A clean hot tub is more enjoyable to use, easier to maintain, and less likely to develop problems with cloudy water, odors, scale, clogged filters, or damaged equipment.
Hot tub cleaning involves more than simply keeping the water clear. Your filters, plumbing, shell, cover, jets, and water chemistry all work together, so a good maintenance routine should address the entire spa.
Here are 15 essential tips to help keep your hot tub clean, comfortable, and operating properly.
Routine Hot Tub Cleaning
1. Remove Leaves and Debris Regularly
Use a spa skimmer or small net to remove leaves, insects, grass, and other debris floating on the surface. Removing debris before it reaches the filter can help reduce the amount of material your filtration system has to handle.
2. Keep the Waterline Clean
Body oils, lotions, cosmetics, and other contaminants can accumulate around the waterline and create a visible ring on the spa shell.
Wipe the waterline regularly with a soft cloth or sponge and a cleaner specifically approved for hot tub or spa surfaces. Avoid household cleaners that can create excessive foam or interfere with water chemistry.
3. Clean the Hot Tub Shell
Whenever the spa is drained, take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the interior shell. Use a non-abrasive spa-safe cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, and household cleaning products unless your spa manufacturer specifically approves them. Some cleaners can scratch acrylic surfaces or leave residues that cause foaming after the spa is refilled.
4. Clean Headrests and Other Accessories
Remove and clean spa pillows, headrests, cup holders, trays, and other removable accessories periodically. Oils, sunscreen, chemicals, and waterline residue can collect around these components.
Use cleaning products that are compatible with the material, especially on spa pillows and vinyl components that can deteriorate when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Filter & Circulation Maintenance
5. Rinse Hot Tub Filters Regularly
Your filter traps hair, oils, dirt, and other contaminants before they can continue circulating through the spa. A dirty filter can reduce water flow and make it more difficult to maintain clear water.
Remove the filter and rinse between the pleats with clean water as needed. How frequently this is necessary depends on spa usage, filter size, and water conditions.
6. Deep-Clean Filters Periodically
In addition to routine rinsing, cartridge filters should periodically be cleaned with an appropriate spa filter-cleaning solution to help remove oils and contaminants that ordinary rinsing may leave behind.
Follow the filter manufacturer's cleaning instructions and allow the cartridge to rinse thoroughly before reinstalling it.
7. Maintain the Correct Water Level
Keep the spa water at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Water that is too low can allow air to enter the circulation system and may interfere with filtration, heating, and proper pump operation.
Water that is excessively high can overflow when bathers enter and may allow water to reach areas of the spa that are intended to remain dry.
Water Chemistry & Water Changes
8. Test and Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
Proper water chemistry is one of the most important parts of keeping a hot tub clean. Test the water regularly and maintain the appropriate sanitizer, pH, total alkalinity, and other water-balance levels recommended for your spa.
Improper chemistry can contribute to cloudy water, scale, corrosion, unpleasant odors, irritated skin and eyes, and premature deterioration of spa components.
9. Oxidize or Shock the Water When Needed
Periodic oxidation helps break down organic contaminants introduced by bathers, including perspiration, oils, lotions, and other materials that can accumulate in spa water.
Depending on your sanitizing system and water-care program, this may involve chlorine shock, non-chlorine oxidizer, or another manufacturer-approved treatment. Always follow the instructions for the specific products and sanitizing system you use.
10. Drain and Refill the Hot Tub Periodically
Hot tub water cannot be maintained indefinitely simply by adding sanitizer. Dissolved solids and other contaminants gradually accumulate as water evaporates and chemicals are added.
Many spas require draining and refilling approximately every three to four months, but the proper interval depends on spa size, frequency of use, number of bathers, and your water-care system.
If the water becomes increasingly difficult to balance, develops persistent foaming or odors, or no longer responds well to normal treatment, it may be time for a water change.
Plumbing, Jets & Equipment
11. Periodically Clean the Spa Plumbing
Hot tub plumbing can accumulate oils, organic material, and other deposits over time. A plumbing or line-cleaning product designed specifically for spas can help loosen material inside the circulation lines before the spa is drained.
Plumbing cleaners are generally used immediately before a scheduled drain and refill. Follow the cleaner manufacturer's directions carefully, as these products can create significant foaming while circulating.
12. Inspect and Clean Spa Jets
Check jet faces and openings for scale, debris, or restricted movement. Some removable jet inserts can be taken out for cleaning, while others are not designed for routine removal.
Before removing or soaking any jet assembly, consult the spa or jet manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning methods that are safe for one type of jet may damage another.
13. Check for Leaks and Unusual Water Loss
Pay attention to the spa's normal water level. Some water loss is expected from evaporation and splash-out, but repeated or unusually rapid water loss can indicate a leak.
Inspect accessible pumps, unions, heater connections, plumbing fittings, valves, and equipment areas for moisture. Addressing a small leak early may prevent damage to surrounding equipment or the spa cabinet.
Cover & Surrounding Area
14. Clean and Maintain the Hot Tub Cover
Your spa cover is constantly exposed to moisture, chemicals, sunlight, dirt, and weather. Keep the exterior clean and use only care products recommended for the cover material.
Also inspect the underside of the cover for dirt, mildew, deterioration, or damage. Avoid using harsh household cleaners that may damage the vinyl or cause unwanted chemical residues to enter the spa.
A waterlogged, cracked, sagging, or badly deteriorated cover may need to be replaced.
15. Keep the Area Around the Spa Clean
Sweep or rinse the area around the hot tub regularly so leaves, dirt, grass clippings, and other debris are less likely to be tracked or blown into the water.
Encouraging bathers to rinse off before entering the spa can also significantly reduce the amount of body oil, lotion, sunscreen, cosmetics, and other contaminants introduced into the water.
A Little Routine Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Keeping a hot tub clean is much easier when maintenance is performed consistently rather than waiting until the water becomes cloudy or a problem develops.
A good routine includes maintaining proper water chemistry, cleaning the filter, wiping down surfaces, monitoring the water level, inspecting equipment, and periodically draining and cleaning the spa.
These simple steps can help improve water quality, reduce unnecessary strain on spa equipment, and make your hot tub a cleaner and more enjoyable place to relax.
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If you're having trouble identifying the correct replacement part, give us a call or contact us through our website. Our team can help you determine what you need.