How to Identify and Deep Clean Your Hot Tub: A Practical Guide to Soaking Safely and Comfortably

There are times when all you want is to unwind—easing into a hot tub, letting the warmth envelop your body, and watching the stress of the day melt away.

However, have you ever paused to think that the very tub you rely on for relaxation might be silently collecting bacteria, dirt, or other harmful substances? Without proper maintenance, hot tubs can become breeding grounds for microorganisms like Legionella, E. coli, and fungi, which may pose risks to your skin and respiratory health. The good news? With the step-by-step method outlined below, you’ll be able to clean your tub effectively and confidently, ensuring each soak is as safe as it is relaxing.

Contents:
Five Signs It's Time to Clean Your Hot Tub

The Four Core Steps to a Thorough Hot Tub Cleaning

Routine Maintenance: Prevent Problems Before They Start

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Five Signs It's Time to Clean Your Hot Tub

Cleaning on a schedule is important—but paying attention to your hot tub's condition is even more crucial. These five signs are strong indicators that a cleaning is overdue:

Too much foam or murky water – Often caused by excess surfactants, oils, or soap residues.

Unpleasant smells – Usually a sign of bacteria or biofilm accumulation.

Noticeable scale – High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) can result in mineral deposits.

Heavy or very little use – Both scenarios can throw off the water's chemical balance.

Chemicals not working properly – May indicate contaminants are affecting the sanitizing agents.

Quick tip: If you're unsure whether it's time to clean, it probably is.

The Four Core Steps to a Thorough Hot Tub Cleaning

Cleaning a hot tub properly involves more than just draining the water. Follow these four essential phases to ensure every part is properly maintained:

1. Prep: Tackling Hidden Contaminants First
Before emptying the water, run a plumbing line flush through the system. Follow the instructions on the product and allow it to circulate for at least 20 minutes to dissolve internal biofilms and organic build-up. If you notice foaming, it's working as intended.

Always turn off the power beforehand to avoid damaging the equipment.

2. Drain: Clear Out the Old Water Efficiently
There are two main ways to drain your hot tub:

Garden hose – Affordable and simple, but can take an hour or more.

Submersible pump – Much quicker, though you'll likely need a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water at the bottom.

Eco note: If your water contains minimal chlorine or chemicals, it's generally safe to drain onto the lawn. Otherwise, follow local disposal rules.

3. Clean: Don't Miss the Details—Filter, Shell, Accessories
With the tub empty, it's time for a full cleaning:

Filter – Soak in diluted vinegar or mild detergent overnight, then rinse thoroughly. For filters that are discolored, damaged, or smelly, replacement is best—ideally once a year.

Shell interior – Use a hot tub-specific cleaner to avoid chemical residues. Avoid regular household cleaners.

Hard-to-reach spots – A soft cloth or non-abrasive brush works best for cleaning around jets, water lines, and edges.

Remember to also clean parts like pillows, light covers, the spa cover, and the outer shell. Be sure to rinse off all cleaning agents before refilling.

4. Refill: Restoring Fresh Water and Rebalancing the System
Make sure the power stays off before refilling.

Use a hose filter to reduce contaminants in the new water.

Feed the hose through the filter compartment to help prevent airlock during refill.

Once full, you can turn the power back on and move to chemical balancing.

Balance the water by:

Adding disinfectants like sodium dichlor, bromine, or chlorine granules.

Testing and adjusting pH (ideal range: 7.2–7.8), total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Using a metal sequestrant if your water source contains iron or other metals.

Routine Maintenance: Prevent Problems Before They Start

Rather than waiting for issues to arise, regular upkeep will keep your hot tub in great shape with less effort:

Filter care – Check monthly, deep clean quarterly, and replace yearly.

Quick water testing – Use test strips regularly to monitor chemical levels.

Seasonal guidance:

• In winter, if you won't be using the tub, drain and dry it completely to avoid freeze damage.

• In summer, especially with frequent use, do a mini-clean once a month.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it okay to clean the tub with regular kitchen cleaner?
A: No. These cleaners can leave residues that interfere with spa chemicals and affect water safety.

Q: My filter is slightly discolored but still works. Should I replace it?
A: If the filter is stiff, misshapen, or still smells after cleaning, it's time for a new one.

Q: Why do I feel itchy after soaking?
A: Skin irritation is often due to poor water balance or lingering contaminants. Test your water and give the tub a deep clean.

Taking the time to clean your hot tub properly ensures a consistently comfortable and safe experience. When the water is balanced, the jets work smoothly, and the surfaces are spotless, you'll be able to relax knowing everything is just as it should be.

Each soak becomes more than a luxury—it's a reward for maintaining a space you can truly trust.