Discover our simple guide to hot tub cleaning and learn how regular maintenance improves hygiene, protects your hot tub from damage, and keeps it working as designed.
Why Hot Tub Cleaning Matters
Cleaning your hot tub is important for your health and for the lifespan of the tub. Warm water can become a breeding place for bacteria, algae, and other contaminants if you do not follow a regular cleaning and water care routine.
One key reason is hygiene. Bacteria can grow quickly in hot tub water if the sanitiser level is low or the water chemistry is out of balance. This can lead to skin irritations, rashes, and infections. Regular testing and cleaning help prevent these problems and keep your spa water safe for everyone using the tub.
Cleaning also supports performance. Dirt, oils, and debris can build up in filters, jets, and other parts, which can reduce water flow and make the system work harder. Over time, this can lead to wear, faults, and costly repairs. A simple maintenance routine helps your hot tub run smoothly throughout the year.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin hot tub cleaning, make sure you have the right cleaning products and tools. Use products designed for hot tubs, as household cleaners may cause damage to the shell, seals, and parts, or affect your chemical levels.
A soft cloth or non-scratch sponge is a good choice for wiping the waterline and shell. You may also need a filter cleaner, test strips or a liquid test kit, and a garden hose for rinsing. If you use chlorine or bromine, keep those chemicals stored safely and always read the label before use. If any product says it is authorised and regulated, follow the instructions carefully and keep it away from children.
Daily and Weekly Checks for Cleaner Water
It is a good idea to check the hot tub water often, especially if the tub is used a lot. When you keep your water clean, it is easier to prevent bacteria and reduce the need for heavy cleaning later.
After using the tub, remove any floating debris, such as leaves or insects. If you have a cover, make sure it is fitted properly to keep dirt out and to reduce heat loss. A good cover also helps stop debris from getting into the jets and filter area.
At least once a week, test the spa water and adjust the water chemistry. This means checking pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels.
Balanced water helps the sanitiser work properly and can protect the shell and internal parts from scaling or corrosion. If the water is not balanced, it can cause cloudy water, strong smells, and it can irritate your skin and eyes.
It is also recommended to wipe the waterline each week. Oils and lotions can leave a ring around the tub, which can be harder to remove if it is left for a long time. A quick wipe with a soft cloth helps prevent build-up and keeps the hot tub looking clean.
Understanding Chemical Levels and Water Chemistry
Hot tub water needs the right chemical levels to stay safe. Most owners use chlorine or bromine as the main sanitiser. Either option can work well, but you must test and adjust regularly.
pH balance matters because it affects comfort and how well your sanitiser works. If the pH is too high or too low, it can reduce the sanitiser's strength and irritate your skin or eyes. It can also lead to damage over time, including stains or scale on the shell and parts.
If you ever feel unsure, use your test kit guide and follow the recommended ranges from the hot tub maker. If you keep a record of your test date and results, it becomes easier to spot patterns and adjust before the water quality drops.
Shocking the Water
Even with regular sanitising, hot tub water can build up waste from sweat, body oils, and products like lotions. This is why shock treatment is important.
Shocking is a process where you add a shock product to break down waste that normal chlorine or bromine levels may miss. It is a good idea to shock the water once a week, or more often if the hot tub is used heavily. After adding shock, keep the cover open for a short time if the product instructions recommend it, and ensure the area is well ventilated.
Always read the label, follow the dosing instructions, and do not use the hot tub until the water is back to safe levels.
How Often Should You Drain and Refill?
On average, you should drain and refill your hot tub every three to four months. Many guides refer to this as “every three” months as a simple rule, but 3 to 4 months is a realistic range for most hot tubs.
Over time, dissolved solids and residue from chemicals and oils build up in the water. Even if the water looks clean, it may be harder to balance and may not feel as fresh. Draining and refilling with fresh water resets the system and makes water care easier again.
If your hot tub is used often, or if several people use it each week, you may need to drain it more often than every 4 months. If the water is hard to balance, smells unusual, or stays cloudy even after cleaning and shocking, that is a sign it may be time to drain sooner.
How to Drain the Hot Tub
Regular draining is essential for hot tub maintenance. Before draining, turn off the power at the circuit breaker to keep the system safe and to prevent damage.
Most hot tubs have a drain outlet where you can attach a garden hose. Place the other end of the hose in a suitable area for disposal, then open the valve and let the water drain. Draining time can vary, but it often takes one to two hours, depending on the size of the tub.
