Owning a hot tub is a luxury, but maintaining it ensures a lasting and hygienic experience. After a few months of use, hot tubs can accumulate dirt, bacteria, and grime. Cleaning your hot tub regularly will keep it sparkling and safe for use.

Understanding the Essential Components of a Hot Tub

Knowing the parts of your hot tub helps you clean effectively while avoiding damage.

  1. Shell: The hollow interior, often made of fiberglass or polished stone, where water is stored.
  2. Outer Casing: Encases the hot tub, usually made of hardwood or insulated materials to retain heat.
  3. Pipelines: Carry water to and from the jets and pumps.
  4. Jets: Pump water into the tub, with numbers varying based on tub size.
  5. Control System: Manages temperature, water flow, and other features.
  6. Heater: Maintains water temperature, typically between 15–40°C.
  7. Pump: Circulates water through the system.
  8. Filter: Traps debris and prevents clogging of pipelines.

Cleaning Your Hot Tub

Follow these steps to ensure your hot tub is thoroughly cleaned and ready for use.

1. Before Draining the Hot Tub

A. Flush Your Lines

Run a spa system flush cleaner through your hot tub to loosen grime and bacteria.

  1. Remove the filter.
  2. Add a spa system flush.
  3. Run the jets and pumps for a few minutes.

B. Turn Off the Power Supply

Always switch off the power to prevent injuries or damage. Ensure the control system is off to avoid accidental activation.

C. Drain Your Hot Tub

  1. Use the drain pipe or sump pump to empty the water.
  2. Follow manufacturer instructions for specific models.

2. Cleaning the Hot Tub

A. Use a Suitable Cleaner

  • Choose non-acidic, mild cleaners to prevent damage.
  • For acrylic tubs, gently scrub with a sponge or cloth using a cleaner spray.

B. Clean the Filters

  1. Remove filters as instructed in the owner’s manual.
  2. Spray with a high-pressure garden hose.
  3. Disinfect with chlorine solution or soak in an oil-cutting solution.
  4. Allow filters to dry completely.

C. Dishwasher Cleaning (Optional)

Run filters through a dishwasher on a low heat cycle. Ensure they are dishwasher-safe as per the manual.

D. Reinstall the Filters

Securely place the cleaned filters back in their housing, fastening screws if required.

3. Refilling the Hot Tub

A. Add Water

Run water through the filter housing to other sections of the tub.

B. Turn the Power Back On

  1. Reactivate circuit breakers and control systems.
  2. Check for unusual noises from the pump, indicating improper filter installation.

C. Add Chemicals

  • Use a sanitizer, pH balancer, and shock agent as recommended.
  • Ensure water alkalinity and pH are within safe levels.

Household Alternatives for Cleaning

Save money and reduce chemical use by trying these common household products:

  • Baking soda: For scrubbing tough stains.
  • White vinegar: Removes grime and odors.
  • Dish soap: Cleans surfaces gently.

Household Products for Cleaning Your Hot Tub

Maintaining a clean hot tub can be hassle-free with everyday household items. These alternatives to chemical cleaners are effective, safe, and often already available in your home.

1. Olive Oil

  • Purpose: Removes stubborn grime and dirt patches on the shell.
  • Method:
    1. Rub olive oil over dirty areas.
    2. Gently scrub until the grime loosens.
    3. Wipe away the residue.
    4. Follow with mild soap and warm water to clean any remaining oil.

View Olive Oil on Amazon

2. White Vinegar

  • Purpose: Cleans and polishes the surface and lines of the hot tub.
  • Method:
    1. Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water (50/50 solution).
    2. Apply the solution to the surface and lines.
    3. Rub gently and rinse thoroughly.

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3. Diluted Bleach

  • Purpose: Quickly cleans hot tub lines and vinyl covers.
  • Method:
    1. Mix bleach with water as per instructions.
    2. Apply to the hot tub lines or covers.
    3. Wipe clean and rinse thoroughly.

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4. Baking Soda

  • Purpose: Removes tough stains and grime.
  • Method:
    1. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge.
    2. Scrub the surface gently.
    3. Rinse thoroughly to avoid abrasiveness.

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5. Diluted Rubbing Alcohol

  • Purpose: Cleans hard-to-remove dirt on stainless steel surfaces.
  • Method:
    1. Mix rubbing alcohol with water.
    2. Use a cloth to clean the shell or other hard surfaces.
    3. Rinse thoroughly.

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6. Magic Eraser

  • Purpose: Removes dirt, stains, and grime without chemicals.
  • Method:
    1. Wet the magic eraser with water.
    2. Scrub the areas with dirt or marks.

View Magic Eraser on Amazon

Maintenance Tips

Keep your hot tub in excellent condition by adhering to these practices:

1. Weekly Sanitation

  • Use manufacturer-recommended sanitizers like chlorine or bromine.

2. Monthly Filter Cleaning

  • Clean filters thoroughly with water or a chemical soak. Replace annually if used regularly.

3. Quarterly Shell Cleaning

  • Scrub acrylic shells to prevent bacterial buildup.

4. Monthly Cover Cleaning

  • Wash both sides of the cover with a gentle spray to remove dirt.

Conclusion

By incorporating these simple cleaning methods and maintenance habits, your hot tub will remain hygienic, visually appealing, and long-lasting. Regular cleaning not only enhances your hot tub’s life but also ensures a healthier and more enjoyable experience for you and your family.