Filter, Shell and Cabinet Cleaning

Filter Cleaning

Here are the steps to cleaning the filter.

1. Give it a quick rinse

Pull the filters out and rinse with water from a hose or the sink.

2. Give it a chemical rinse

Spray your hot tub filters with filter cartridge cleaner, letting them sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with clean water.

3. Do a Chemical Soak

Dilute filter cartridge cleaner with water and submerge the filter completely. Let it soak for 24 hours or at least overnight. Rinse the filters.

Shell Care

It’s not uncommon for your water to leave a scummy or chalky ring around your hot tub. To avoid this, be sure to manage your chemicals. Water rings may form from oils, cosmetics, lotions, skin oils, and unbalanced water. Wipe off any rings you see with a sponge. You can purchase shell cleaner for more stubborn jobs.

Cabinet Care

Stain your wood cabinets every six months to protect against the weather. If you don’t, the wood can warp or discolor. If you have a synthetic cabinet, spray the surface with a mild soap and water solution once a month, followed by a clean water rinse. You don’t have to scrub.

Water Maintenance

Draining and Refilling

Drain and clean your hot tub every three to four months, or every month if you use it a lot. A hot tub is just like a bath tub. You wouldn’t leave a bath tub filled with water all the time, so why would you do it with your hot tub? This is why you should drain and refill the hot tub regularly. Chemical buildup and body oils accumulate in your hot tub water, so make sure you add fresh water regularly.

Your Guide to Draining and Refilling Your Hot Tub

Turn off the power.
Drain the tub with a sump pump or the drain plug.
Spray the inside of your hot tub with a shell cleaner, then wipe it down. You could also use three parts water to one part white vinegar.
Rinse the shell, then use the sump pump or drain to get rid of that water.
Take out filters and use a chemical soak.
Add fresh water to the tub, running the hose through the filter.
Turn on the power to the hot tub and turn off the air valves.
Add chemicals including shock and sanitizer.
Add pH and alkalinity increaser if necessary.
Test the water.

Cover Care

By maintaining your hot tub cover, you can increase its life expectancy. Don’t neglect this step.

Here are some tips.

1. Clean the Cover

Clean your hot tub cover every two weeks. If yours is made from an outdoor-grade marine vinyl, this will be more resilient than indoor vinyl. Use a specially designed hot tub cover cleaner and simply wipe it down. Keep your cover clean and odor-free by using bleach and water every few months.

2. Protect the Cover

Use cover protectant spray such as 303 Aerospace Protectant to keep the cover looking shiny. If you want to increase the life of your cover, put a tarp over it to keep the sun’s rays from drying it out.

3. Keep the Cover Dry

When it’s nice out, take the cover off so it can dry out. This will also ensure your cover doesn’t become waterlogged.

4. Repair Your Cover

If needed, make any necessary repairs such as patching holes. Vinyl can tear, seams can open up, and zippers break. Don’t neglect these repairs. Inspect your cover often, and always make repairs before storing the cover for the winter.

5. Get Rid of Mildew

If your cover gets waterlogged, it can develop mildew, which leads to a nasty smell. Here’s how you can minimize that odor.

On a sunny day, remove your cover and lay it like a tent on the driveway or grass.
Unzip the cover, take out the foam inserts and let them dry.
Spray disinfectant on your cover to kill the mildew.
Dry out your cover for many hours if possible before adding it back on to your tub.

Winterizing

Here is a 10-step winterizing guide for you to follow if you want to stop using your tub in the winter.

Turn off the power.
Drain the water with a sump pump or drain.
Drain the air blower. You will need to turn off the heater. Put the cover back on and start up the power. Run the air blower for 30 seconds then shut the power.
Remove the filters and clean them.
Unscrew fittings for better draining and to prevent condensation.
Blow out the pipes using a shop vac.
Remove the rest of the water with a pump or a sponge.
Clean the shell and cover as directed above.
Secure the cover to the tub with the straps.