You can’t save the cleaning part of your hot tub just because you are not using it for a while. This is a big mistake. In fact, it would only take days for the hot tub water to turn nasty once you stop using your tub and the water remains stagnant.
Slime and germs may be hidden deep within the old hot tub system as time passes, making it more challenging to clean. But don’t worry because this article will outline the effective ways to clean your spa that has been sitting for a while. So, stay tuned until the end.
7 Steps To Clean A Hot Tub That Has Been Sitting For A While
The trick is too deep to clean the hot tub, which is pretty easy as long as you follow all the steps below.
Step 1. Prepare The Materials
To get the hot tub ready, start the hot tub cleaning party by having all these materials ready.
- Garden Hose
- Bucket
- Cover
- Sponge
- Skimmer
- Dry/Wet Shop Vac
- Hot Tub Cleaner
- Hose Attachment for Filters
- Spa Cleaners
- Water Test Trips
Step 2. Drain The Hot Tub Water
If water has been sitting in the tub for a time, you should empty it to eliminate the majority of bacterial growth. How long this could take will depend on the number of gallons in the tub.
Find the hot tub drain discharge port or hose to empty a spa. Some spas have a small access port for draining water at the bottom of the cabinet. If not, a hose connection can typically be found at the spa’s lowest position. Let the water drain naturally by pulling the hose out or connecting a hose. A submersible pump can also be used to empty a spa. Before draining, make sure the spa’s power is turned off.
If the water quality is terrible, use a garden hose to spray down the spa’s surfaces as it drains. Water can also be sprayed straight into the spa jets or the skimmer to remove any grime or filth on the hot tub’s surface.
Step 3. Add Hot Tub Cleaning Solution
After draining the water, refill the tub with fresh water again. You should add your cleaner after this. Turn on your jets after adding as much as the particular cleaning you’re using recommends. Be ready for what comes out because this is where the bacteria filth that causes the most problems accumulates. The jets should be run for anywhere between an hour and all night. It will show how long bacteria have been accumulating in your pipes.
You will soon see the stench and filth bubbling up to the top as a brown foam. Start the jet pump and compressor to assist in removing any other bacteria.
Step 4. Use A Skimmer
Turn off the jets once they’ve had a chance to clear, then take your skimmer. Any fine mesh net with a short handle will do if you can’t find anything. Drain the tub once more after skimming off the layer of filth that has accumulated on top of the water. Make sure that you turn off the power for safety purposes.
Step 5. Scrub The Hot Tub
This is the challenging part. You must now clean the spa. Particularly abrasive cleaning chemicals can damage the walls of the tub. Therefore it is preferable to use a gentle scrub brush or sponge instead. You’ll want to be certain to get the tub as spotless and dirt-free as possible, even if it takes some work. Some people even use a pressure washer to remove the residue completely. Although this method is effective, ensure your tub is sturdy enough to withstand this without suffering damage.
Step 6. Clean Hot Tub Accessories
The tub needs time to dry. So, while drying, take your time and clean the spa accessories. Pull the hot tub filter in the meantime. In most cases, a simple hose can be used to clean the filter or use a specific filter cleaning solution. You should replace the filter if you discover it is difficult to clean or if you know it has been in continuous use for more than a year.
Next, check your tub cover for any breaks or damages and make necessary repairs. A spa cover should be replaced if it is damaged or flooded with mold, mildew, and germs. Your hot tub cover can be cleaned with a sponge and a spa cleaner, then rinsed with water and allowed to air dry.
Lastly, clean the pipes. Waterline rings, haziness, clogged filters, foul odors, and foaming can all be brought on in the hot tub plumbing by non-living organic impurities such as oils, moisturizers, cosmetics, hair products, and sweat buildup in spa water. The signs of pollution will lessen or vanish if the spa is cleaned and when you have a clean hot tub pipes.
Step 7. Refill And Test The Water
Fill the spa tub back up with fresh water to finish. Check the pH and chlorine levels in the water using test strips. Prevent harm to the tub and those using it by maintaining a pH balance of about 7.5.
The finest chlorination agent for hot tubs is sodium-dichlor. Follow the directions in the packaging to reach the correct degree of chlorination. You are now prepared to start using your spa tub as though it were brand-new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you about how to clean a hot tub that has been sitting for quite some time.
How Long Can A Hot Tub Sit Unused?
You might need to turn off, drain, and clean your spa if it isn’t used for up to two weeks. It is completely safe to leave your spa on if you use it regularly.
How Do You Clean A Hot Tub That Has Been Sitting Empty For Years?
Use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining traces of soiled water when the tub is empty. With the help of this, you can get rid of all the germs and other debris that the purge cleared from the spa lines, giving your hot tub a clean slate and making the hot tub clean.
How Do You Clean A Really Dirty Hot Tub?
To help get rid of debris and accumulation on the acrylic, jets, and other components, use a soft cloth and spa shell cleanser. When you’re done, rinse the shell with water and dry it using a soft cloth to keep the hot tub water clean.
How Do You Clean A Hot Tub After No Use?
The easiest approach to disinfect a spa tub that has been sitting for some time is to drain the water. If your water appears murky but has no noticeable algae or biofilm formation, move on to the following step and cleanse the pump system. Find the discharge port or hose to empty a spa or spa tub.
Conclusion
A hot tub that has been sitting for a while or is sitting unused is home to many bacteria in the spa system. Thus, a deep cleaning is necessary to get to the hot tub’s bottom and inner pipelines before attempting to use it. It may sound like a challenging task, but with the steps outlined above, you’ll be set and ready to enjoy a nice warm bath experience from your clean hot tub.
