Sticking to a regular hot tub cleaning schedule can make a world of difference to your bathing routine. In short, it'll keep you and your guests safe while prolonging the life of your tub. It's a win-win situation.
Below, we explain how regularly you should clean each part of your spa and answer your most frequently asked questions.
Sitting comfortably? Then scroll down to read our handy hot tub cleaning guide.
How often should I clean my hot tub?
Each part of your hot tub needs a good clean at different intervals. It all comes down to how often you use your spa, water care products, and maintenance routine. As a rough rule of thumb, we recommend cleaning the following parts:
After each use:
- Wipe the shell to remove water lines using a clean damp cloth. Or, for stubborn marks, try a tub scrubber
- Check and rebalance the pH and sanitiser levels (chlorine or bromine)
Weekly
- Clean the filter
- Check and rebalance the pH and sanitiser levels
- Shock dose the water
Quarterly
- Clean your pipes with a pipe cleaner
- Drain and refill your hot tub
- Clean the interior shell
Annually
- Have your full hot tub serviced
How do I clean my hot tub?
To keep your tub in tip-top condition, we recommend cleaning the following parts thoroughly. Keep our hot tub cleaning guide close to hand for future reference.
Remember; only use products made for cleaning hot tubs (and, where necessary, for your make and model). And always read their instructions before use.
Flush out pipes
To remove any dirt, bacteria or build-up from your pipes, wash them with Swirl Away and Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Pipe Cleaner before cleaning your hot tub's shell. Then, once you've finished, drain the water.
Top tip: Jacuzzi® recommend cleaning your hot tub pipes at least once a year (usually at the beginning of the season).
Drain the water
In an ideal world, you should drain the water every three months at a minimum. But, before getting started, turn your hot tub off at the isolator. Not doing this could damage the pump motor and filter mechanism. Because as the water drains away, the pump could restart, thinking there is not enough water.
Most tubs feature a drain valve at the bottom of the cabinet or just inside. You can also use a submersible pump to remove the water. Then, switch the power back on once you've refilled it.
Clean the shell and jets
After draining your hot tub, wipe away any sediments, dirt or debris with a damp cloth. We highly recommend using a surface cleaner and a soft cloth. Or, for stubborn marks, try a tub scrubber.
Top tip: Never clean your spa with regular household cleaning products. They're rarely pH neutral and may damage the shell or cause water issues.
Clean the pillows
Remove all headrest cushions and wipe using warm water and a cloth. Then, clean the acrylic hot tub shell behind the pillows.
Hot tub cover
Spray away loose dirt or debris from your hot tub cover using a high-powered hose pipe. Then, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. Finish off by spraying with an approved hot tub cover cleaner.
Hot tub panels
Use a soft cloth and neutral detergent to clean the outer panels. Then, when you've finished, wipe away any residue.
Top tip: Never direct a hosepipe at your hot tub's panels, as the internal electro-mechanical parts are easily damaged.
Refill your hot tub
Start by reading your manufacturer guide; this will advise you on how to refill your spa's make and model. Then, take your hose pipe and position it in the filter housing unit. This will ensure the internal pipework fills first and prevents any airlocks from forming. Once you've filled your hot tub, it's time to balance the pH and add a sanitiser.
Top tip: Don't switch your hot tub on until the drain valves are securely closed, your replacement filters installed, and the water reaches the fill line or the bottom of the pillows.
Top hot tub cleaning safety tips
- Always turn your hot tub off at the isolator before draining it
- Use cleaning products and chemicals specifically made for hot tubs
- Follow your manufacturer's guidelines
- Protect your skin and eyes by wearing suitable clothes, rubber gloves, safety glasses and protective shoes
- Store hot tub cleaning products separately from household cleaning products and out of reach of children and pets
- Never combine chemicals and cleaning solutions
- Never allow people inside a hot tub while it's being cleaned
Frequently asked hot tub cleaning questions
Scroll down to read our most frequently asked questions. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk, and we'll reply as soon as possible.
Can I use bleach to clean my hot tub?
No, household bleach can damage your hot tub and skin. It may even alter your water's pH level. We recommend using tried and tested cleaning products and chemicals developed specifically for your hot tub.
Can I use vinegar to clean my hot tub?
Again, we do not recommend using anything on your hot tub that is not designed for cleaning it. Different kinds of vinegar range in acidity and alkalinity and can harm your water's pH level.
My hot tub water is cloudy; what does this mean?
Cloudiness is often caused by microscopic waterborne particles too small for your filter to catch. We recommend using a flocculant like Jacuzzi Spa Clear, which clumps these particles together, making them large enough for your filter to extract. After using this product, give your filters a good clean or replace them if needed.
My hot tub water is green and smells; what should I do?
When water doesn't have enough sanitisation, algae forms. To kill and remove it, you must shock dose the water with a high level of sanitiser (chlorine or bromine). Then, balance the pH, so your sanitiser can work effectively.
Why is there foam in my hot tub?
Foam may form on the surface of your water for many reasons. The most common causes are day-to-day pollutants like detergents and cosmetics. Start by testing the water for a chemical imbalance, like chlorine, bromine or pH. Then, consider using a no foam product to eliminate the problem. For more advice, check out our blog on foamy hot tub water.
How often should I change the water in my hot tub?
BISHTA, the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association, recommend changing your water between one and three months. This is dependent on your sanitation products and how frequently you use your spa. If it has daily use, change your water every month. But if you use it every few weeks, opt for every three months.
What should I use to clean my hot tub?
There are hundreds of cleaning products to choose from, so we recommend using those made for your hot tub's specific make and model. Browse our full range of cleaning tools.
Should I clean my hot tub filter?
Yes, your filter is an essential part of the system, and if not cleaned weekly, particles of dust and dirt will prevent it from working efficiently. They may even cause a flow error. Read our handy hot tub filter cleaning guide.
When I refill my hot tub, can I use warm water?
Yes, many people fill their hot tub with warm water to enjoy bathing again quickly. And particularly if they will be hosting a hot tub party later that day. If you wish to do this, use water no hotter than 40°C – otherwise, the heat may damage the acrylic shell. Many people install a hot and cold bib tap outside to monitor the water temperature going into their tub.
Parting advice
And there you have it; our quick and easy guide to cleaning your hot tub. For more information about chemicals, sanitation and maintenance, read our handy guide to hot tub chemicals.
Need more advice? Give us a call on 01482 212322 or email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk and we’ll help you out. Or drop in and see us in our Hull or Leeds showrooms to see our hot tub chemical range for yourself.
Not near one of our Yorkshire hot tub showrooms? No problem, if you’re looking for a new hot tub you can explore our virtual showroom or book a video call with our showroom team.
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