Why You Should Spring Clean Your Hot Tub [INFOGRAPHIC]

With a step-by-step guide to spring maintenance.

The Season of Spring

The last of the snow has melted, plants are springing up from the ground and flowers are starting to bloom.  Most of us have an appreciation for the life spring offers (minus allergy sufferers, we feel for you!), but the time has come for the projects that we have been putting off all winter.

Even though you might not want to add another project to the to-do list, spring is the perfect time for that deep clean your hot tub is yearning for.  Save time and stress by following our easy guide to spring cleaning your hot tub.

Why Should You Spring Clean Your Spa?

Keeping your hot tub clean is integral for performance.

Clean spas function better, use less energy, last longer and are more appealing to relax in.

If you winterized your hot tub and want to get it back into working condition, now is the perfect time to fill it back up with fresh, clean, pure water.

Or if you used your spa over the winter months it may be a good time to spend an afternoon with these tips for a deep clean session.

Hot Tub Spring Cleaning Supplies

What You Need:

• A 5-gallon bucket
• A hose
• A gentle, non-foaming cleaner, such as ecoTUB Spa Clean
• A Spaange or microfiber towel
• Gloves, if desired
• PreFresh, a fill filter to reduce impurities in water
• Spa System Flush, to purge your plumbing
• 303 Protectant, a UV shield and conditioner

How to Spring Clean Your Hot Tub

Hot tubs are typically located outside, subjected to harsh weather, dirt and all things nature has to offer. You’ll want to clean the inside of the spa, exterior cabinet and the cover.  Here’s how to spring clean your hot tub.

Interior Spa Cleaning

1. Remove and clean your filter. (See How to Deep Clean Your Hot Tub Filter for more information)
2. While water is still in the tub, add ½ a bottle (or 8 oz.) of Spa System Flush and let circulate for few minutes to overnight to purge your plumbing lines.
   • This loosens up oil film, slime, grime, debris and calcium that has built up over time in the spa plumbing, equipment and fittings.
3. Drain and refill spa with PreFresh attached to hose.
4. Test and balance your water.
   • Start with pH and Alkalinity, adjust as needed.
   • Test the hardness, adjust if necessary.
   • Add any stain and scale removing treatments or clarifiers.
   • Shock the water, then add sanitizer.

WAIT 5 – 10 MINUTES WHEN ADDING DIFFERENT CHEMICALS! Adding too many chemicals at once can create cloudy water that takes days to clear and is often difficult to balance.

Exterior Cabinet Cleaning

1. Spray the cabinet with hose to loosen dirt and grime.
2. Wipe down with CleanAll or other mild cleanser.
3. Rinse with hose again.
4. Protect the cabinet with 303 Protectant, if desired.

Cover Cleaning

Follow these simple tips prior to applying any vinyl protectant.

1. Rinse cover with cool water using a garden hose.
2. Spray with a gentle, non-foaming cleaner such as our Earth-friendly ecoTUB Spa Clean and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
   • NOTE: Never use laundry detergent, abrasives, bleach, vinegar, alcohols, dish soaps or other harsh cleaners. These products can actually remove some of the topcoat and cause premature vinyl failure resulting in an expensive spa cover replacement expense.
3. For stubborn dirt, use a non-abrasive sponge such as our Spaange.
   • TIP: Tree sap can be removed by rubbing a small amount of vegetable oil or margarine.
4. Rinse cover again thoroughly with water and allow to air dry.
5. Repeat monthly, or as needed.
6. Apply 303 Vinyl Protectant to prevent fading and cracking caused by UV damage.

See our article about more cover cleaning and care tips Spa Cover Care located in our How-to guides.

This is a good time for you to enjoy the work you put into cleaning your hot tub by putting on your bathing suit and going for a soak. Go ahead, we’ll wait.

Organize and Store Chemicals

Chemicals need proper storage to keep moisture out and to regulate freezing or extremely hot conditions.

It’s also a good idea to have them organized in a way for easy access to the frequently used chemicals such as the shock and test strips.

Read about How to Properly Store Hot Tub Chemicals for some tips to organize and keep spa chemicals away from moisture.

Freshen Your Hot Tub Surroundings

•  If you really want to get into the spring fever, try adding some new foliage in decorative flower pots to bring some color and brighten things up around the spa. See: Spring Patio Decorating Ideas
• Set up some ambiance lighting to the area to enjoy the spa at night without having the overly bright porch light on. See: Simple DIY Patio Chandelier 
• Outdoor seating near the hot tub might be ideal for those who need a break from the spa or aren’t joining in. See: How to Easily Recover Your Outdoor Furniture Cushions

To Recap…

In order to keep your spa functioning in peak condition, spend a little time and effort this and every season to clean and sanitize your hot tub.

Cleaning Your Outdoor Hot Tub

1. Clean the filter, then drain and refill the spa.
2. Spray and wipe down exterior cabinet.
3. Revive the spa cover with a quick cleaning and reapply vinyl protectant.

Do you have any hot tub spring cleaning tips we missed or have any questions about ours?  Let us know by leaving a comment below!