How To Best Clean Your Jetted Hot Tub

Nothing is more relaxing after a long work day or on a restful mental health day than taking a long bath. The hot water is even more welcoming in a spacious, jetted hot tub. As you sink into that bubbling water and let go of any built-up stress from the week, cleaning and maintaining your hot tub is the last thing you may want to consider. However, you must always keep cleanliness in mind after each use and do a deeper cleaning at least once a month.

Jetted hot tubs can gather a lot of grime and bacteria if not properly and frequently cleaned. Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, told Martha Stewart that "due to wear and tear, stagnant water gets trapped in the pipes, producing harmful bacteria. Most modern jet tubs have overcome this issue, but it is still important to thoroughly clean out any tub regularly." But don't fret; cleaning your jetted hot tub is relatively easy and inexpensive.

The tools you will need to prepare for cleaning your hot tub are supplies you may already have lying around your house. Swim University lists some items needed as baking soda, dishwashing detergent, vinegar, and a microfiber cloth. These will also come in handy if you have any dental floss or an unwanted toothbrush lying around. Some of these materials may be self-explanatory in their uses; there's no need to wonder what their benefits and roles are in the cleaning process. 

Green Matters reports that supplies, such as baking soda and vinegar, will be great for cleaning your drain. The two ingredients create a fizzing chemical reaction that works miracles on hardened dirt and bacteria. Some dental floss and a toothbrush can be used for cleaning around and behind the jets, ensuring you're getting all those small crevices cleaned. It's highly recommended that a soft cloth like microfiber is used when wiping away dirt on the tub (via Swim University). The products will ensure that your tub's finish does not get scratched or damaged during the cleaning process.

Now that you know what you need for a sparkling tub let's get into the steps necessary to make it sparkle. Liquid Plumr suggests unclogging the drain with one cup of baking soda and vinegar. After removing blockages like hair, flush the drain with hot water and sprinkle down the baking soda. Mix a bit of hot water with your vinegar and apply it to the drain, letting it sit for approximately 5 to 10 minutes before flushing with hot water. Once the drain has been taken care of, it is time to move on to the jets. 

When cleaning, you must ensure you run the water until it rests 2 to 3 inches above the motors. Sunny's Pools and More advises adding 3 tablespoons of dish detergent and one cup of vinegar or bleach to the water, letting the jets run for 15 minutes. Afterward, work on removing any leftover dirt with your dental floss and toothbrush. It could also be beneficial to unscrew your jet caps completely to clean underneath. You are in the home stretch and can now do the easiest part — washing the tub's basin in a few simple steps. Take your soft microfiber cloth and scrub the tub with warm water and vinegar. This will remove soap scum and water stains, producing a pearly finish.

Although cleaning your jetted hot tub frequently is a must, it certainly does not always need to be time-consuming. There are many things you can do to make the monthly cleanse less down and dirty. Aqua Spas and Pools suggests not adding oils, salts, and bubble solutions to the tub. As relaxing as these are, they will add extra build-up in the jets. It is typically a rule of thumb that these materials are harmful to the water pump, but always research your specific manufacturer to know whether or not your tub can handle it.

Another tip recommended is always running fresh water through the tub and jets after each use to flush out any leftover dirt. It is also important to only run your jets with at least a few inches of water above them, or you risk damaging the motor. Now enjoy a calming soak in your freshly cleaned tub.