A hot tub comes in handy, especially during the cold season, helping you relax and keep warm from the comfort of your home. It is essential to know how to clean and maintain your hot tub properly to ensure long-term enjoyment and optimal performance. By partnering with a company that offers hot tub cleaning and maintenance services, you can keep your hot tub clean and in optimal condition, allowing you to enjoy it without stress.
Why It Is Important To Keep Your Hot Tub Clean
The importance of cleaning a hot tub spans beyond making it look nice. It ensures that you have a safe spa that poses no risk while in use. Failing to clean a hot tub regularly can lead to the accumulation of contaminants, making it unsafe for you and your guests. A dirty hot tub can be a breeding ground for algae, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens that thrive in warm places. These microorganisms can lead to infection, skin irritation, and other health complications. Dirty water can also lead to an unappealing appearance and produce a foul smell. This can ruin the pleasant experience that a hot tub is meant to offer.
For the best results, you should establish a regular hot tub cleaning schedule. You should not overlook important tasks, such as checking and balancing the water chemistry. It is crucial to test the water alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer levels. Maintaining the proper water chemistry ensures that the hot tub water is always safe to use. It also enhances your hot tub’s durability by preventing damage caused by unbalanced water.
In addition to checking the water’s chemistry, you should regularly check and clean the hot tub’s filters. Filters play a crucial role in trapping debris and other contaminants. If the filters are dirty or clogged, they can hinder proper water flow and filtration. Using proper filter cleaners can make the cleaning job easier and more effective. If you haven’t replaced your filter in over a year, it is time to consider purchasing a new one.
Another crucial aspect of hot tub cleaning and maintenance is cleaning the physical surfaces of the tub. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to gently scrub the interior surfaces of the tub, removing buildup, dirt, oils, and grime. Use only friendly cleaning products specifically designed for hot tubs to prevent damage you the shell. You can even consider obtaining an electric scrubber to reduce manual scrubbing effort and help you reach all the corners. Ensure that you also clean the cover to prevent the accumulation of dirt or mildew over time.
You should not let water sit in the hot tub for an extended period. Instead, you should drain and refill the hot tub on a regular basis. This not only refreshes the water but also removes leftover contaminants that you could have missed during the regular cleaning. How often you should drain and refill the hot tub will depend on how regularly you use it. Ideally, you should drain and refill the hot tub after three to four months.
The Downside Of Neglecting Your Hot Tub
A dirty or neglected hot tub can lead to:
- Mold and bacteria growth
- Skin or eye irritation upon using the hot tub
- Damage to the hot tub’s components
- A shortened lifespan for the hot tub
Cleaning the hot tub regularly makes it last longer and preserves your investment. You will always be at ease knowing that every soak is not only relaxing but also safe.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Cleaning A Hot Tub
Here is a proven hot tub cleaning routine that you can follow to ensure that your hot tub is always clean and safe to use:
Consider Adding a Spa Purge
If you intend to thoroughly clean your hot tub, you may consider using a spa purge solution. Add the spa purge to the warm water before you empty the tub. Using a spa purge clears any buildup in the jet lines and other spa components. Especially if you have never used a spa purge before, you should expect to see some gross dirt come out. Every spa purge is unique; thus, you should read and follow the instructions carefully. Usually, the spa purge mat needs to sit in the hot tub for several hours to break down the buildup of dirt. Therefore, you should plan accordingly.
First, Turn Off The Power
The first step before you begin cleaning the bathtub should be to turn off the power. Use a submersible or a built-in valve to drain all the water. This makes it easy for a deep clean, as you can access all areas of the tub. When it comes to the drainage system, every hot tub is different. If your hot tub does not have a drain valve, you have to use a pump to drain it. Turn off the breakers, turn on the pump, and begin draining. If your hot tub is complete with a drain valve, attach a hose, turn off the breaker, and start draining the tub. If you had used a purge solution, you may need to refill the tub and rinse it, depending on the specific purge solution used. Always ensure that the breakers are turned off before you drain the hot tub.
Clean The Tub Shell
Use a cloth or a soft sponge, along with an appropriate hot tub cleaner, to clean the interior of the tub. Most buildup occurs at the waterline; thus, you should focus on this area. Do not use regular household cleaners, as they can damage the hot tub’s shell and disrupt the water chemistry balance.
It is advisable to wipe the entire hot tub with a microfiber towel. The towel cleans the shell and removes any water lines.
If the hot tub has deep water lines that will not come out through simple wiping, you may have to use a soft scrub with a little bleach. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching the shell.
Clean The Plumbing System
Run a line flush product or a pipe through the plumbing system before you refill the hot tub. This will help clear all the buildup of dirt inside the pipes and jets and eliminate the hidden bacteria.
Clean/Replace The Filter
Remove the filter, clean it thoroughly, and rinse it properly with hot water. You should consider soaking the filter at least once a month in a suitable filter cleaner. It is advisable to clean the filters every week. However, a deep clean is crucial when cleaning the hot tub. Using an appropriate filter cleaning solution can help break down any buildup on the filter.
