Want to Know How to Clean a Hot Tub? We Have Your Answers!
A hot tub is one of the best ways to relax all year long—especially during the colder months. But to keep it safe, enjoyable, and looking its best, it’s essential to know how to clean a hot tub properly.
At Town & Country Pools, we design beautiful, custom hot tubs and spas throughout Maryland. We also provide cleaning and maintenance services. This lets you relax and enjoy your spa without stress. Here’s what you need to know how to a hot tub clean and be ready to use.
Why Hot Tub Cleaning Is So Important
Learning to clean a hot tub is not just about making it look nice. Also, safe and healthy spa use is important. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your hot tub keep the water clear and safe. This helps prevent contaminants and ensures you and your guests can enjoy it.
If you don’t clean your hot tub, bacteria, algae, and other harmful germs can grow in the warm water. These can lead to skin irritations, infections, and other health issues. Dirty water can create bad smells and an unappealing look. This takes away from the relaxing experience a hot tub should offer.
Learning how to a clean hot tub, it’s essential to establish a regular cleaning schedule. This usually includes tasks like checking and balancing the water chemistry. This means testing the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
Good water chemistry keeps the water safe. It also protects the hot tub’s parts from damage caused by unbalanced water.
In addition to water chemistry, you should also regularly clean the hot tub’s filters. Filters are important for catching debris and contaminants. If they get clogged or dirty, they can block water flow and filtration. Using a quality product like the Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner or Sirona™ Specialties Filter Cleaner can make this job easier and more effective. If your filter is more than a year old, it may be time to replace it.
Another important aspect of hot tub maintenance is the physical cleaning of the surfaces. This includes scrubbing the interior surfaces to remove any buildup of oils, dirt, or grime. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner like eco-TUB Spa Clean, which is specially made for hot tubs and won’t damage the shell. For extra convenience, you might try an electric scrubber like the Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber to reach tight corners and reduce manual scrubbing effort.
Don’t forget to clean the cover as well, as it can accumulate dirt and mildew over time.
Lastly, it’s important to drain and refill your hot tub from time to time. This helps refresh the water and remove any leftover contaminants that regular maintenance might miss. You should drain and refill every three to four months, but it can depend on how much you use it.
Dirty or Neglected Water Can:
- Harbor bacteria and mold
- Lead to skin and eye irritation
- Damage your hot tub’s components
- Shorten the life of your spa system
Consistent cleaning helps protect your investment and ensures every soak is safe and relaxing.
How to Clean a Hot Tub: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a clear, effective routine you can follow to keep your hot tub running smoothly:
1. Turn Off the Power and Drain the Water
Before you begin, turn off the spa completely. Drain all the water using the built-in valve or a submersible pump. This gives you a fresh start for deep cleaning.
2. Clean the Hot Tub Shell
Use a soft sponge or cloth with a hot tub-safe cleaner like eco-TUB Spa Clean to wipe down the interior. Focus on the waterline, where buildup often collects.
🚫 Avoid household cleaners—they can damage the shell or throw off your water chemistry.
3. Flush the Plumbing System
Before refilling, run a pipe or line flush product through the system. This clears out hidden bacteria and buildup inside the jets and pipes.
4. Clean or Replace the Filter
Remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly with a hose. Once a month, soak it in a filter cleaner such as Sirona™ Filter Cleaner, Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner, or EcoOne Filter Cleaner. If it’s over a year old, consider replacing it to ensure optimal performance.
5. Refill and Balance the Water
Fill the hot tub with clean, fresh water. Then test and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels using spa-grade chemicals.
Properly balanced water keeps your hot tub clean, clear, and safe for soaking.
Let Town & Country Pools Help Maintain Your Hot Tub
If all of this sounds like a lot to handle—don’t worry. At Town & Country Pools, we make hot tub maintenance simple.
Here’s how we can help:
✅ Custom Spa Design & Installation
We’ll help you design a hot tub that fits your backyard, lifestyle, and relaxation goals.
✅ Routine Cleaning & Water Care
From water testing and balancing to full cleaning and filter maintenance, our team takes care of everything.
✅ Ongoing Support & Product Guidance
We will suggest the best products and make a schedule for your spa. This way, you will always know what to do next.
Keep Your Hot Tub Clean, Clear & Carefree
Now that you know how to clean a hot tub, you can enjoy crystal-clear water and peace of mind—every time you take a dip.
Prefer to leave the work to the pros? Town & Country Pools is here to help. We can assist you with designing a new hot tub or keeping your current one in great shape.