You have just enjoyed your MSPA Lite spa all summer, and the season is coming to an end. Storing it properly ensures several more seasons without leaks or unpleasant surprises in the spring. Deflating an MSPA Lite inflatable spa is not just about opening a valve: the method is just as important as the action.
Remove moisture before draining the MSPA Lite spa
Most tutorials start with draining. This makes sense, but there is a preliminary step that MSpa mentions in its recent manuals: run the blower while empty before draining.
Recommended read : Essential Steps to Effectively Train a 2-Month-Old Malinois Puppy
Why does this detail change everything? Because the internal circuit of the motor unit retains residual moisture after each use. If you drain the water and then deflate directly, this moisture gets trapped in the ducts. It promotes mold and corrosion during storage months.
Specifically, activate the filtration and then the blower for a few minutes while the spa is still filled. The warm air circulating through the system dries out the internal pipes. It’s a quick action that protects the motor unit over time. To complete this first phase, a deflation guide for MSPA Lite spas also details the specific precautions for each model in the range.
Related reading : Practical Guide: How to Easily Organize and Transfer Your Music to a USB Drive
Draining and cleaning the inflatable spa before deflation
Once the circuit is dried, move on to the actual draining. Connect the drainage hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the structure. Direct the hose towards an appropriate drainage area: a lawn away from plants sensitive to chlorine, or a drainage outlet if your setup allows it.
Wait for the flow to stop naturally. There will always be some water left that the hose does not capture. Gently tilt the spa towards the valve to drain this residue.
Clean the tub and PVC walls
Cleaning is done with the spa empty, walls still inflated. This is the ideal time because the structure remains rigid and accessible. Use a soft sponge with a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid any solvent or alcohol-based cleaner, which could weaken the reinforced PVC of the Lite models.
Focus on the waterline, where limescale and greasy residues accumulate. Rinse with clear water, then let it air dry. The spa must be perfectly dry before any deflation steps. If there is moisture left on the internal walls, prolonged storage will cause mold stains that are impossible to remove without damaging the lining.
Assisted deflation on recent MSPA Lite models
You may still have in mind the image of a spa being deflated by pressing on it for twenty minutes. The recent MSPA Lite series (from 2023) simplify this chore with a built-in assisted deflation function in the motor unit.
The principle: the same motor that inflates the spa can also continuously expel air. After reversing the valve (often indicated by a pictogram on the control box), the Air or Bubble mode sucks the air out of the structure. No need for an external pump or special nozzle anymore.
How to proceed concretely
- Remove the thermal cover and all accessories (headrests, cup holders, filters)
- Open the deflation valve located on the wall of the spa, then activate the deflation mode on the control box
- Let the motor run until the structure is completely flat, without manually pressing on the walls
- Once the spa is flat, gently press on the last air pockets starting from the center towards the valve
If your model is from before 2023, simply open the valve and let the air escape naturally. You can speed up the process by gently rolling the walls towards the open valve without pressing down harshly.
Folding the MSPA Lite spa in reinforced PVC: mistakes to avoid
This is the step where most damage occurs. Never roll an MSPA Lite spa like a sleeping bag. The reinforced PVC (or Rhino-Tech on some models) is stiffer than that of entry-level spas. Tight folds create micro-cracks on the thermal welds, which become leaks after a few inflation-deflation cycles.
MSpa recommends a folding in large straight panels. Imagine folding a sheet rather than a duvet: fold one side towards the center, then the other, keeping wide and regular folds. Avoid stepping on the spa to push out the remaining air, as concentrated weight on one point weakens the joints.
Storage after folding
Place the folded spa in its original transport bag or in a container large enough not to compress the structure. MSpa warranty conditions specify that leaks related to improper folding or storage under load are not covered. A spa crushed under boxes in a garage for six months risks showing permanent crease marks.
- Store in a dry place, protected from frost and rodents
- Do not place anything heavy on the folded spa
- Slip a moisture-absorbing packet into the bag if your storage space is poorly ventilated
The motor unit and accessories should be stored separately, protected from dust. Ensure that the pump seals are clean and dry before packing them.
A well-executed deflation takes about thirty minutes, including cleaning. This time invested at the end of the season prevents leak repairs in the spring, and you will find a spa in perfect condition as soon as the first sunny days arrive.