An MSpa Lite inflatable spa deflates in a few minutes, but the procedures before and after deflation determine the lifespan of your pool. If not properly prepared, a quick storage can leave residual moisture in the walls, promote mold, or hide a slow leak that you won’t discover until the next inflation. This guide details each step of the deflation process and especially the checks to make to distinguish normal behavior from a real problem.
Slow leak or normal deflation: checks before storing your MSpa Lite spa
After turning off the pump and observing the pool for a few hours, you notice that the structure has slightly lost its firmness. It’s a common reflex to suspect a leak, whereas most of the time, the loss of pressure can be explained by a simple temperature fluctuation.
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The air contained in the walls contracts when the outside temperature drops, especially in the evening or at night. A decrease in firmness related to the cold is not a leak. To tell the difference, slightly reinflate the spa, apply soapy water to the valve and the visible seams, then observe if any bubbles appear. In the absence of bubbles after several minutes, the loss of pressure is thermal.
If bubbles form around the valve, first check that the cap is properly screwed on and that the internal seal is not dirty. A simple grain of sand stuck in the valve mechanism is enough to cause an air leak. Before concluding that there is a puncture, it is advisable to consult a manual for deflating an MSpa Lite spa that outlines the recommended inspection points from the manufacturer.
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Field reports vary on this point: some users report a noticeable loss of pressure as early as the first night without it indicating a defect. Others find a real leak at the side seams, detectable only when the pool is empty and dry. The distinction is always made with soapy water, never by touch alone.
Draining and cleaning the inflatable spa before deflation
The actual deflation is just the last step. It all starts with draining the water and cleaning the pool, two operations that condition the state of the liner for the next inflation.
Drain the pool without damaging the pump
Turn off the heating system and filtration. Disconnect the spa’s control box. Connect a garden hose to the drain nozzle located at the bottom of the pool, then direct the other end towards an appropriate water outlet (drain, flow grid, garden if the treatment product is compatible).
Never drain an inflatable spa while running the pump dry. The motor is not designed to operate without water and can overheat in a few minutes. Let gravity do the work, even if you need to gently tilt the pool at the end of draining to evacuate the last liters.
Clean the liner and the filter
Once the pool is empty, use a soft non-abrasive sponge on the entire interior surface. Use a mild cleaning product or diluted white vinegar to remove limescale deposits and greasy residues.
- Remove the filter cartridge, rinse it with clean water, and let it dry completely before storage. A damp cartridge stored can develop bacteria in a few days.
- Inspect the bottom of the pool for small debris (gravel, thorns) that could puncture the liner once the spa is folded and compressed under its own weight.
- Dry the inside of the pool with a clean towel or leave it to air dry in dry weather. Residual moisture is the primary cause of mold on a stored inflatable spa.
Deflating the MSpa Lite spa: handling the valve and folding
The pool is empty, clean, and dry. You can now proceed to deflation.
Locate the inflation valve on the outer wall of the spa. On the Lite by MSpa models (Orbit, Cloud, Mist, Pebble, Glow), the valve is in the form of a screwed cap. Slowly unscrew it. Air begins to escape, and the structure gradually collapses.
Do not press on the walls to speed up the deflation. A sudden pressure on a still partially inflated liner can stress the seams unevenly. Let the air escape naturally for a few minutes, then apply gentle and steady pressure starting from the side opposite the valve.
Fold the spa without stressing the seams
Once the pool is completely flat, fold it in half lengthwise, then roll it from the side opposite the valve towards it. This movement pushes the residual air towards the exit and minimizes the volume as much as possible.
- Avoid folding the spa on a rough surface (raw concrete, gravel). Place a tarp or ground mat underneath to protect the liner.
- Do not store the control box or hoses inside the folded spa: their weight and rigid angles can mark the PVC.
- Store the rolled spa in its original transport bag, in a dry place, protected from frost and direct sunlight.
Checks after deflation: standard maintenance or real malfunction
The spa is folded and stored, but the diagnostic work is not finished. It’s time to inspect the accessories and note what you observed during the operation.
Examine the inflation valve: the O-ring should be flexible and free of cracks. A dry or flattened seal loses its tightness over the cycles of inflation and deflation. Replacing a valve seal is inexpensive and prevents slow leaks during the next use.
Check the condition of the power cable and control box. Signs of oxidation on the connectors indicate prolonged exposure to moisture, which is more of an installation issue than a hardware defect.
If you had noticed a suspicious loss of pressure before deflation, mark the area with a dry-erase marker. At the next inflation, you can test this area first with the soapy water method, without having to inspect the entire pool. A well-dried MSpa Lite spa, properly folded and stored away from moisture retains its waterproof properties for several seasons, provided these checks are made at each storage cycle.