner: which products to use
A soft cloth and warm water are all you need for most cleaning. Abrasive cleaners, rubbing alcohol, and solvents can damage the PVC coating. Products specifically designed for inflatable hot tubs (available from Bestway and other retailers) are formulated to dissolve limescale without damaging the surface.
Cleaning before drying makes sense: limescale and treatment-product residue can dry into a crust if not removed promptly, making the spa harder to clean in spring.
Deflating a Bestway hot tub: with or without the pump
There are two methods, depending on whether the pump is still available.
Using the Lay-Z-Spa pump
On compatible models, connect the pump to the valve and use deflation mode to extract the air (the exact procedure varies by control panel). This method removes as much air as possible in just a few minutes, making the spa easier to fold compactly.
Without the pump
If the pump is broken or already stored away, simply open the deflation valve and gradually press down on the spa walls, starting from the side opposite the valve. This takes longer and leaves more air in the liner.
- Never sit or stand on the spa to speed up deflation: concentrated weight creates stress points along the seams
- Roll the spa flat toward the valve, like a sleeping bag, to push out the remaining air evenly
- Close the valve once the spa is completely flat to prevent air from getting back in while you fold it
Winter storage for an inflatable hot tub: temperature and location
Bestway advises against using spas without Freeze Shield below 10 °C. For models without this protection, winterizing means storing the spa completely rather than leaving it filled with water.
The storage area should be dry and protected from frost and rodents. A heated garage or indoor closet is suitable. An uninsulated garden shed exposes the PVC to temperature fluctuations that can stiffen the material and cause cracks when the spa is unfolded.
Store the folded spa in its original box or a dedicated storage bag, without placing heavy objects on top, to prevent permanent creases. Store the pump and its accessories separately in a place where the temperature stays above freezing.
A hot tub that has been properly drained, dried, deflated, and stored in a dry place will be ready to unfold in spring without any unpleasant surprises. Mold, odors, and PVC deformation are almost always the result of rushing one of these steps, not a manufacturing defect.
