These days, a lot of us are stuck at home with plenty of time on our hands. It’s a great time to clean your hot tub or Jacuzzi. In today’s post, let’s discuss just how to perform this often-ignored task. After all, experts say that it is
safe to swim during this COVID-19 outbreak. So now that the weather is getting nicer, you’ll want to take a dip sometime soon!
Why Clean Your Hot Tub?
Just like a pool or bathtub, a hot tub gets dirty over time. In fact, a hot tub can get even dirtier than you realize. Even if you’re running a filter and using chemical treatments, that water is often sitting there for months at a time. That means plenty of body oils, sweat, lotions and human waste build up on the walls and in the water. Additionally, since the hot tub runs at high temperatures, it can easily become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold. No matter how often you think you clean your hot tub, chances are high that it still needs a proper scrubbing.
Getting Started: Shut it Down
First and foremost, you should kill the power to your hot tub or Jacuzzi before you begin the cleaning process. Don’t simply switch it off. Instead, turn the power off via the circuit breaker. You don’t want to risk having the pump or jets turn on while you’re trying to drain or clean your hot tub.
Flush Before You Drain the Water
Every hot tub is different, so the process for draining is going to change based on your product. To learn how to drain the water in
your tub, be sure to refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. However, there is something to keep in mind before you start draining. It pays to flush the hot tub’s lines with a special flushing cleaner. There is a lot of dirt and general gunk that develop in these lines. Your usual chlorine or bromine won’t be able to clear this material on their own. That’s where a System Flush chemical comes it. It should get those lines nice and clean. Then you’re ready to drain the water!
Clean Your Hot Tub
Once the water is gone, it is time to clean your hot tub. This can be done with soap, water, or special hot tub cleaners. These specialty cleaners can make the job easier, but they aren’t always necessary. After all, a little bit of elbow grease can go a long way! No matter what, be sure to rinse any excess soap or cleaner residue with warm water.
Don’t Forget the Filters
Your hot tub filters are your first line of defense against grime and germs. Therefore, they deserve some attention! If it’s been over a year, you will be better off replacing these filters. Clean new filters are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle later. For removing these filters, be sure to check your instruction manual again. Depending on your hot tub model, they can be tricky to reach.
Fill it Up and Shock the Water
Now that the basic cleaning is done, it’s time to refill your hot tub. To do this, you can simply turn on a garden hose. Once the water is high enough, it’s time to shock and maintain the water. You’ll want the pH and chlorine levels of your water to be properly balanced. Fortunately, you should have these chemicals on hand as part of your usual hot tub upkeep.
Dry Everything
Sure, you took the time to clean your hot tub… but don’t forget the surrounding area as well! Moisture can cause slippery slime and algae to build up where you least expect it. Here’s a full article about
the dangers of slipping on wet floors. While
cleaning your pool is important, be sure not to neglect your tiles, deck and flooring. These places can quickly become a hazard when not properly maintained.
Finally, don’t forget to lock up your hot tub when it is not in use. Children love to explore and can easily find themselves in trouble with an unsecured body of water. For extra security, all pools and hot tubs should be surrounded by a pool fence. As we’ve discussed many times on this blog, a properly installed fence should be at least four feet tall in order to prevent kids or pets from climbing over.
