Having a hot tub is a luxurious addition to any home. It offers a soothing oasis, a place to relax, and a way to unwind after a long day. However, keeping your hot tub clean and well-maintained is essential not only for your enjoyment but also for your health. While you might think that you need to hire a professional to do the job, we’re here to show you that with a bit of knowledge and regular upkeep, you can keep your hot tub sparkling clean on your own.
1. Establish a Routine
Consistency is key to maintaining a clean hot tub spa. Create a regular cleaning schedule that you can stick to. This should include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Daily, you should check the water’s pH levels and ensure the hot tub cover is securely in place. Weekly, skim the water’s surface for debris and clean the filters. Monthly, perform a more thorough cleaning.
2. Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Testing the water’s pH and chemical balance is crucial. You can find test kits at most pool and spa supply stores. Ideally, your hot tub’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the sanitizer levels (usually chlorine or bromine) should be within the recommended range. Balancing these levels will help keep the water clear and free of harmful bacteria.
3. Clean the Filters
Hot tub filters work tirelessly to remove debris from the water. They should be cleaned every week to ensure they function efficiently. Remove the filter cartridges and rinse them thoroughly with a hose to remove trapped particles. Every two to three months, you should soak the filters in a filter cleaner solution to remove built-up oils and minerals. Be sure to replace filters when they become worn or damaged.
4. Drain and Refill
Draining and refilling your hot tub periodically is necessary. The frequency depends on how often it’s used, but a general rule of thumb is every three to four months. Before draining, remove any debris from the bottom of the tub. Use a spa line flush to clean the plumbing system, then refill the hot tub with fresh water. Balance the water chemistry accordingly.
5. Surface Cleaning
The hot tub’s interior surface can collect grime and scale. Use a non-abrasive spa surface cleaner to wipe down the walls and seats. For stubborn stains, you can create a paste with baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to avoid residue.
6. Protect the Cover
The hot tub cover plays a crucial role in keeping the water clean. Regularly clean and treat it with a UV protectant to prevent damage from sunlight. Ensure that the cover fits snugly to keep out debris and prevent heat loss.
7. Keep it Covered When Not in Use
One of the simplest ways to keep your hot tub clean is to cover it when not in use. This prevents leaves, dirt, and insects from entering the water, reducing the amount of cleaning required.
8. Address Issues Promptly
If you notice any problems, such as cloudy water or unusual odors, address them promptly. Cloudy water may indicate a pH imbalance, while an unpleasant odor could suggest bacterial growth. Address these issues immediately to prevent them from escalating.
9. Avoid Contaminants:
Make sure hot tub users are clean before entering the water. Lotions, oils, and detergents on the skin can introduce contaminants that cause foaming. Rinse off before entering the hot tub.
While they typically don’t pose immediate concerns in small quantities, these substances can accumulate in the water, particularly at or close to the water’s surface, over time. If not addressed, these oils can accumulate to a point where they generate foam.
10. Clean the Hot Tub Plumbing
Over time, water-loving bacteria known as biofilm can build up in the plumbing of hot tubs. These bacteria cover themselves in a protective layer of slime that is resistant to sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. Biofilm can greatly decrease the effectiveness of your sanitizer and lead to cloudy water.
To clean your hot tub’s plumbing and remove biofilm, you can use a hot tub plumbing cleaner like Spa Flush. Simply add the cleaner 30-60 minutes before draining your hot tub, making sure your jets are on during this time to allow the cleaner to flow through all of the plumbing. After a couple of minutes, you should notice a thick foam starting to build up on the surface of the water. This foam will be dark grey, brown, or black in color. Use a shop vac to remove this foam until it turns white. Once the foam is white, the biofilm has been removed, and you can proceed with draining and refilling your hot tub.
Note: It is not necessary to clean the plumbing every time you drain and fill the hot tub. Depending on how often you use the hot tub, you should clean the plumbing once per year.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can enjoy a sparkling clean hot tub without the need to hire a professional. Keeping your hot tub in top condition not only enhances your relaxation but also ensures a safe and healthy environment for you and your guests.
