Spending time relaxing in a hot tub can quickly become an important part of your routine.
Like other large investments, such as a car, boat, or house, hot tubs require regular care and maintenance. Regular hot tub cleaning for your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub can enhance performance, increase longevity, and prevent damage to the system.
Here are some of the best tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. If you’re uncertain about an aspect of your hot tub, play it safe and call a professional. Our team of highly-trained hot tub service and repair technicians would be happy to look at your spa system. Simply request a servicing appointment today to get started.
The Importance of Hot Tub Cleaning
Keeping your hot tub clean is essential for several reasons, both for the longevity of the hot tub and the health and safety of its users.
1. Water Hygiene and Safety
Clean water is vital to prevent harmful bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms from thriving in the hot tub. Without proper cleaning and chemical balance, the water can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin rashes, infections, and other health problems, such as hot tub folliculitis.
2. Prolonged Lifespan of Equipment
Regular maintenance and cleaning help protect the hot tub’s components, such as the filter, pumps, and jets. Debris and grime buildup can strain the system, potentially leading to clogs, malfunctions, or the need for premature repairs.
3. Better Performance
A clean hot tub runs more efficiently. Clean water allows the filtration system to work optimally, which means the water stays fresh longer, reducing the need for frequent water changes. Regularly cleaning filters also helps the hot tub heat evenly and circulate water properly.
4. Improved Water Quality
Water chemistry can become unbalanced when the hot tub is not cleaned regularly. Balancing the water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels is easier when the tub is clean, ensuring that the water is clear and inviting, and that the sanitizing agents work effectively.
5. Comfort and Enjoyment
A clean hot tub provides a much more enjoyable experience. Dirty water can cause unpleasant odors, irritate the skin and eyes, and make the soaking experience less relaxing. Keeping it clean ensures that you and your guests can fully relax in a pleasant environment.
6. Cost Savings
By keeping your hot tub clean and well-maintained, you can avoid costly repairs or even replacement parts that could arise from neglect. Regular cleaning helps catch minor issues before they turn into major problems, saving money in the long run.
Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, using appropriate chemicals, and cleaning the filters are all critical parts of hot tub care.
5 Practical Steps To Cleaning Your Hot Tub
Ready to clean your hot tub and maintain an enjoyable experience? Let’s check our practical steps for hot tub cleaning.
Step 1: Create a Hot Tub Cleaning Schedule
Remembering to maintain your hot tub is often easier said than done. Creating a hot tub cleaning schedule can help to ensure that the maintenance is performed regularly.
Having a plan will also help you to keep track of what cleaning procedures were completed and when.
First, determine what needs to be cleaned, how often it should be done, and any specific products or methods that should be used.
Once you have a clear idea of what cleaning your hot tub requires, you can create an effective plan! For the best results, mark it on your calendar or schedule alerts on your mobile devices.
Step 2: Draining Your Hot Tub Water
Draining your hot tub water several times a year gives your spa a fresh start. Before you drain the water, you might want to consider flushing the lines. Flushing the lines can help to remove mold, bacteria, and other organisms from your hot tub system.
Your spa runs at a temperature that creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and thrive in, which is why sanitation is so important. You can purchase specific chemicals for flushing the lines from Eden Spas online, or visit us in store today for all your hot tub needs!
Now, it’s time to drain your hot tub. Start by turning off the power, to prevent any damage to your hot tub system.
Your hot tub should have come with a series of specific instructions for draining the water effectively. Usually, draining your hot tub will include the use of either a drain plug or sump pump component.
Unless it otherwise specifies in your instruction manual, you should empty your hot tub completely – especially if flushing the lines results in a cloudy discharge throughout the water.
Step 3: Cleaning Your Hot Tub – Inside and Out!
Now that the water has been removed, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning! Grab some rubber gloves, your hot tub cleaning products, and a rag or sponge. Use your cleaning materials to clean the shell of your hot tub, from top to bottom.
Next, remove and meticulously clean your hot tub filters, to ensure they are working effectively. You can use your garden hose to spray your filters down, to remove residue. Use the appropriate cleaners, as advised by an Eden Spas hot tub specialist, to clean your filter accordingly.
Alternatively, you can always run your hot tub filter through a cycle in the dishwasher for squeaky-clean results.
While cleaning your hot tub, you should keep an eye out for any problem areas. If you notice anything suspicious or concerning, schedule a servicing appointment right away.
