- 1). Flush the jets and plumbing lines before you drain your hot tub. Dump a jet and drain cleaner into the hot tub and run the jets. Drain your spa after disconnecting the power. An obvious move? You'd be surprised how many hot tub neophytes forget to flip the power switch. Use a garden hose to funnel water out of the tub.
- 2). Remove the filter and clean it separately. If you've neglected your hot tub, your filter could be covered with gunk and may require overnight soaking in a filter-cleaning solution to get rid of the grime. Some hot tub owners own two filters, alternating them monthly to extend the lives of both.
- 3). Clean the hot tub's shell. You already received the lecture from your spa salesman, but it bears repeating: no harsh or abrasive cleaners or solutions containing bleach. Use a mitt, sponge or cloth and a cleaning product formulated for hot tubs to rid the shell of scale lines, scum and mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly so nothing remains behind. Apply a silicone-based polish or wax to shine and buff the tub. Close the drain valve, and refill the spa with water.
- 4). Substitute organic products for chemical agents if you're fearful of skin reactions or prefer not to use chemicals when you clean. Enzyme-based natural cleaners are readily available, but you can mix a paste of baking soda and water to do the job. Hot tub owners with sensitive skin or an aversion to chemical formulations also recommend grapefruit, lemon or vinegar and water solutions to do the job.
- 5). Hold off on jumping into your hot tub until you've completed the entire job. Your spa cover needs TLC if you want it to last. If your hot tub cover is fabricated of foam, dry it out and inspect the underside for mold and mildew. Some manufacturers warn that only a "hose and dry" treatment should be used on the underside of a hot tub cover, but if you're concerned about mold or mildew, spray it with a mild disinfectant.
- 6). Bring your hot tub back to life by turning on the power, revving up the pumps and setting the gauges to the water temperature you prefer. Test the water once the spa is filled, balancing and resetting the chemical mix. Once your sanitizer indicator is within a safe range, nobody will blame you if you shuck your clothing and dive in.
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