Regular cleaning of your inflatable hot tub is essential for an indulging spa experience at home. While soaking in warm, bubbling water is relaxing, the ultimate comfort depends on the cleanliness of your hot tub. If this part is overlooked, contaminants like sunscreen, body oil, makeup, and air borne debris can build up in water, filter system, and pipework, shortening the life span of your hot tub. This build up can cause unpleasant odor, affecting the quality of the tub.
The good news is that keeping your hot tub clean isn’t a daunting task. With right tools, knowledge, and consistent routine, you can keep the tub in good shape and condition. But, before we move forward, let’s find out the importance of keeping your inflatable hot tub clean.
The water looks crystal clear on the surface, but pollutants lurk beneath the surface. And when someone steps in, more pollutants are released in the water. Not to mention, the dust, pollen, and fallen leaves, deteriorating the quality of water. As this build up increases, the chances of bacterial growth, reduced jet pressure, greasy waterline, and bad odor increase, making regular maintenance a necessary task.
You must be wondering how often the hot tub should be cleaned. Well, it depends on how frequently you use it. However, it’s not a bad habit to rinse the filters and check water balance weekly. Otherwise, you can fully drain, flush, and clean your hot tub every three to four months. But, if you use it regularly, cleaning it often should be your priority.
Now that we have discussed almost everything about hot tubs and their cleanliness, it’s time to learn how to clean an inflatable hot tub. This article will lead you through the entire process with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in.
Also Read: These Inflatable Hot Tubs are Perfect for Winter and Worthy Investment to Make in 2025
Things You’ll Need:
- Filter cleaner
- Soft cloth
- Garden hose
- Test strips
- Baking soda
- Bucket
- Hot tub cleaner or mild detergent
- Bristle brushes
- White vinegar
How to Clean Your Inflatable Hot Tub
Flush the System to Start Cleaning
Flush everything out from internal pipework. This step is necessary to remove hidden grime and any sticky bacterial residue that remains beyond the reach of any detergent. All you need to do is remove the filter cartridges first. Then, add a new hot tub pipe cleaner into the water. Switch on the jets and leave the cleaner circulating for 15 to 30 minutes. This process can expose you to discoloring and foaming, so don’t be alarmed, because it is pretty normal.
Switch off the Spa
Once the flushing process is done, don’t forget to switch off the hot tub for safety reasons. Remember, never drain or clean the inflatable tub while it is still on or empty, as it can damage the heater, pump, and circulation components.
Drain the Water
The next step is to drain the water and start cleaning. In many inflatable hot tubs, there is a built-in valve at the base of the cabinet, which can be directly connected to garden hose. Make a proper drainage system that directs water away from the hot tub without flooding the nearby area. Once the water is drained, at least the majority of it, you can use a soft cloth or wet-dry vacuum to remove any remaining water.
Clean the Shell and Surface
Once the water is entirely drained, it’s time to thoroughly clean the hot tub using a soft cloth or any sponge. You need to use cleaners specifically formulated for cleaning inflatable hot tubs. Avoid using any household cleaners, as they can be extremely harsh. While cleaning, ensure that waterline, seats, and jet areas with more chances of dirt and bacteria build up are properly washed. If you see any stubborn build up, you can use any coarse sponge or mild cleaner to wipe the surface clean.
Filter Maintenance or Replacement
This step is essential in maintaining the overall health of your hot tub. A good, healthy filter traps dirt, grime, or any residue, and stops them from reaching water pump and heater. In that sense, filters are recommended to be cleaned weekly or monthly, depending on the usage of the feature. However, if you notice any damage or discoloring, it’s time to replace them.
Care for Inflatable Hot Tub Cover
Caring for your hot tub cover is as crucial as the hot tub, as the cover keeps debris, dirt away, and provides insulation to maintain water temperature. Just wipe the cover using a mild soap and warm water solution.
Refill the Hot Tub and Maintain Water Chemistry
It’s time to refill your hot tub. All you need to do is insert a garden hose directly into the filter housing rather than filling from the shell. This process prevents airlock from forming in the plumbing. Fill the tub up to its recommended level. Once filled, seal the drain valve and switch on the power. Next step is to maintain the chemistry of water using test strips or a digital meter to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
Final Word
Maintaining and cleaning your hot tub is surely time consuming, but it will ensure the quality and long-term performance, which will further affect your spa experience. If you care for your hot tub on a regular basis, it will continue to provide you with comfort, care, luxury, and relief.
