Deep Cleaning Your Spa's Hot Tub: A Step-By-Step Guide

Two things are certain when running a spa. First, you need a plumber on speed dial. Either that or a comprehensive way to clean pretty much everything in your facility.

The latter is more ideal. A rigorous cleaning process is better than fixing a (very) messy situation.

Second, you need a reliable supply of clean linen.

Given that your spa caters to numerous people, your hot tub and drain pipes are bound to accumulate build-up at a surprisingly fast rate.

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But having a clean hot tub goes beyond the need for aesthetic appeal. Failure to thoroughly clean it carries the risk of exposure to bacteria.

A type of bacteria commonly found in hot tubs is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can survive in water even if you use a substance as potent as chlorine to try to eliminate it.

This bacterium is the culprit behind hot tub folliculitis. Its name sounds awful enough, but its effects are much worse.

The infection results in an itchy rash. Over time, this may develop into painful nodules filled with pus.

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That's the last thing anyone wants to pick up at a spa.

For this reason, deep cleaning your spa hot tub is a great idea as it goes beyond surface-level stain removal. 

Taking the following steps will go a long way in keeping your hot tub clean, sanitary and inviting.

Step 1: Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell

You'll want to start by cleaning your tub's shell. 

It's tempting to reach for your regular cleaning products. However, take note that these may be harsh on the inner shell. This depends on what material makes up your hot tub shell.

Let's briefly examine the most commonly used materials in hot tub shells.

• Vinyl. Some hot tubs consist of shells made of a vinyl liner. Since they are inexpensive to produce, vinyl liner hot tubs tend to cost less. They are, however, highly susceptible to damage from chemical substances.
• Acrylic. Acrylic hot tubs are a delight to look at but keeping them in a pristine state is something else altogether. They scratch easily and get damaged by harsh cleaning products.
• Plastic. Plastic seems to be everywhere - even in hot tubs. To be precise, rotomolded plastic fills a mould evenly thereby forming the shell. The result is a light, portable tub albeit one that's dull and affected by abrasive cleaners.

Hot Tub Shell Material	What To Use	What To Avoid
Vinyl	Non-abrasive cleansers with a soft gel or cream formula. Laundry detergent. Dishwashing soap. Sodium bicarbonate and water mix. Trisodium phosphate and water mix.	Aerosol cleaning sprays. Harsh chemicals and disinfectants.
Acrylic	Multipurpose cleaners. Green cleaning products. A solution containing equal parts vinegar and water.(This should only be used if recommended by the manufacturer.)	Acetone. Cleaning products that come in aerosol cans or solvents.
Plastic	A mixture of sodium bicarbonate and water. Mild detergent. Gentle multipurpose cleaner.	Cleaning products containing acetone or thinners.

Don't take chances. Find out from your hot tub's manufacturer which materials are best to use.

In addition, the makers of your tub will advise you on the most suitable cleaners for your specific model.

Though the right cleaning products vary, the procedure is more or less the same.

Before you begin, run a bit of water into the tub and using gloved hands rinse away dust, scum or soapy remains.

Next, pour the cleaning agent(s) all around the shell. Add water and allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes. 

Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cleaning pad to scrub the surface evenly. You may need to do this several times until problem spots are clean. A mixture of baking soda and water is especially useful for this.

Rinse the shell, preferably with warm water. Finally, you can use a polish to preserve your hot tub's shine and keep it gleaming like new.

Step 2: Cleaning the Pipes and Jets

It's no secret that hot tub jets do wonders to aching bodies thanks to the bubbles they create. These massage the body, relieving it of tension and sore muscles.

Regular home tubs need their jets cleaned at least once a month. This puts into perspective the need to deep clean your spa's hot tub jets given that they're put to use more often. 

Moreover, they accumulate scum and dirt at a fast rate. This creates a potential breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

Depending on your respective model, the jets may be detachable.

If they are, take them out then soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for several hours. You can then use a soft brush to clean them as well as the spaces they occupy in the tub. 

To tackle germs and bacteria, you can swap the vinegar for a low-foam disinfectant.

For non-removable jets, fill the tub with hot water such that the jets are below the water level. Add in the vinegar or lightly foaming disinfectant.

Again, depending on the care instructions given by the manufacturer, you may add half a cup of bleach. This makes for more thorough cleaning.

Run the jets for at least 15 minutes then stop and drain the tub. Fill the tub with cold water and run the jets again for another 15 minutes. 

Once you drain the tub a second time, its jets should be clean.

Step 3: Cleaning the Water Filters

When people come to your spa they leave behind lots of hair, dirt and sweat. Left unattended, all this will deteriorate your spa tub or even render it ineffective.

Therein lies the crucial role of the hot tub water filters.

Regular tub usage means more build-up for the filters to screen. As such, you need to clean the filters often, such as on a monthly or bi-weekly basis.

To do so take the filters out and rinse them in a sink. Make a point of spreading the pleats to ensure you get all the dirt out.

This is a short-term solution. So, if you want something longer-lasting, consider chemical cleaning.

There are numerous filter cleaners available. Go for one that comes in a spray bottle for easy application. Every month take the filters out and spray them using the cleaner. Allow 15 minutes for the cleaner to do its work.

This process can cause foaming. To avoid that, rinse the filters thoroughly before you insert them back into the tub.

There's yet another method you can consider for even longer-term cleanliness. Since it's a powerful technique, undertake it in intervals of 3 - 4 months.

Dilute filter cleaning product in water and soak the filters for 12 - 24 hours. Remove the filters and run them in clean water until all the cleaner is completely rinsed away.

Before purchasing the cleaner, consult your tub's manufacturer or manual.

Do not use regular cleaning products which may cause excessive foaming and may not be the most effective option.

Step 4: Cleaning the Area Around and Underneath Your Hot Tub

Your tub is almost perfectly spotless. It's now time for the final part of your cleaning process.

After all the effort exerted in the above steps, you'll be glad to know this last one is less intensive.

To clean around the tub, you'll require detergent, disinfectant and bleach if it is suitable for the outer casing on your tub, as well as the floors.

Start by wetting the area to be cleaned, then add the detergent to a bucket of water. If your tub's exterior isn't too soft, you can scrub using a scouring pad, making sure the detergent covers every inch of the surface.

Alternatively, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad. The goal is to get the detergent all over the surfaces.

Use clean water to rinse the area around your tub until the foam is all gone. Next, pour the disinfectant all around, using a soft cloth or cleaning pad to spread it evenly.

Rinse the pad or cloth.

Wipe until the tub's outer enclosure and the surrounding surfaces are both clean.

Deep Clean Your Spa to Safeguard Your Guests' Well-Being

Now more than ever, there's a need to go beyond cleaning by disinfecting surfaces around us. Standard cleaning procedures aim to get rid of dirt and stains but deep cleaning takes things up a notch.

It incorporates the aspect of disinfection. This entails the use of chemicals to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria.

Click here for a comprehensive guide on different types of disinfectants.

You'll get to learn more about their capabilities and mode of action to help you find the best for your spa.

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, establishments need to step up their cleaning processes in a bid to ensure the wellbeing of their guests.

Beyond protecting them from infection, this will offer your customers a much-needed confidence boost in your facilities.

Partner with a great company, such as Australian Linen Supply, that can provide quality towels so that each of your guests has their own. Ensuring you have enough towels for each guest guarantees the best standards of hygiene.

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