Quick Answer: Drain your tub every 3-4 months, scrub the shell and jets with a soft cloth, clean the filter, flush the pipes, and refill with fresh water.
Regular hot tub cleaning isn’t just about appearance. It keeps your water safe, extends the life of your equipment, and makes every soak more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from preparation to refilling, plus how to maintain that sparkle between deep cleans.
Preparing Your Hot Tub for a Deep Clean
Plan to give your hot tub a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. You might need to clean more often if you use your spa frequently or have lots of guests hopping in. Regular maintenance between these deep cleans will make the big cleaning days much easier.
Gather Your Hot Tub Accessories and Supplies
Before you start, collect everything you’ll need:
- Soft cloths or sponges (at least 2-3)
- Surface cleaner designed for hot tubs
- White vinegar for tough spots
- Garden hose
- Filter cleaning product
- Hot tub chemicals for water treatment
- Submersible pump or sump pump (optional, but speeds things up)
Having all your cleaning products ready saves time and keeps the process smooth.
Flush the Hot Tub Pipes First
Here’s a step many people skip, but it makes a big difference. Before draining, add a pipe-cleaning solution to your hot tub water and run the jets for about 15-20 minutes. This flushes out buildup, oils, and gunk that hide in your hot tub pipes. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for the right product and process for your model.
This step prevents biofilm and keeps your plumbing system running well. Turn off the power at the breaker before moving to the next phase.
Draining Your Hot Tub Properly
Locate Your Drain Valve
Most hot tubs have a drain valve near the bottom. Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it. Some models also have an air valve that helps with drainage.
Choose Your Draining Method
You have two main options:
- Gravity drain with garden hose: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the water away from your home’s foundation. This method takes a few hours but requires no extra equipment.
- Submersible pump or sump pump: For faster draining (done in 30-45 minutes), use a pump. Place it at the lowest point in your tub and watch the water disappear much quicker.
The spa water should go somewhere with good drainage. Avoid flooding your yard or your neighbor’s property.
Scrubbing and Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell, Jets, and Filter
Once your tub is empty, you’ll see everything that’s been hiding under the waterline. Don’t worry if it looks a little grimy. That’s what we’re here to fix.
Clean the Hot Tub Shell
Mix warm water with a surface cleaner made for spas. Grab your soft cloth or sponge and start wiping down the hot tub shell. Pay special attention to the water line where oils and minerals build up. This area often shows the most residue.
For stubborn stains or foam marks, white vinegar works wonders. Apply it directly, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch your shell.
Deep Clean the Jets
The jets need individual attention. Use a smaller sponge to get into each jet opening and remove any debris or buildup. You might find calcium deposits or mineral scaling. A mixture of white vinegar and warm water can help dissolve these deposits without damaging your equipment.
Clean all the jets thoroughly. There might be more than you think, and each one affects your water circulation.
Tackle the Filter
Your hot tub filter works hard to keep water clean, so it needs regular care. Remove the filter and rinse it with clean water from your garden hose. For a deeper clean, soak it in filter cleaner for several hours or overnight.
Check your filter’s condition. If it’s been in use for over a year or shows signs of damage, consider replacing it. A clean filter makes your chemicals work better and keeps your pump running efficiently.
Don’t Forget These Spots
- Hot tub cover (underside can grow mildew)
- Headrests and pillows
- Control panel area
- Steps and handrails
Wipe everything down with a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning products. Rinse all surfaces with clean water before moving to the refill stage.
Refilling and Balancing Your Hot Tub Water
Close your drain valve securely. If you opened any air valves during draining, close those too. Put your garden hose in the filter compartment and start filling. This helps prevent air pockets in your pipe system.
Filling takes anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours, depending on your water pressure and tub size. While you wait, this is a good time to clean your hot tub cover more thoroughly or organize your hot tub accessories.
Balance Your Chemicals
Once filled with fresh water, it’s time to get the chemistry right. Test your water and adjust accordingly:
- Chlorine levels: Keep between 1-3 ppm for sanitization
- pH: Aim for 7.2-7.8
- Alkalinity: Target 80-120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: Maintain 150-250 ppm
Add hot tub chemicals gradually and let the water circulate between additions. Run the jets for 15-20 minutes after adding each chemical to help it distribute evenly.
Set Up Your Maintenance Routine
Now that you have a clean hot tub with balanced water, keep it that way with regular cleaning:
- Test water 2-3 times per week
- Clean the water line weekly with a sponge
- Rinse the filter every month
- Shock the water weekly or after heavy use
- Keep your hot tub cover on when not in use
These simple habits keep your spa sparkling between those quarterly deep cleans.
Let Net Positive Pools Keep Your Hot Tub in Optimal Shape
Cleaning a hot tub takes time and effort: draining, scrubbing, refilling, and balancing chemicals can easily take several hours every few months. That’s time better spent enjoying your spa, not maintaining it. Net Positive Pools is here to help. We offer comprehensive pool and spa maintenance services to keep your hot tub in top condition.
Our weekly service covers everything from water testing and chemical balancing to filter inspection, shell maintenance, jet performance checks, and accessory care. Instead of spending your weekend on pipe flushing and filter cleaning, you could be relaxing in clean, well-balanced water. We also provide specialized services like professional filter cleaning, salt cell cleaning, complete deep cleaning with drain and refill, and chemical consultations to guide your spa care.
Founded in Huntersville, NC, Net Positive Pools now serves areas across the Carolinas and Georgia. No matter where you are, you’ll receive the same reliable service that earned our reputation.
You bought your hot tub to unwind and enjoy time with family and friends, not to become a water chemistry expert. Our maintenance service takes care of all the technical aspects, so your spa stays in optimal condition. You’ll get back the time you deserve to truly enjoy your hot tub. Ready to make hot tub ownership easier? Contact Net Positive Pools today to schedule a consultation and let us handle the rest.
