How to Clean a Hot Tub Like a Pro: The Definitive Guide for 2025

Are you looking to learn how to clean a hot tub properly? Whether you’ve just purchased a new spa or you’re trying to revive a neglected one, maintaining a clean hot tub is essential for its longevity and your health.

Hot tubs require regular care due to their warm environment, which accelerates chemical reactions approximately twice as fast for every 10-degree increase in water temperature.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the complete cleaning process for traditional hot tubs and include special considerations for inflatable models to ensure your spa stays in perfect condition.

Understanding Hot Tub Cleaning Schedules

Your hot tub requires different levels of attention depending on the timeframe:

Daily (1-2 minutes):

• Quick visual check of water clarity
• Secure cover when not in use

Weekly (15 minutes):

• Test water chemistry using test strips
• Add sanitizers (chlorine or bromine)
• Wipe down the waterline with a clean cloth
• Check and clean the filter if needed

Monthly (30 minutes):

• Deep clean filter (or replace if needed)
• Add shock treatment
• Clean the cover and cabinet

Quarterly (1-3 hours):

• Flush plumbing lines
• Drain water completely
• Clean shell thoroughly
• Clean or replace the filter
• Refill and balance water chemistry

According to industry experts, hot tub water should be completely changed every three to four months or at the change of seasons. This schedule prevents the buildup of contaminants that can’t be filtered out and helps maintain optimal water quality.

Essential Supplies for Hot Tub Cleaning

Before starting your cleaning process, gather these items:

Basic Tools:

• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Soft non-scratch sponges or cloths
• Five-gallon bucket
• Sump pump (optional but saves time)
• Rubber gloves
• Soft-bristle toothbrush (for cleaning jets)
• Clean towels

Cleaning Products:

• Line flush solution
• Hot tub shell cleaner
• Filter cleaner
• Cover cleaner
• pH adjusters (up and down)
• Alkalinity increaser
• Calcium hardness increaser
• Sanitizer (chlorine or bromine)
• Shock treatment
• Water test strips or digital tester

You can also use some household items like distilled white vinegar (mixed 1:4 with water) as an alternative cleaner for the shell, but dedicated hot tub products are formulated specifically for spa materials.

How to Clean a Hot Tub: Complete Process

Step 1: Flushing the Hot Tub Lines

Hidden plumbing lines collect biofilm—a slimy bacterial colony that thrives in warm, moist environments. This step is crucial before draining.

1. With the hot tub filled and running, add line flush solution according to the product instructions
2. Turn all jets to a high position
3. Remove headrests and filter(s)
4. Let the solution circulate for at least 20 minutes (some products recommend several hours for severe buildup)
5. During this time, biofilm breaks down and flushes into the main water

Why it matters: Line flushing prevents the growth of harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause skin rashes and ear infections when sanitizer levels are inadequate.

Step 2: Powering Down and Draining Your Hot Tub

Safety first! Draining without proper power shutdown can damage your equipment.

1. Turn off all power to the hot tub at the breaker box
2. Locate the drain valve (typically at the bottom or inside the cabinet)
3. Choose your draining method:
   • Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
   • Use a submersible sump pump for faster draining
4. Direct water to an appropriate drainage area (avoid lawns if using chemical cleaners)
5. Open the drain valve and allow the water to empty completely
6. Use a wet/dry vacuum or sponge to remove any remaining water in the footwell

Pro tip: If using a sump pump, turn it off immediately when water is gone to prevent pump damage.

For a detailed walkthrough of the draining process, check out our comprehensive guide on how to drain a hot tub properly.

Step 3: Cleaning the Hot Tub Filter

Your filter works hard to trap contaminants, and proper cleaning extends its life while improving water quality.

1. Remove the filter cartridge from its housing
2. Rinse with a garden hose, focusing on the pleats to remove larger debris
3. For monthly cleaning: Spray with filter cleaner and rinse thoroughly
4. For quarterly cleaning: Soak in filter cleaning solution for 24 hours in a bucket
5. Rinse thoroughly after soaking
6. Allow to dry completely before reinstalling

For hot tubs with Simplicity™ pleated flat filters, manufacturers recommend cleaning or replacement every four weeks.

When to replace: Even with regular cleaning, filters typically need replacement annually. Signs include:

• Damaged pleats
• Discoloration that doesn’t wash away
• A greasy film that persists after cleaning

Step 4: Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell

The shell requires gentle care to prevent damage while ensuring cleanliness.

1. Spray the empty shell with a specialized hot tub cleaner
2. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes on tough stains or water lines
3. Wipe with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
4. For stubborn mineral deposits or scale lines, use:
   • Commercial hot tub cleaner (recommended)
   • White vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water)
   • Baking soda paste for resistant stains
5. Pay special attention to the waterline, corners, and around jets
6. For jet faces, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean nooks and crannies
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent foaming when refilled

Warning: Never use household cleaners, detergents, or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage acrylic surfaces or cause foaming when the hot tub is refilled.

Step 5: Cleaning the Cover and Cabinet

Your hot tub cover blocks debris and conserves energy, making its maintenance crucial.

For vinyl covers:

1. Remove the cover and place it on a clean, flat surface
2. Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose debris
3. Clean with a specialized cover cleaner or a 10% bleach-to-water solution
4. Wipe in small circular motions
5. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry
6. Apply a UV protectant if the cover is exposed to direct sunlight

For cabinets:

1. Wipe down with a damp cloth
2. For wooden cabinets, use a gentle wood cleaner
3. For synthetic cabinets, mild soap and water works well
4. Dry completely to prevent water spots

A quality cover prevents debris from entering the water while deterring unauthorized use and plays a crucial role in energy efficiency by locking in heat.

