How to Clean Your Hot Tub

Regular cleaning is one of the most important parts of hot tub ownership. While a soak in warm, bubbling water offers the ultimate relaxation, that experience depends entirely on the cleanliness of your spa. Without proper care, contaminants like body oils, makeup, sunscreen, and airborne debris build up in your water, filters, and pipework. Over time, this not only causes cloudy water and unpleasant odours but can also strain your system and shorten the lifespan of your spa.

The good news? Keeping your hot tub clean isn’t difficult; it just takes a consistent routine and the right products. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean your hot tub, step by step, so you can enjoy safe, sparkling water all year long.

Why Cleaning Your Hot Tub Matters

Even if your water looks clear, contaminants may still be lurking beneath the surface or inside the plumbing system. Each time you or a guest steps into the water, natural oils, perspiration, skincare products and hair products are introduced. Add to that fallen leaves, dust, and rainwater, and the water chemistry can quickly become unbalanced.

As this residue builds up, it can lead to a greasy waterline, reduced jet pressure, unpleasant smells, and even bacterial growth. Over time, limescale and mineral deposits may also form inside the jets or on the shell, especially in hard water areas. This makes regular maintenance crucial, not just for hygiene, but to protect the inner workings of your spa and maintain optimal performance.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hot Tub?

How often you clean your hot tub depends on how frequently you use it. As a general rule, it’s good practice to rinse the filters and check water balance weekly, carry out a deeper filter clean monthly, and fully drain, flush and clean your hot tub every three to four months. If you use your spa daily or host multiple bathers regularly, you might want to clean more often. The goal is to stay ahead of any grime or buildup before it becomes a problem.

Step 1: Flush the System

Before you drain your spa, it’s important to start by flushing out the internal pipework. This step removes hidden grime and biofilm—a sticky bacterial residue that forms inside the pipes, beyond the reach of sanitisers. To do this, remove the filter cartridges first, then add a dedicated hot tub pipe cleaner into the water, following the instructions on the label. With the jets on full, allow the cleaner to circulate for 15 to 30 minutes. You may notice foaming or discolouration during this process—that’s perfectly normal and shows that the cleaner is working.

Step 2: Power Down the Spa

Once the flushing process is complete, switch off the power to your hot tub at the isolator or circuit breaker. This is an essential safety step. You should never clean or drain your spa while it is still powered, as running the system with no water can damage your heater, pump, and circulation components.

Step 3: Drain the Water

With the power off, it’s time to drain your spa. Many hot tubs feature a built-in drain valve at the base of the cabinet, which you can connect to a garden hose. Alternatively, you can use a submersible pump to speed up the process. Make sure the water is directed safely away from the spa and avoid flooding nearby plants or pathways. Once the majority of the water is gone, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining puddles or water trapped inside the seats or footwell.

Step 4: Clean the Shell and Surfaces

Once your spa is empty, give the shell a thorough clean using a soft cloth and a specially formulated hot tub surface cleaner. Avoid using household cleaners, as these can be too harsh and leave residues that upset your water balance once refilled. Pay extra attention to the waterline, seats, and jet areas, where oils and grime tend to collect. If you notice any stubborn build-up or scale, a non-abrasive sponge and a gentle descaler can help lift it away without damaging the acrylic surface.

Step 5: Clean or Replace Your Filters

Filters play a vital role in your hot tub’s water quality. They trap dirt, oils, hair, and other debris before it can reach your pump and heater. Ideally, filters should be rinsed weekly under a strong stream of clean water and given a deeper soak in a filter cleaning solution once a month. If the filters appear discoloured, damaged, or fail to come clean after soaking, it’s time to replace them. Fresh filters help improve water clarity, reduce chemical demand, and keep your system running efficiently.

Step 6: Wash the Hot Tub Cover and Cabinet

Your hot tub cover is the first line of defence against dirt and debris. To keep it in good condition, clean it regularly with mild soap and water or a specialist vinyl cover cleaner. This will remove dirt, mildew, and prevent fading or cracking from UV exposure. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before placing it back on your spa. If your hot tub has a hard-sided cabinet, wipe it down with a damp cloth and neutral cleaner to remove dust and prevent wear.

Step 7: Refill Your Spa

Once everything is clean and dry, it’s time to refill your hot tub. Insert the garden hose directly into the filter housing rather than filling from the shell, this helps prevent airlocks from forming in the plumbing. Fill the spa until the water reaches the recommended level, usually marked inside the shell. Once filled, close the drain valve and switch the power back on. Your system will begin to circulate, and the heater will gradually bring the water up to temperature.

Step 8: Balance your Water Chemistry

With fresh water in place, your final step is to test and adjust your water chemistry. Use test strips or a digital meter to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and maintain appropriate sanitiser levels depending on whether you use chlorine or bromine. Once balanced, add a shock treatment to oxidise any lingering contaminants and give your spa water a fresh start.

Order Hot Tub Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your hot tub may take some time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term performance and a consistently enjoyable experience. With regular care, your spa will continue to provide comfort, luxury, and stress relief without the worry of cloudy water or system issues. Whether you’re flushing the pipes, refreshing your filters, or simply wiping down the shell after a weekend soak, every step helps protect your investment.

If you’re looking to stock up on spa chemicals, hot tub filters, or browse our full range of hot tub accessories. For those in need of a full refresh, our hot tub collection includes everything from compact inflatable spas to premium rigid models.