Hot tubs are a source of relaxation and an avenue to cool off. Most of the time, you could spend a lot of time being a chemist and less time enjoying the comfort of your tub. However, it is worth it, as if you neglect the cleaning and sanitizing of your tub, it could end up being a mess.
There are so many options you have when you want to clean your empty hot tub. These include; vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and even your kitchen dish wash.
Follow me in this article as I show you how you can make your tub sparkling clean using various methods.
How often do you clean your hot tub?
While enjoying the benefits of dipping and soaking in your hot tub, it is possible to forget one crucial detail: cleaning your hot tub. Cleaning might not be your most favorite chore, but to ensure your hot tub remains in a viable condition, it is something you must do. The lifeline of your hot tub is directly proportional to how often you clean and maintain it.
Your hot tub has many parts. These parts would require you to clean them at different time intervals. Below is how often you should clean your tub components.
After each use:
- Wipe every tideline or smudge using a damp clean cloth.
- Check the pH and sanitizer level. Then adjust accordingly.
After a week:
- Clean out your filters thoroughly.
- Test pH and sanitizer levels.
- Shock the tub.
After 3-4 months
- Use a pipe cleaner to clean your pipes.
- Drain your spa.
- Clean the interior thoroughly.
After a year
Call a professional to service your tub.
What do you clean your hot tub with after draining?.
There are a variety of chemicals you can use to clean your hot tub after draining it. I will be listing them below:
- Vinegar: For this purpose, it’s best to use white vinegar. White vinegar has a pH of about 2.5. This means it is strong enough to take care of grime and dirt. To use it, you can do the following.
- Mix a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Stir it properly to ensure everything mixes well.
- If you are using a spray bottle, spray that mixture over the entirety of everything you want to clean. However, if you are using a bucket, cover the entire surface with that mixture.
- Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Now thoroughly clean with a soft sponge or damp cloth.
- When the entire surface is clean, rinse thoroughly. Your tub is sanitized.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is an important cleaning agent that doubles as an abrasive. You can use it to remove some tough stains and scum.
- Household Bleach: Bleach is another chemical you could use to sanitize your hot tub. It forms some compounds that are not conducive to bacteria and other microbes.
Can I use vinegar to clean my hot tub?
Yes, you can. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a weak acid. It doesn’t cause corrosion like other strong chemicals like bleach. It doesn’t pose any threat to your hot tub or its components. Vinegar has a lot of benefits:
- It helps to prevent biofilm build up: Biofilms are formed when bacteria in combination with organic matter like sweat and urine form clusters that can easily clog your pipes and filters. Vinegar presents a way of preventing that build up. Using vinegar in your regular routine can break down bacteria before they have the chance to form those monstrous colonies. It is also very effective in clearing up clogs in your pipes.
- It helps to kill bacteria: Vinegar is a very strong antimicrobial agent. As an acid, it can create an unconducive environment for bacteria to flourish in. This limits their growth.
- It doesn’t damage your tub components: As mentioned above, vinegar, as opposed to other strong acids and cleaners like bleach, is completely tub-friendly. It doesn’t cause corrosion, nor does it cause the color of your tub’s shell to wear off. Even the delicate components of your tub are completely safe with vinegar.
- It isn’t toxic: Vinegar, unlike some cleaning agents, is quite problem-free. Some other chemicals could release toxic fumes or form harmful byproducts. Vinegar isn’t like that. It is completely safe to mix it with water. The only thing it is toxic to is the microbes in your tub.
Can I use dish soap to clean the hot tub?
Yes, you can. However, when using dish soap, you must be aware of all that comes with it.
- Dish soap is only effective against mild stains. For the tough scum and stains, you would have to use stronger cleaners for that.
- Adding dish soap to your tub can cause hot tub foam. If you pour soap into the hot tub enclosure and don’t rinse it properly, you can have a problem with excess foaming. This can be quite difficult to get rid of. But a quick way to fix this if this happens is to simply add some soda ash. Soda ash will help dissipate the foam.
In essence, if you want to use dish soap, it’s best to use it to wipe the top surfaces. Even if you are using it to clean the filters of the tub’s interior, just ensure that you rinse it properly. Rinsing with warm water is preferred.
Can you use bleach to clean a hot tub?
Yes, you can. Just like vinegar, bleach can break up stains. In addition, it is a very good antimicrobial agent. Bleach forms a variety of compounds when mixed with water. It forms hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite anions. Hypochlorous acid kills the bacteria, while the hypochlorite anions hinder the natural processes of these bacteria. Therefore, it renders them harmless.
Bleach can be used where there are tougher stains that vinegar can’t handle. Chromophore bonds are what are responsible for the color of stains. Bleach easily breaks those bonds.
Note this. When using bleach, avoid mixing it with other chemicals. It can react with vinegar to give off harmful and toxic fumes. Always ensure you properly rinse your tub of any bleach residue.
Can you use a jet wash in a hot tub?
A jet wash involves using a pressured stream of water coming from a motorized hose pipe to clean off dirt and grime.
As to whether you can use a jet wash for your tub, you must remember that your hot tub has some very delicate parts. The electronic components are included in this. A direct stream of water at that high pressure could damage some components. Hence, you must be careful. It is recommended that you use a jet wash for the exterior. When jet washing, keep the psi on the low side and you are good to go.
How do you clean a hot tub with baking soda?
Baking soda doesn’t just belong in the kitchen as a leavening agent. It also finds purpose in helping with your day-to-day cleaning routine. Your hot tub is also one place that can benefit from it. Baking soda acts as a cleaning agent when mixed with water. It can also double as an abrasive for stubborn stains. Below are steps on how to use it.
- Combine baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Use your sponge to apply generously to the problem areas.
- Now scrub thoroughly and then allow it to sit. This will enable the baking soda to carry out its cleaning actions against the bacteria and stains.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe it off.
Note: For really tough stains, you can make a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Apply it gently with a soft sponge to problem areas.
How do I clean my hot tub without draining the water?
It is possible to clean your tub without draining all the water. Just follow these easy steps.
- Scrub the interior: use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the interior. Don’t use hard bristles as they can scratch the surface. Some dirt will fall into the water. You can use a vacuum or skimmer to remove such debris. Alternatively, you can let your filter remove those dislodged particles.
- Remove and soak the hot tub’s jets: Soak the hot tub’s jets in a solution of vinegar and water. Allow it to soak for 3 to 4 hours, so any bacteria buildup is dislodged. Now use a toothbrush to scrub off any remaining debris.
- Scrub the hot tub’s pipes: Using a toothbrush, you can reach into the pipes and scrub. You might not be able to go too far.
- Remove and clean the filter: Turn off your tub at this point. Some of the debris you removed earlier should be lodged in the filter. Use a water hose to hose it down. Then use a soft-bristled brush to remove any lingering debris like mold or mildew.
- Treat your water: You treat your water to ensure that the acidity and alkalinity are well balanced.
How long can a hot tub stay empty?
Your hot tub shouldn’t be left empty, especially during the winter. If at all, you want to totally drain the pool, then ensure that every last bit of water has been driven out of the pipes and filters.
Is it OK to leave my hot tub empty?
No it isn’t. A hot tub shouldn’t be left empty because some water could still be left in the pipes. This might promote the development of biofilms and the growth of mold and mildew.