Step 6: Refilling Your Hot Tub Properly

Proper refilling prevents air locks and ensures efficient operation.

1. Close all drain valves
2. Clean the filter compartment area
3. Make sure jets are open to prevent water pressure issues
4. Insert your garden hose directly into the filter well or dedicated fill line
5. Fill to approximately 2-3 inches above the highest jet (or to the indicated water line)
6. As it fills, wipe down any areas you may have missed during cleaning

Preventing air locks: Filling through the filter housing pushes water through the plumbing system, preventing air from getting trapped in the lines.

Step 7: Restarting and Balancing Water Chemistry

Getting the water chemistry right is critical for both equipment longevity and bather comfort.

1. Once filled, restore power at the breaker
2. Turn on the circulation pump and run for 15-20 minutes
3. Turn off air valves to help chemicals mix properly
4. Test the water using test strips or a digital tester
5. Balance chemicals in this order:
   • Total alkalinity (ideal: 80-120 ppm)
   • pH level (ideal: 7.2-7.8)
   • Calcium hardness (ideal: 150-250 ppm)
   • Sanitizer (chlorine: 1-3 ppm or bromine: 3-5 ppm)
6. Add shock treatment according to package directions
7. Replace the cover and allow chemicals to circulate for 24 hours before use

Once chemicals are balanced, set your hot tub temperature to the appropriate level for your needs – typically between 100-102°F for most users.

Industry guidelines emphasize the importance of total alkalinity as a buffer for pH levels, preventing dramatic fluctuations in water chemistry.

Maintaining Crystal Clear Water Between Deep Cleanings

Keep your hot tub in peak condition between quarterly cleanings with this weekly routine:

15-Minute Weekly Maintenance Checklist:

1. Test water chemistry (1 minute)
2. Add sanitizer as needed (2 minutes)
3. Shock treatment if needed (1 minute)
4. Clean filter with spray (5 minutes)
5. Wipe down the waterline, pillows, and control panel (4 minutes)
6. Clean and treat cover (2 minutes)

This quick routine prevents most common hot tub problems and ensures your spa is always ready for use.

If you’re deciding between a sauna or a hot tub for your home wellness space, note that hot tubs require more frequent maintenance and chemical balancing.

Special Considerations for Inflatable Hot Tubs

If you own an inflatable hot tub, be aware that these portable spas require some specialized maintenance approaches due to their vinyl/PVC construction:

Material Protection:

• Use only non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaners (avoid alcohol or bleach-based products)
• Clean with soft microfiber cloths; never use metal-bristled brushes or scrapers
• Place on protective ground cloths (at least 5mm thick) to prevent punctures

Filter Maintenance:

• Rinse filters daily during periods of heavy use
• Replace filters approximately every 4 weeks (much more frequently than hard-shell tubs)
• Use only chlorine/bromine formulations specifically certified for inflatable systems

Draining and Cleaning:

• Use gravity drainage through integrated valves rather than submersible pumps
• Clean interior surfaces with a vinegar solution (1 cup white vinegar per gallon of water)
• Remove all residual water by tilting the tub and blotting with absorbent towels

Storage Best Practices:

• Allow 48 hours of air drying in a shaded, well-ventilated area
• Roll rather than fold to prevent crease-related material fatigue
• Apply talcum powder between layers to prevent adhesion during storage
• Store in climate-controlled spaces (40-80°F) with humidity below 65%

For inflatable hot tub owners, particularly popular models like the Coleman SaluSpa, these maintenance procedures are especially important to extend the lifespan of your investment.

I shall soon come up with a complete guide to inflatable hot tub cleaning and maintenance with detailed instructions for these increasingly popular portable spas.

Troubleshooting Common Hot Tub Cleaning Issues

Even with regular maintenance, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them:

Cloudy Water:

• Cause: Poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or high calcium
• Fix: Check and clean filter, shock treatment, adjust pH and alkalinity

Foamy Water:

• Cause: Soaps, oils, or lotions in water
• Fix: Use anti-foam treatment, clean filter, partially drain and refill if severe

Odors or Musty Smells:

• Cause: Bacteria growth or biofilm
• Fix: Shock treatment, check sanitizer levels, flush lines if persistent

Green or Discolored Water:

• Cause: Algae growth or metal content
• Fix: Shock treatment, algaecide, metal sequestrant

Scale Buildup:

• Cause: High calcium hardness or pH
• Fix: Balance water chemistry, use scale remover, wipe affected areas

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Maintenance

While regular cleaning is manageable for most owners, consider professional service:

DIY maintenance is great for:

• Weekly chemical balancing
• Regular filter cleaning
• Surface wiping and cover care
• Quarterly deep cleaning (with proper knowledge)

Consider professional help for:

• Annual equipment inspection
• Troubleshooting complex issues
• Initial setup and water balancing
• Repairs to components or plumbing

Professional technicians can spot potential problems before they become costly repairs and ensure all components are working correctly.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean a hot tub properly is an investment in both your health and the longevity of your spa.

By following the 7-step cleaning process outlined above and sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear, sanitary water and extend the life of your hot tub equipment.

Remember that consistency is key—just 15 minutes of weekly maintenance can prevent hours of troubleshooting and hundreds in repair costs. With the right supplies and techniques, your hot tub will remain your personal oasis of relaxation for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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