Your Complete Hot Tub Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is a time of renewal, and sprucing up your hot tub is no exception! Hot tubs require regular maintenance to stay in top condition, so it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Now that spring is here, it's the ideal time to revitalise your tub with a touch of TLC.

To help make this process as easy as possible, we've compiled all the necessary steps into one comprehensive guide - our complete hot tub spring cleaning checklist!

1. Draining the Hot Tub

Draining the hot tub is one of the essential steps in hot tub spring cleaning. Doing this every month (or every other month in the winter) ensures your hot tub is clean and running properly. If you do not drain your hot tub periodically, it can lead to a buildup of bacteria, cloudy water and unbalanced chemicals. To get the job done right, follow all safety guidelines and use proper equipment to empty the spa.

2. Cleaning the Hot Tub Cover

One of the essential steps in getting your hot tub up and running for the spring is cleaning the cover. Proper hot tub cover maintenance will ensure that your cover keeps working properly, protecting your valuable hot tub from excess dirt, debris, and weather.

You will need a garden hose and soft brush, detergent-free soap, and non-abrasive materials such as terry cloth towels and microfibre cloths to clean the cover. Start by drying the cover and then vacuuming it with a soft brush attachment. Then, use a garden hose to rinse away any residue. Use a soapy detergent-free solution with a non-abrasive towel to scrub stuck-on dirt or spots off.

Once both sides of the cover are clean and dry, you can inspect it for any wear and tear. If you find cracks or damage, you should repair it or seek professional help before using the hot tub again.

3. Cleaning and Refilling the Hot Tub

After you've cleaned the cover, you can clean the inside and outside of the hot tub shell, including the seating area, jets, and controls. You can do this with a non-abrasive cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth.

Once the hot tub is dry, refill it with fresh water. If you have hard water in your area, you may wish to use a filter system to remove any impurities before refilling, otherwise you can fill it directly from your mains supply.

4. Balancing the Hot Tub Chemistry

The best way to prepare your hot tub for the spring and summer months is to balance the chemistry. Balancing your hot tub chemicals can become quite complex, but it's worth figuring out to ensure your hot tub remains a hygienic place to soak.

Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary balancing chemicals like pH increaser, pH decreaser, sanitiser and alkalinity control. Once you are armed with what you need, add the chemicals you've chosen and test the levels of each chemical and make sure they are within the suggested ranges. This will ensure that you and your family or friends enjoy a safe soak environment in clear, clean water.

5. Cleaning Hot Tub Jets and Filters

Springtime may mean longer, warmer days and floral blooms, but for many homeowners, it’s also the perfect time to give their hot tubs a much-needed deep clean before the busy season ahead. A crucial step of hot tub spring cleaning is to clean the filters, as it helps to keep your hot tub running properly with water that looks and feels its best. Regularly cleaning your hot tub's filter and jets will ensure the warm waters remain sparkling clean and debris-free.

Although some specific requirements depend upon the type of model you own, in general, you should apply either a specialised cleaner or a natural alternative like white vinegar to remove soap residue and bacteria. With a soft-bristle brush, you can dislodge any stubborn debris. Finally, rinse all components thoroughly with a hose before reinstalling the filters and restoring power to the system.

6. Cleaning Hot Tub Shell

Spring is the perfect time to show your hot tub some TLC. Hot tub owners know that proper maintenance and cleaning of the hot tub shell is essential to keeping their hot tub in top working order, which is why it should be a part of your regular spring cleaning routine. A crucial step on your hot tub spring cleaning checklist is checking for and removing stains from the hot tub shell, which can occur because of unbalanced chemicals, bromine, chlorine, or general use.

Start by removing leaves, twigs and any other debris from the surface of the shell. Next, use a mild cleaning solution and a soft bristle brush to scrub away residue, dirt and oil. Rinse with fresh water and reapply protective coatings like silicone or wax, if necessary. If you own a wooden hot tub, you may wish to reseal it to prevent water damage.

7. Testing Hot Tub Water

Testing your hot tub's water is an important part of regular maintenance and keeping it clean. Start with testing the water regularly, at least once a month, depending on how often you use your hot tub. Checking for pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitiser levels will help keep algae growth at bay and ensure you are bathing in crystal-clear water. Even if you do not have time to test the water as often as you would like, you should always do it before company comes over.

Special Tips for Wooden Hot Tubs

The best way to keep your wooden hot tub looking its best is to perform regular maintenance. This includes weekly wiping down the wood with a damp cloth to remove dirt, debris, and other accumulations. Use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for wood surfaces; harsher chemicals could damage the wood over time.

On top of regular cleaning, checking for any signs of wear or damage on your hot tub's wood components is essential. If you see anything out of the ordinary—such as cracked or splintered wood—be sure to address it immediately so that it does not worsen over time.

Another way to protect wooden hot tubs from water damage is by applying protective coatings such as sealants and waterproofing agents. These coatings will help prevent moisture from seeping into the wood over time, which can cause cracking or warping if left unchecked. It is essential to reapply these coatings regularly per manufacturer recommendations to ensure maximum protection against water damage.  

Ready to learn more about caring for your hot tub? Click here to read our ultimate guide to hot tub maintenance.