Hot Tub Cleaning Tips

Maintaining a clean hot tub is essential for its longevity - and for your enjoyment. Regular hot tub cleaning and maintenance will keep you and your hot tub feeling great. But just how often do you need to clean your hot tub?

In this blog post, we will explore the best practices for hot tub cleaning and maintenance - and we'll suggest a few hot tub cleaning products that will make this process a breeze. By following these tips and techniques, you can keep your hot tub in pristine condition for years to come.

The Importance of Regular Hot Tub Cleaning

Imagine being invited to a friend’s house to have a soak in their hot tub. As they peel off the hot tub cover you notice a chunky film on the top of the water. Upon further inspection, you touch the hot tub shell and notice a layer of slime coating the tub. You take a breath in to ask if it’s clean, only to inhale the obvious scent of mildew...would you get in?

Regular hot tub cleaning keeps your filter clear, chemicals balanced, and the massage jets running properly. Hot tub maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and increases the lifespan of your hot tub. If you don’t clean and maintain your hot tub, you could wind up ruining the jets, pump, motor, or shell.

Remember: when you climb into a hot tub, you should feel acrylic - not algae.

Materials Needed for a Hot Tub Cleaning

Gather all the necessary hot tub cleaning supplies, including a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, Shop-Vac or wet-dry vacuum, mild hot tub cleaner, and a soft-bristle brush.

• Wet-dry vacuum
• Garden hose
• Microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge
• Gentle hot tub cleaning spray

Hot Tub Cleaning Guide

You’ll need to clean your hot tub every 3-4 months. But before you start the hot tub cleaning process, there are several preparatory steps to take. Safety first: you’ll want to unplug your hot tub or disconnect the breaker.

Step 1: Drain the Hot Tub

Once you’ve unplugged your hot tub and have your supplies, you’re ready to start draining the water. Draining the hot tub ensures that you have a clean slate to work with.

1. Attach a pump or garden hose to the drain connection. Position the other end of the hose where you want the water to drain.
2. Once you’re connected, open the drain. A sump pump will drain your hot tub faster than a standard garden hose.
3. After the water is drained out of the shell, use your wet-dry vacuum to remove the remaining water. Make sure to dry out the jet nozzles.

Step 2: Clean the Hot Tub Shell

Once any debris and loose dirt is removed from the hot tub, it’s time to spray down the shell with a gentle hot tub cleaning solution. Ready the back of the label to see how long you should leave the spray on the shell. Typically, it’s not very long at all.

Use only a hot tub cleaning spray recommended by your manufacturer. Some people try to use whatever’s lying around - or some use white vinegar thinking it’s a healthy alternative, but it’s not. Certain hot tub cleaning solutions like white vinegar can alter the pH level of the water after you fill the tub. It may even void your warranty.

Remember to rinse the shell thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue from the cleaner.

Step 3: Cleaning the Hot Tub Filters

Clean filters are crucial for maintaining proper water circulation and preventing debris from entering your hot tub. Your hot tub filter needs to be hosed down every 3-4 weeks and replace them annually. Every 3-4 months you’ll need to apply a hot tub cleaning solution to the filter and allow it to soak for a more thorough cleaning.

1. To clean the filters, first, turn off the power to the hot tub.
2. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the filters carefully.
3. Rinse them with a hose to remove any loose debris, and if needed, use a filter cleaning solution to dissolve any oils or mineral deposits.

Regular filter maintenance ensures optimal performance and prolongs the lifespan of your hot tub. Please clean the filter weekly and change it every three months.

Hot Tub filter cleaning system

Step 4: Hot Tub Cover Care

A well-maintained hot tub cover plays a vital role in protecting your hot tub from debris, maintaining water temperature, and conserving energy.

1. To keep the cover in good condition, clean it regularly by hosing it down and using a mild soap or hot tub cover cleaner. Gently scrub the cover with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the cover material.
3. Additionally, protect the cover from extreme weather conditions by using a cover protector or UV-resistant cover. Proper cover care helps keep your hot tub protected.

Easy cover lifter

Step 5: Refill Your Hot Tub

Now that your hot tub shell, massage jets, filter, and cover are all clean, it’s time to fill the tub back up with water.

1. First, close the drain, remove the garden hose or sump pump, and connect your fill hose. Direct the fill hose nozzle into the tub.
2. Wait until the water level reaches just above the massage jet nozzles, then turn on the power.

Step 6: Water Maintenance and pH Balancing

When the water is above the jets and the temperature is at lesat 70 degrees Farenheit, it’s time to add your hot tub cleaning chemicals. Proper water chemistry is essential for the longevity of your hot tub and the health of its users.

Test the water regularly using a reliable testing kit to ensure the pH level is within the recommended range (typically between 7.2 and 7.8). Adjust the pH level if necessary, using pH increasers or decreasers.

Additionally, maintain appropriate sanitizer levels, such as chlorine or bromine, to keep the water clean and safe. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult a professional if needed. Regularly balancing the water chemistry prevents issues such as cloudy water, scaling, or skin irritation.

Hot Tub Cleaning Schedule

Creating a regular maintenance schedule helps you stay on top of essential hot tub cleaning and maintenance tasks. Here's a sample hot tub cleaning schedule to guide you:

• Weekly: Test water chemistry, clean filters if needed, and skim the water surface for debris.
• Monthly: Clean the hot tub shell, check and clean the cover, and inspect all components.
• Every 3-4 months: Drain and refill the hot tub, deep clean filters, and inspect jets and plumbing.
• Annually: Replace filters, inspect and clean the hot tub cover, and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Consistency is key when it comes to hot tub maintenance. By following a regular hot tub cleaning schedule, you can ensure that your hot tub remains clean, safe, and in like-new condition.

Contact Bueno Spa for Hot Tub Cleaning Tips or to Buy a Hot Tub for Sale

By following the hot tub cleaning tips outlined in this article, you can upkeep a safe and relaxing hot tub experience. Prioritize hot tub cleaning and maintenance to maximize your enjoyment and ensure years of relaxation and rejuvenation.