A line flush for your hot tube should be available at your local pool supply store, but may also be available at your local hardware store. Be sure you specify that you need a line flush for a hot tub, as many different kinds of line flush exist. Depending on the line flush you purchase, the procedure for application may vary. Generally, you’ll add the flush to your hot tube while it is running for a period of time indicated in the instructions of the flush treatment. Lines that have build up can result in decreased jet pressure, cloudiness in the water, or increased pressure (and strain) on your pump motor. Flushing your lines will help your tub run smoothly and efficiently. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source
Turning off the circuit breaker as well as switching your tub to off can prevent others from accidentally turning it on if you take a break when cleaning or have to leave to pick up more supplies. A damaged pump can be an expensive and unnecessary expense.
If flushing your lines has released a cloudy discharge into the water, you may have to completely empty your hot tub of water. After doing so, you should rinse your tub to remove any remaining line particles. Then you can fill the foot-well of your tub, if necessary.
Acrylic hot tub shells are resistant to buildup and germ aggregation. If your tub has an acrylic shell, you may be able to clean your hot tub with a mild, general-purpose bathroom cleaner. [7] X Research source For more thorough cleaning you can mix a batch of chlorine solution that is 50 parts per million (ppm). You can create this mixture simply by mixing ¼ teaspoon of dichlor into 5 gallons (19 L) of water. [8] X Research source After cleaning the inner shell of your hot tub, you should thoroughly rinse it out and wipe it down with an old towel. Leaving behind cleaner can affect the chemical balance of your hot tub, which can hurt your water clarity or create an environment where mold or bacteria could grow. [9] X Research source
Spray your filter(s) off with a jet of water. A normal, high-pressure garden hose nozzle should be sufficient to remove most residue from the filter. Do not use a brush on your filter; this can cause dirt to become deeply entrenched in it. Scrub the inside of your filter cabinet with your tub cleaner or a 50 ppm dichlor/water solution. Bacteria or organic matter, like mold, can grow in the housing of your filter. Even if it appears clean at a glance, give it a good scrub to keep it that way. Place your filter for at least an hour in an oil-cutting solution. The appropriate solution for your tub make and model will likely be in your hot tub instruction manual, but if not a representative at your local pool supply store can help you find the right one for your tub. Disinfect your filter(s) in a chlorine solution. A 50 ppm chlorine solution works well to disinfect and break up any grime that remains after your oil cutting soak. You can create this mixture simply by mixing ¼ teaspoon of dichlor into 5 gallons (19 L) of water. [10] X Research source [11] X Research source
Use the normal amount of detergent and turn off the heat-dry cycle. Run your filter through the dishwasher twice for best results. In between wash cycles, you’ll want to turn your filter over. This will ensure that your filter gets cleaned all over thoroughly and completely. Check your instruction manual before attempting to clean your filter in your dishwasher. Some hot tubs might not be designed to withstand the sanitizing temperatures of your dishwasher. [12] X Research source
Use baking soda for busting up gunk and organic goo. The extra abrasion of baking soda in addition to its cleaning properties will help your rag or sponge cut through the dirtiness, but is gentle enough that it should leave your acrylic shell unaffected. Apply olive oil to sap or pitch that has gotten on your hot tub or hot tub cover. Rub the oil into the stained area until the sap/pitch begins to break up, then wipe the surface clean with a rag, mild soap, and water. [13] X Research source
You’ll also want to turn all the air valves of your hot tub off. This will prevent your hot tub from aerating too much when you treat your hot tub water. [15] X Research source
Test your hot tub after the shock/sanitization wait time has elapsed. Make sure that the chlorine and pH levels are acceptable for your hot tub. The appropriate levels are usually indicated in your hot tub user manual/instructions. [16] X Research source
Never mix treatments that are not specifically indicated as compatible. Using the wrong mix of water treating chemicals can result in serious danger. [17] X Research source
Clean the underside of the hot tub cover by taking the cover off the tub, and spraying it with a hose. Cleaners are not needed for this side of the cover. [21] X Research source