Once the tub has been drained, remove the last bits of water from the seats and the footwell. You can use a wet and dry vacuum if you have one, or use an absorbent cloth to soak it up. Next, clean inside the tub, including the shell, using a cleaner designed for hot tub cleaning. Pay attention to corners and the waterline where dirt and oils collect.
After cleaning, close the drain valve, refill the tub with fresh water, and start the system again. Once the water is circulating, test and adjust the water chemistry until the chemical levels are balanced.
How to Clean the Filters
Filters help keep spa water clear by trapping dirt, debris, and oils. If filters are not kept clean, the hot tub filter can clog and reduce water flow. This can strain the pump and heater and may lead to damage over time.
Before removing filters, turn off the power. Find the filter area, remove the filter carefully, and rinse it using a garden hose. Make sure you rinse between the pleats, and avoid high pressure as it can damage the filter material.
For a deeper clean, soak the filters in a filter cleaner solution, following the product instructions. Many people soak overnight, as it gives the cleaner time to break down oils and residue. After soaking, rinse again until the water runs clear, then allow the filter to dry fully before reinstalling it.
It is recommended to clean filters once a month, but if the tub is used often, you may need to clean them more often to keep your water clean.
When to Replace the Filters
Cleaning helps, but filters do not last forever. Over time, the material wears out and cannot trap dirt as well. If your filters look frayed, flattened, or still smell bad after cleaning, it is time to replace them.
A common guide is to replace filters every year, but some may need replacing sooner, depending on their usage rate, water quality, and how often you clean them. If you notice the hot tub water gets cloudy quickly, or you need to add more chemicals than usual to balance it, your filters may be part of the problem.
Cleaning the Jets and Preventing Build-up
Jets can collect residue and hidden debris over time, especially if the water is not balanced. If the jets look dirty, or if the water has bits floating after you turn the jets on, the plumbing may need extra attention.
When you are doing a drain and refill, it can help to run a system cleaner that is designed for hot tubs. This type of product is made to remove oils and build-up from inside the lines.
Follow the instructions carefully and rinse the tub well afterwards. This step can help prevent bacterial growth in places you cannot see.
Cleaning and Caring for the Cover
Your cover plays a big role in hot tub care. It helps keep heat in and keeps debris out, but it also needs cleaning.
Wipe the top and underside of the cover often with warm water and a soft cloth. This helps remove dirt and prevents mould. If you use a cover cleaner designed for hot tubs, follow the label directions and rinse well. Also, check the cover for cracks, waterlogging, or damage around the seams. A damaged cover can let dirt into the spa water and may make heating more expensive.
A Simple Maintenance Routine You Can Follow
A steady hot tub maintenance routine makes cleaning easier and quicker over time. Each day or after use, remove debris, check the water, and ensure the cover is secure.
Each week, test pH and sanitiser, wipe the waterline, and shock as recommended. Each month, deep clean the filters and check for residue around jets and the shell. Every three to four months, plan a full drain, tub cleaning, and refill with fresh water. At least once a year, do a deeper check of parts, including the cover and filter condition, and replace worn items.
If you ever feel unsure about what to do next, follow the product guide for your model. You can also find help from an authorised and regulated supplier in England if you need advice on chemicals, water care, or parts.
Safety Notes When Handling Chemicals
Chemicals are useful, but you must use them safely. Always read the label and follow the dose instructions. Never mix chemicals together, and never add water to chemicals, as it can cause a reaction. Add chemicals to water, not the other way round.
Store the chemicals in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and away from food. If you get chemicals on your skin or in your eyes, rinse with clean water and follow the product safety advice. If symptoms continue, seek medical help.
Common Hot Tub Problems and What They Mean
If your water is cloudy, it often means the filters need cleaning, the water chemistry is not balanced, or there is build-up from oils and dirt. If there is a strong smell, it can mean the sanitiser is too low, even if it seems like there is “enough” product in the water. If you see foam, it often points to oils, lotions, or other residue.
These issues are usually easier to fix when you act early. Test the water, clean the filter, shock if recommended, and consider draining if the water does not improve. Keeping your water clean is always easier than trying to fix a bigger problem later.
Keeping a Simple Record
Keeping a short record can save time. Write down the test date, the results, and any chemicals added. This helps you spot what works and what does not, and it can make it easier to keep the hot tub water stable through changes in weather and usage.
If you need support from a supplier, having these notes can also help them recommend the right steps and products for your hot tub maintenance.
Get in touch if you're looking for professional hot tub cleaning services that can keep your spa clean, safe, and running smoothly. From thorough deep cleans and filter servicing to water treatment and balancing, we can handle it all.
