Are you sure your hot tub is as clean as it looks? Proper disinfection and maintenance are crucial to keeping your hot tub safe for regular use. While it may seem like enough to clean the surface or check the water, a thorough cleansing routine is essential to avoid bacteria build-up and ensure water safety.
Let’s go over five essential tips for cleansing hot tub to ensure it’s disinfected and maintained properly for long-term use.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Regular deep cleaning of your hot tub every 3-4 months helps remove built-up grime, body oils, and bacteria for a safer, cleaner experience.
- Maintaining proper water chemistry by testing pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels ensures safe, balanced water for optimal disinfection.
- Cleaning and replacing hot tub filters monthly improves water circulation and keeps the filtration system efficient, reducing chemical usage.
- Shock treatments, used weekly or after heavy use, oxidise organic matter and keep the water free from bacteria and contaminants for clear, healthy water.
1. Regular emptying and deep cleaning for thorough maintenance
One of the first steps in thoroughly cleansing your hot tub is to empty and deep clean it regularly. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), hot tubs should be drained and cleaned on a weekly to monthly basis, depending on how often they are used. This helps eliminate grime, body oils, and other contaminants that regular water treatments may miss.
After draining, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to scrub the tub’s interior, focusing on hard-to-reach areas like the jets. Cleansing hot tub surfaces, especially around the jets, ensures bacteria and biofilm don’t thrive, reducing the risk of contamination. Proper cleaning of the shell and jets is critical to maintaining water clarity and hygiene.
ALSO READ: What you need to know about hot tub jets
2. Cleansing hot tub filters for better performance
Your hot tub’s filter plays a vital role in keeping the water clean and free of contaminants. Filters should be cleaned at least once a week, and the filter should be replaced every 12 to 24 months depending on usage.
To cleanse your filter, remove it from the hot tub and rinse it with a hose, ensuring all debris is removed. For a deeper clean, soak the filter in a filter-cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly. Keeping your filters clean improves water circulation and helps your hot tub’s filtration system operate efficiently.
ALSO READ: Demystifying how a hot tub filter works
3. Maintaining water chemistry for safe disinfection
Keeping the water chemistry balanced is one of the most important aspects of cleansing hot tub. The CDC recommends testing the water at least twice a day to monitor pH and disinfectant levels especially if it is used by many people. The pH should remain between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent skin irritation and ensure the sanitiser works effectively.
When the pH level is too high, it can cause scaling on the hot tub’s surfaces and make the water cloudy. Conversely, if the pH is too low, the water becomes acidic, which can lead to corrosion of the equipment and skin irritation. Regularly testing and adjusting these levels ensures your hot tub stays clean and your sanitiser performs at its best.
4. Shock treatments for effective hot tub disinfection
Even if your hot tub appears clean, shock treatments are crucial for eliminating any bacteria or organic material left behind. Shock treatments oxidise contaminants like body oils, lotions, and other organic matter.
There are two types of shock treatments: chlorine-based and non-chlorine-based. Chlorine-based shock treatments are powerful and effective, while non-chlorine options are gentler but still efficient for regular upkeep. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you use the appropriate amount of shock for your hot tub’s size.
ALSO READ: The ultimate hot tub maintenance guide
5. Preventing biofilm build-up in the plumbing system
One of the most overlooked steps in cleansing your hot tub is preventing biofilm build-up in the plumbing system. Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria that forms in the pipes and jets, making it harder for sanitising chemicals to work.
To prevent biofilm, use a specialised hot tub plumbing cleaner every few months to flush out the pipes and break down bacteria. This step ensures that the internal system remains clean and that water flows properly. Neglecting biofilm removal can lead to poor water quality and increased maintenance costs.
Let RotoSpa help you maintain a safe and clean hot tub
Maintaining a clean and safe hot tub requires consistent effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With these tips for cleansing your hot tub, you can ensure it stays safe for regular use.
RotoSpa offers a range of cleaning products and expert advice to keep your hot tub in pristine condition. Contact us today for personalised recommendations and to find the best products for your maintenance needs.