Step 4: Refill. Treat. Repeat.
Now that your hot tub system is clean and sparkling, it’s time to add new water! It’s important to review the specific instructions designated for your spa system, but often the water will run through the filter first.
Insert the hose inside of the well where your filter housing is located, so that it runs through the filter before entering the tub. You can turn the hot tub back on now so that the water runs through the system accordingly.
Depending on the specifications of your spa, the chemicals you are using, and what your hot tub specialist advises, now is when you will treat the water with hot tub chemicals. The most common chemicals will consist of:
- Shock agent
- Sanitizer
- pH balancer
Step 5: Long-Term Maintenance
You should be sanitizing your hot tub on a weekly basis, cleaning it monthly, and draining/refilling it 3-4 times a year. Don’t forget about your filter, testing the water and keeping the surrounding installation space neat, tidy and safe.
It’s also beneficial to clean your hot tub cover about once a month as well, which can help to enhance its longevity and durability.
For an advanced approach to hot tub care, with minimal hassle and many added benefits, consider the technology behind Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs!
The Risks of Neglecting Your Hot Tub Care
Neglecting hot tub care can lead to a range of issues that affect the performance of your hot tub, your health, and even your finances. Here are some key risks associated with poor maintenance.
1. Health Risks
- Bacterial Growth: Without proper cleaning and sanitation, harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can thrive in the water, leading to infections such as hot tub folliculitis, a skin rash caused by bacteria in unsanitary water.
- Legionnaires’ Disease: In extreme cases, poorly maintained hot tubs can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a serious type of pneumonia.
- Fungal Infections: Dirty water can also lead to fungal infections, especially if the water’s chemical balance is off and not properly sanitized.
2. Water Contamination
- Cloudy or Murky Water: If the hot tub isn’t cleaned regularly, contaminants like body oils, lotions, and dirt can accumulate, leading to cloudy water that looks and feels unpleasant.
- Algae Growth: Algae can thrive in a hot tub that is not properly maintained, causing a slimy buildup on the walls and affecting the water’s clarity.
- Unpleasant Odors: Stagnant or contaminated water can develop foul odors, making your hot tub far less inviting for use.
3. Damage to the Hot Tub Equipment
- Filter Clogs: A dirty or neglected hot tub can cause debris to clog the filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of water circulation and filtration. This can cause the system to overwork and may lead to premature failure of components like the pump.
- Corrosion of Parts: Unbalanced water chemistry, such as low pH or high alkalinity, can cause corrosion to metal components, including jets, pumps, and heaters, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Jet Malfunctions: The jets may become clogged or lose pressure if debris and grime build up in the system, diminishing the relaxing massage experience the hot tub is designed to provide.
4. Decreased Lifespan of the Hot Tub
A poorly maintained hot tub may suffer from long-term damage, reducing its overall lifespan. Key components, such as the heating element or pump, can break down more quickly due to neglect, leading to expensive repairs or even the need for early replacement.
5. Increased Energy Costs
Dirty or clogged filters and components force the hot tub to work harder, increasing energy consumption. This leads to higher utility bills and reduces the efficiency of the heating and circulation systems.
6. Costly Repairs
The longer a hot tub is neglected, the more damage accumulates. Eventually, this could lead to costly repairs, such as replacing pumps, heaters, or even the hot tub shell itself if damage is severe.
7. Unbalanced Water Chemistry
If water chemistry is not maintained, it can lead to scaling, calcium buildup, or corrosion. Imbalanced water can also irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system, making hot tub use uncomfortable or unsafe.
8. Reduced Enjoyment
A neglected hot tub quickly loses its appeal. Cloudy water, bad odors, and malfunctioning jets take away the relaxing, enjoyable experience a hot tub should provide. Guests are unlikely to want to use a hot tub that looks dirty or smells bad.
In summary, regular hot tub care is essential to avoid these risks. Simple steps like cleaning filters, balancing water chemistry, and draining and refilling the tub periodically can help ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable hot tub experience.
Cleaning Your Hot Tub With Eden Spas
To learn more about hot tub safety, and long-term maintenance, contact the experts at Eden Spas today!
We believe that knowledge is power, which is why we aim to educate our customers and community every chance we get. Whether it’s discussing hot tub cleaning and care, or walking you through the hot tubs and spas available to you, we’re always here to help. For more information, browse our helpful resources:
For more information or help getting started, contact us today!