How To Deep Clean A Hot Tub

Basic maintenance is a big part of owning a hot tub, even if it can be tedious. That’s especially true when the time comes to thoroughly clean your hot tub. Whether you’re a novice or veteran hot tub owner, you may wonder how to deep clean a hot tub.

The best way to deep clean a hot tub is to fill the water with a jet cleaner and flush the pipes. Next, drain the water, clean the cover, and scrub the shell and jets with a special solution. Spray the filter with a hose to remove stubborn debris. Refill the tub and shock the water with chlorine. 

It’s a great idea to deep clean your hot tub at least 2-3 times per year to keep it in great shape. Otherwise, you run the risk of algae blooms and harmful bacteria running rampant. Follow along as we explore how to deep clean a hot tub. 

What Is The Best Way To Clean A Hot Tub?

1. Flush The Pipes

You must flush your hot tub’s pipes before you can clean the rest of it. Doing this as the first step is the best option, as cleaning the plumbing is easier if you add a solution to the water. You should use a trusted spa jet cleaner to ensure the best outcome. 

Read the instructions carefully to use the recommended amount of solution. Pour the solution into the water and run the jets in your hot tub. Turn the jets up to the highest setting to improve circulation and thoroughly clean the plumbing. 

Flushing your hot tub’s plumbing only takes 15 to 30 minutes, in most cases. While you can do this after you clean your hot tub and refill it, that’s not as effective. It’s better to get this step out of the way before cleaning the filter.

2. Drain The Water

Now, it’s time to drain the water from your hot tub, so you can thoroughly clean the tub and filter. This step takes some patience, as it may take 30-120 minutes, depending on the method you use. First, you must turn your hot tub off and shut off the power at the breaker.

Next, open the drain valve and connect a long garden hose to it. If possible, try to drain the water to a nearby sanitary sewer to avoid making a mess. Never drain hot tub water to a rainwater runoff, as that is unsanitary and bad for the environment. 

You can also damage your lawn if you drain the water into your landscape, as chlorine is bad for the grass and soil. Some people drain their hot tubs with submersible pumps as a faster and more efficient method. 

3. Scrub The Cover

You can save time if you scrub the cover of your hot tub while the water is draining. Ideally, you should use an official hot tub shell cleaner, as they are formulated for hot tub shells and covers. Move the cover to a flat surface where you can easily reach each corner. 

Next, spray every inch of the cover with a thin layer of the solution. Thoroughly scrub the cover with a sponge or rag and scrub section by section. Flip the cover over when you’re done and repeat the process on the other side. 

4. Clean The Shell

Once your hot tub is empty, you can clean the shell itself. You can use the same hot tub cleaner that you used to clean the cover. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when you clean the shell, as you must work the solution into every nook and cranny. 

Pick a section to start with and spray it with the solution. Make sure to be thorough when you scrub near the jets and corners, as those areas can trap grime and debris. Be patient, as typically takes at least 30 minutes to scrub a hot tub shell. 

Remove the jet inserts and clean them as well, as they are susceptible to mold and mildew. Rinse your hot tub when you’re done and wipe it with a towel to remove any remaining solution. 

5. Clean The Filter

Now it’s time to clean your hot tub’s filter. It’s also a great idea to evaluate it to determine if your filter must be replaced. Ideally, you should replace your hot tub filter once per year to ensure the best performance.

Remove the filter and spray it with a hose to dislodge any stubborn debris. Next, fill a bucket with a filter cleaner solution and water. The amount of solution you must use varies, so pay attention to the instructions on the bottle. 

Let the filter soak in the solution for 1-2 hours. Clean the filter compartment with the same solution while you wait, to maximize your time. 

6. Refill Your Hot Tub

Now that your hot tub is clean, you can refill it with fresh water. Always follow the directions and avoid filling your hot tub past the recommended water line. Otherwise, you may damage the plumbing and electronic components or even trip the breaker. 

Place the garden hose behind the filter to ensure it filters minerals out before the water enters the tub. Be patient as the hot tub fills and turn the hose off once the water reaches the recommended line. Next, run the jets for 10 to 30 minutes before adding chemicals. 

Shock the water with a high dose of chlorine, wait, and test the water with pH and chlorine test strips. Now you can cover the water and leave the hot tub alone for up to a full day. After a day, test the water to make sure the chlorine level is 3-5 parts per million. If so, it’s safe to get in and enjoy the water!

Summing It Up

To deep clean a hot tub, you must flush the pipes, drain the water, and scrub the cover. Next, clean the shell with a special hot tub cleaner once the tub is empty. Carefully clean the filter, refill your hot tub, treat it with chemicals, and let the water circulate for 24 hours. 

Related Guides:

• How Long Can My Hot Tub Sit Empty?
• My Hot Tub Is Frozen: What Should I Do?