A hot tub is a great way to transform your backyard into an at-home oasis. After finding the right hot tub for your home, it's important to clean and maintain the hot tub to make sure it works properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance helps you avoid repairs and extend the lifespan of your new hot tub. If you're not sure how to clean a hot tub, our guide will show you how. Keep reading below for tips on caring for a hot tub, including step-by-step instructions for cleaning a hot tub, draining the water, and preparing for winter.

Tip!

Read our in-depth Hot Tub Buying Guide to learn about the different hot tub types, shapes, materials, and features.

Routine Cleaning & Care

Cleaning a hot tub is essential to keep it operating efficiently and lasting for a long time. Hot tubs often require a weekly cleaning, as well as a more thorough cleaning every three to four months. Be sure to read your owner’s manual for more detailed maintenance information about your specific hot tub.

What You Will Need:

• Sponge
• Hot tub cleaning product or white vinegar
• Test strips
• Filter cleaner

Weekly

Step 1: Remove any leaves or debris that may have accumulated inside the hot tub.

Step 2: Once the water looks clean, use a test strip to measure and adjust the water’s pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels.

Tip!

Circulating water in your hot tub helps it get rid of contaminants by passing them through your hot tub’s filter. Make sure you turn your hot tub on for 15 to 20 minutes daily so that your water stays refreshed.

Monthly

Step 1: Every month, your filter needs to be cleaned. Because the filter is designed to catch any debris and grime, it's prone to develop buildup. Remove the filter from the hot tub. Use warm water or a garden hose to spray the filter with water while rotating it to ensure that all the debris is removed.

Step 2: After the filter is rinsed, use a chemical soak specialized for hot tub filters to clean the filter more thoroughly. Once your filter gets to the point that this process doesn’t clean it fully, it’s time to replace it. We recommend replacing the filters once a year.

Every 3 – 4 Months

Step 1: Drain your hot tub fully. For detailed instructions on how to do this, see the section below. Once it's completely empty, wipe down the interior surface with a sponge and a hot tub cleaning product or white vinegar mixed with water. Hot tub cleaners are formulated specifically to cut through any buildup, and white vinegar mixed with water creates a gentle solution that works well to clean the surface of a hot tub. Use a clean towel to wipe any excess residue left from the cleaner.

Step 2: Remove and check the hot tub filters. Similar to the monthly maintenance, use a garden hose to clear any debris.

Step 3: Refill your hot tub using a garden hose. Set a timer to remind you to check on the water’s height to avoid overflowing. When the hot tub is filled, add in the necessary chemicals for the water treatment program. Use the recommended measurements of each chemical listed in the manual. Cover the hot tub and allow the water to balance for at least 12 hours.

Step 4: After the correct amount of time, use a test strip to check the levels and balance the amount of chemicals if needed.

Draining a Hot Tub

Draining a hot tub is necessary for both the deep-cleaning and winterizing processes. By draining the hot tub completely, you're able to clean any grime and debris that builds up on the surface of the spa.

What You Will Need:

• Garden hose

Step 1: Unplug the hot tub from the outlet or turn off the power to your hot tub at the circuit breaker. This is an important step because the pipes and jets can get damaged if they are used without any water.

Step 2: Look for the valve cap that covers the hose spigot. The valve cap is typically located on one of the sides and near the base of the hot tub. Many valve caps are located within a front pane that conceals the valve cap and other key components. Remove the front panel from your hot tub and locate the hose spigot.

Step 3: Attach your garden hose to the spigot and unravel it to a safe distance. To avoid flooding in your backyard, we recommend bringing the end of your hose to your driveway or somewhere away from your house.

Step 4: Open the valve on the spigot to allow the water to drain. Though the draining process can often take up to two hours, you don't need to supervise it the entire time. Simply check in periodically to make sure that the hose is draining to the correct spot and to see if the hot tub is fully drained.

Step 5: Now is the time to clean your hot tub thoroughly. Using a sponge and hot tub cleaner or vinegar solution, wipe down each surface. After you feel that it is sufficiently clean, detach the hose and close the spigot tightly.

Step 6: Refill your hot tub. Repeat this process every three to four months.

How to Winterize a Hot Tub

If you live in a chilly climate and plan on leaving your hot tub dormant during the winter months, winterizing is a key part of caring for a hot tub. The winterizing process helps protect the hot tub from the elements and ensures it will be ready in the spring.

What You Will Need:

• Sponge
• Hot tub cleaning product or white vinegar
• Hot tub vacuum (optional)
• Cover

Step 1: Shut off the heater and any power sources to prepare for winterizing your hot tub.

Step 2: Drain your hot tub of all water.

Step 3: Remove and clean your filter. Keep it in a dry place while you’re working on the hot tub to avoid introducing new contaminants.

Step 4: If your pump has drain plugs, open and loosen them. Remove any additional water left inside the pump and plugs with a hot tub vacuum. If you don't have a hot tub vacuum, use a wet-dry vacuum to blow out any excess water.

Step 5: Water trapped inside the jets can damage your hot tub if it freezes. To prevent this, make sure that the jets and drains are properly drained by using a hot tub vacuum or a wet-dry vacuum.

Step 6: Now that your hot tub is empty and you’ve cleaned all the accessories, scrub the entire hot tub thoroughly with a sponge and a hot tub cleaning product or white vinegar.

Step 7: Place your cover over your hot tub. This will protect it from extreme weather in the winter. Once spring arrives, refill your hot tub and go back to regular maintenance.