Cleaning the filters opens up the pores, enabling the filters to clean the tub water more efficiently. There are many types of filter cleaners. Follow the proper instructions for the kind of filter cleaner you choose to use.
Consider replacing the filter if it is over a year old for optimal performance. If the filters appear to have deteriorated or the pleats have bowed, it may be time to replace them. If you keep the filters for too long, you can cause unnecessary strain on the heater and pump, which can lead to them not functioning properly.
Clean The Headrest And Pillows
Remove all the headrest pillows and cushions from your spa. These components can harbor moisture and other contaminants, especially in areas where normal water circulation does not reach well. Use a mild detergent and warm water to gently wipe the pillows, paying particular attention to the shell areas where dirt and oil tend to accumulate. Before restoring the pillows and cushions, allow them to air dry effectively to avoid mold formation. Most hot tub owners overlook this step, but it is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe hot tub environment.
Wipe The Cover
You should not forget to give the cover a proper cleaning to lengthen its lifespan. Usually, you should replace the cover every five to seven years. The cover bears the brunt of weather, UV exposure, and chemical vapors. You can first spray the cover with a hose to remove debris and loose dirt.
Use a soft cloth and an approved hot tub cover cleaner. For stubborn dirt, such as mold and mildew, you can use a dilute bleach solution that should not contain more than 10% bleach. You must be cautious when cleaning by ensuring that no water or cleaning agent comes into contact with the electrical components.
Use a neutral detergent to wipe the exterior panels, avoiding the electrical areas and control panels entirely. If you have to clean around any electrical components, use a damp cloth instead of a wet cloth.
Refill The Bath Tub And Replace The Water
After ensuring that the hot tub is clean, fill it with fresh water. Test and adjust the alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer levels as needed. Ensure that you only use spa-grade products. When the water chemistry is well-balanced, your hot tub will stay clean and safe for soaking.
Experts advise that you should refill the hot tub through the filter compartment. This is a very important step because it minimizes the risk of airlock occurrence. An air lock in a hot tub can occur when air is trapped in the hot tub’s plumbing or components. If this happens, it could prevent the jet pumps from turning on. Sometimes, it can even cause the breakers to trip almost immediately.
Replace The Necessary Cartridges
Most water care systems utilize a chlorine cartridge, a silver ion cartridge, a saltwater cartridge, or a combination of these. It is crucial to replace these cartridges regularly, usually every three to four months. Your hot tub water will not be fully sanitized if you do not replace the cartridges regularly.
Signs That Your Hot Tub Needs Cleaning Or Maintenance
Even with regular cleaning and proper maintenance, you could still encounter water quality problems that need certain interventions:
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water often results from inadequate filtration. Sometimes, cloudiness can occur due to excessive total dissolved solids. You can use a flocculant product to clump fine particles, making it easy for the filter to capture. Immediately after the treatment, clean the filters. You can also consider replacing the filters if the crowdiness does not improve.
Foam Formation
Excessive foam can occur due to the presence of body oils, detergent residues, or cosmetic products. If you notice foam formation, first test for chemical imbalances. You can also use an anti-foam product for spas. A change of water might be necessary if the foaming persists.
Green Water Or Odor
Green water can indicate the presence of algae growth in the hot tub, typically due to inadequate or insufficient sanitization. Using a concentrated sanitizer treatment can resolve this problem. However, when treating the hot tub, you must ensure that you maintain well-balanced pH levels. Algae growth occurs when the water is not well-balanced. Therefore, you should test the water and adjust the chemicals accordingly.
A Strong Chemical Smell
Most people assume that a strong chlorine odor indicates that there is too much sanitizer, but it actually indicates low sanitizer levels. Chlorine produces a characteristic pool smell when it combines with contaminants. If you notice a chemical smell from your hot tub, check the sanitizer levels and add fresh chlorine as needed.
Hot Tub Cleaning Needs Can Vary With Seasons
Your hot tub cleaning needs can vary with usage patterns and seasons:
- Spring Startup — Perform a complete deep cleaning after the reduced use during winter,r before you resume the regular hot tub usage. Check all the components, including jets, seals, and equipment,t for winter damage. If the filters have been stored for extended periods, consider replacing them.
- Summer Maintenance — Usage tends to be higher during warm months. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to regular filter cleaning and closely monitor the water chemistry.
- Fall Preparations — Deep clean the hot tub before the reduced usage periods. This helps prevent stagnation problems. When the tub water is well-maintained, it will require less intervention in the low-use periods.
- Winter Care — Maintain a regular water balance, even during periods of reduced usage. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy your hot tub year-round.
Find Reliable Hot Tub Cleaning Services Near Me
Maintaining a clean hot tub requires a commitment to ensure a safe and enjoyable soaking experience throughout the year. Working with a professional hot tub cleaning and maintenance company can ensure that your tub remains usable and secure. For reliable hot tub cleaning and maintenance services in Jacksonville, Florida, contact Oak Wells Aquatics. Call us at 904-619-3281 to speak to one of our experts.
