A hot tub is marvelous for easing sore muscles or just relaxing at home with friends and family, but they do take a little elbow grease to keep them running efficiently and avoid costly repairs later. The best suggestion is to have a maintenance plan with your hot tub provider, but you most likely also have some excellent hot tub cleaners right in your kitchen or bath.

Hot Tub Cleaning Schedule

Your cleaning schedule will depend on the frequency of use. You should wipe down the shell with a hot tub cleaner and wipe down the inside of the tub at least once a week. A great tip is to throw a couple of tennis balls into the hot tub after use to absorb oils from skin and lotions. Once every 1-2 weeks, you should clean out your skimmer basket.

About once a month you should also clean your hot tub cover, and then apply a protectant to keep things like sap or other debris from adhering securely. A protectant will save you some sweat and work time later.

Filters are vital to the sanitation and health of your hot tub, so you should use a hot tub cleaner on them every 4-6 weeks.

Drain and thoroughly clean your hot tub about every 3-4 months. This coincides with the hot tub season in cold weather climates pretty well if you then winterize it until spring, and is essential if you use your hot tub year-round. Before draining the water, you should use a cleaner like Jet Clean to clear jets.

Great Hot Tub Cleaners

Between your kitchen cupboards and perhaps a couple of special purchases, you will have everything you need.

  • Olive oil for cleaning sticky sap or other stains off the cover. Remove oil residue with mild soap and water.
  • White vinegar removes scum line and can be used as a whole tub cleaner when drained. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Baking soda can be used as a very mild abrasive, particularly if you have dirt or stains on the shell of the hot tub.
  • Simple Green is a non-toxic cleaner that is also used on watercraft. Rinse thoroughly.

You can easily maintain the sanitation of your hot tub with a Del ozone generator or ozone/UV generator combination.

What NOT To Use

Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners, as they will scratch the finish of your hot tub. Do not use foaming cleansers, or if you use a light detergent, make sure you rinse thoroughly before refilling your hot tub.

Come check out our wide variety of hot tubs at Great Bay Spas, or contact us today with questions or to set up an appointment.