How to Banish Dirt and Debris From Your Hot Tub

Is your hot tub looking dirty and neglected? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll share some easy and effective ways to remove dirt and debris from your hot tub, so you can enjoy a clean and relaxing soak.

5 Sources of Dirt and Debris

Before we get into cleaning methods, it's important to understand the common sources of dirt and debris in your hot tub. By knowing where these contaminants come from, you can take preventive measures to reduce their accumulation.

1. Body oils: When people use the hot tub, natural oils found on the surface of their skin can mix with the water, leaving a greasy residue on the surface. These oils are part of a group known as 'organic contaminants'. We recommend a quick shower before you use a hot tub to remove any sweat, suncream or oils on your body.
2. Soap and shampoo residue: If you use soap or shampoo before entering the hot tub, the residue can get into the water and cause foam or build-up. We always recommend giving yourself a quick shower before and after you dive in.
3. Leaves and outdoor debris: If your hot tub is located outdoors, leaves, grass, and other debris can easily find their way into the water, especially during windy days. You'll know this all too well if your hot tub lives beneath a deciduous tree. We recommend keeping your hot tub cover down whenever you're not using the hot tub to keep this kind of debris out.
4. Chemical imbalances: If the water chemistry in your hot tub is not properly balanced, it can lead to cloudy water and a buildup of contaminants over time. We recommend regularly testing your hot tub water to ensure it's well-balanced and safe to use.
5. Faulty or unclean filters: Although not necessarily the source of hot tub debris, a filter that's not working properly can be the reason you're seeing a build-up of contaminants that would normally be filtered out. We recommend you use regularly check and clean your hot tub's filter to ensure they're in tip-top condition.

Now that we have identified where a lot of the dirt in your hot tub comes from, let's move on to the cleaning methods.

6 Ways to Remove Dirt and Debris

If you've lifted your hot tub cover to find the water is looking a bit grubby, don't worry - it shouldn't take long to get it back to its original glory. Here are six ways to remove dirt and debris from your hot tub:

1. Skimming the surface: The easiest and most straightforward way to remove surface dirt is with a pool skimmer. Simply skim across the water's surface to collect any large debris that has accumulated on top, before throwing it away in the bin.
2. Vacuuming: If there is debris settled at the bottom of the hot tub, you can use a hot tub vacuum or a siphon to remove it.
3. Drain and refill: Over time, the water in your hot tub can become dirty and filled with contaminants. It is recommended to drain, clean and refill your hot tub every 1-2 months or as needed to keep it in good order.
4. Use natural cleaning agents: Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, you can use natural cleaning agents to remove dirt and debris. For example, you can mix baking soda and water to create a paste and use it to gently scrub the surfaces of the hot tub. Vinegar can also be used to remove caked-on stains and sanitise the hot tub.
5. Shock treatment: Shock treatments are an effective way to clean your hot tub and keep it in top shape. Use a shock treatment once a week to oxidise any organic contaminants that have accumulated in the water. Test the water beforehand and follow the instructions on the product packaging carefully before applying the shock treatment.
6. Use enzymes: Cleaning agents known as enzymes can be used to break down 'non-living' organic contaminants such as body oils, sweat, lotions, and other debris into smaller molecules, making it easier for your sanitiser (e.g. bromine or chlorine) to break them down further and remove them. You can buy enzymes specifically designed for hot tubs; follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper use.

Obviously the method you choose depends on just how much debris is in your hot tub - you won't need to drain your hot tub if there are just a couple of leaves floating on the surface! It's best to remove dirt as soon as it's spotted to prevent it from degrading, and we always recommend testing your hot tub before you add any more chemicals to it.

FAQs

Now that you know how to tackle unwanted contaminants in your tub, let's answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

How often do I need to clean my hot tub?

The frequency of cleaning your hot tub will depend on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. However, as a general rule, it is recommended to deep clean your hot tub at least once a month and tackle any smaller issues like dirt and debris every week or two. 

Regular cleaning will help prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and bacteria in the water, ensuring a clean and safe environment for soaking. What makes this process much easier is having a prevention and maintenance routine that involves:

A) Making sure that chemicals are properly balanced. This will ensure most of the organic contaminants are broken down and filtered out.

B) Checking and cleaning the hot tub filters. This will ensure the filters can do their job properly by removing larger molecules.

C) Take simple steps to prevent as much dirt and debris from getting into the water as possible. This includes showering before you get in, avoiding drink spills and keeping the cover on when it's not in use.

How can I clean the hot tub cover?

Cleaning the hot tub cover is actually pretty simple, yet it's often overlooked. If your cover is grotty then you can imagine how easily this will transfer into the water when it's in use. To clean the cover, you should

1. If you can, remove the hot tub cover from the hot tub and place it on a clean surface. The last thing you want to do is dislodge dirt only for it to fall into your hot tub's water!
2. Gather the proper supplies. You will need a cleaning brush (an old toothbrush can be effective too), a bucket of warm water, and a mild non-abrasive cleaner or natural solution like vinegar. If you have any tough stains, you may also want to use a stronger stain remover or an oxygen-based bleach - though we recommend checking in with the manufacturer or testing it on an inconspicuous spot first in case it causes discolouration.
3. Brush away dirt and debris. Use the cleaning brush to thoroughly scrub away built-up dirt and debris from the hot tub cover.
4. Rinse off the cleaner and dirt. Use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining dirt or cleaner from the cover.
5. Dry completely before storing. Make sure that your cover is completely dry before you put it back on the hot tub or store it away for another day - this will help prevent mould or mildew. Keep the cover out of the rain so that it has time to fully dry out.

If your hot tub cover has seen better days, you should replace it to ensure that it's both hygienic and doing a good job at locking in the heat. Remember: an ill-fitting or inadequate hot tub cover can cost you far more in energy waste than buying a high-quality one.

Taking care of your hot tub doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a regular cleaning routine, you can easily remove dirt and debris and keep your hot tub in pristine condition. Ready to learn more? Head to our ultimate maintenance guide for the A-Z of hot tub care.