Inflatable hot tubs are an excellent and more affordable way to relax on the weekends or after a day at work, but they have an undeserved reputation as being hard to clean and look after. As with most things, the rumors are exaggerated, so we are here to set the record straight. This guide will show you that cleaning and maintenance on your hot tub are not so difficult when you follow a few simple rules. Let’s jump in.
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How to Clean an Inflatable Hot Tub
It’s common knowledge that you need to replace water regularly, but it’s pointless filling it with clean water when the walls are grimy. Spend a few minutes cleaning your empty hot tub before refilling it, and you will significantly reduce your workload.
Simple Steps for Inflatable Hot Tub Cleaning
An inflatable hot tub is essentially a tiny swimming pool and requires similar care. Drain and clean your hot tub every 3 to 4 months. While it’s refilling, give the inside and outside a good clean.
- Add chemicals to rinse out the gunk in the pipes before draining.
- Remove leaves and large debris
- Drain the water.
- Clean the outside of the inflatable hot tub by wiping it down with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Detergent is okay for stubborn stains, but only for the outside of the tub.
- Do not use regular detergent on the inside surface of an inflatable hot tub.
- You can use a cloth to clean the inside of the tub as well. However, for stubborn stains that resist warm water, use a specialized hot tub surface cleaner. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the tub after using a cleaning solution .
- Ensure the hot tub is completely dry while still inflated if you plan to store it out of the way. Moisture trapped in the folds will cause mold, which will ruin your inflatable hot tub.
Deflating a hot tub for storage can take a while and a lot of work if you have to squeeze it out manually. An inflatable hot tub with a motorized deflator will save you a lot of effort.
How To Get Mold Out of an Inflatable Hot Tub
Mold in a properly cared for hot tub will rarely be a problem. Regularly clean the hot tub inside and out, keep the filters clean, and replace them as necessary, and you should never have to deal with mold.
When putting an inflatable hot tub in storage, ensure it is completely dry, and you won’t have any troubles when it comes time to get it ready again.
If you have mold traces on your hot tub, a mixture of vinegar and water can eliminate more than 80% of mold varieties. Another option is to mix 50% water and 50% bleach to wipe the inside and outside of your hot tub. Be sure to rinse the tub thoroughly before use.
Chemical Sanitizers
You will need sanitizer to keep your hot tub free of bacteria and algae, and you have a few to choose from.
Chlorine is the most common solution for sanitizing pools and is commonly used along with other solutions to kill off organic matter and prevent cloudy water.
Bromine is the most popular inflatable hot tub sanitizer. It’s often recommended because it holds up better in the warm environment of a hot tub. Adding a small amount of chlorine is all it takes to reactivate it, making it more efficient over time, despite the extra expense.
Bromine and chlorine have the disadvantage of bleaching the spa cover, ruining swimsuits, irritating sensitive skin, and eventually causing pits in the hot tub. Another option to avoid these issues is to use mineral sanitizers.
Mineral Sanitizers
Mineral sanitizers are another option you can use to reduce your reliance on chlorine. Hot tub mineral sanitizing solutions use a combination of silver and copper to keep your hot tub clear of bacteria and algae growth.
Silver and copper have been widely used for centuries to protect against bacteria and algae growth, so it makes sense they would work well in a hot tub as a chemical-free solution.
How to Shock an Inflatable Hot Tub
Giving your inflatable hot tub the “shock treatment” is essential whenever you are first using it, you haven’t used it for a while, or if it’s gone through a few weeks of heavy use.
Shock treatments help kill germs that have made your spa water their home. Without regular shock treatments, you will eventually have to deal with unhealthy levels of chloramines and bromamines. These are inactive sanitizers that have bonded with the contaminants in the water. Essentially, shock treatments ensure your sanitizers can always work their magic.
The first step to shocking your hot tub is to know its water capacity. The measurements will generally be 35g of chlorine shock or 17g of regular chlorine per 1500 liters (400 gallons).
Remove the cover to allow oxygen into contact with the water. Measure the pH balance to ensure it is correct before turning on the jets to aerate the water. Check your sanitizer’s label for the proper amounts and carefully pour it into the water. Add the sanitizer into the hot tub water around the inlets to ensure even circulation. Now, you just let the hot tub do its thing for about 20 minutes with the cover off.
How long you have to wait before you can use your hot tub after shocking depends on your sanitizing solution. Some brands recommend use after 20 minutes, while others can be as long as 24 hours. Regardless, we recommend testing the pH before slipping into warm waters.
Inflatable Hot Tub Maintenance Tips
Keeping your hot tub in good condition is critical to ensuring you can continue to enjoy it for years. Hot tub maintenance is not complex, but you do need to perform it regularly for the best results.
Keep the Circulation Going
Good water circulation pushes water through the hot tub filter to keep it clean and free of contaminants. Turn your hot tub on for around 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, which is enough to time ensure all the water runs through the filters. Some models have an automatic timer, so you can’t forget. It’s also a great feature if you are regularly away from home.
Regularly remove contaminants like leaves and other debris, and keep the inflatable hot tub covered when not in use. Always shower before use to remove perfumes, make-up, deodorants, sweat, and grime, and make sure your kids abide by the rules as well. Contaminants on your body will wash off in the hot tub water and build up to leave a gross film on the walls, and wear out your filters before their time.
Maintain the Chemical Balance
Hot tubs need a similar pH balance to pools, but there is a significant size difference to keep in mind. Here’s how to keep your hot tub water balanced and hygienic.
- Measure the baseline after the hot tub is filled to accurately calculate the volume of chemicals you will need to balance the pH.
- Use a pH decreaser or increaser to adjust the pH levels.
- Add an alkalinity increaser to help keep the pH levels stable.
- Chlorine, bromine, or mineral sanitizer will control bacteria and other nasties.
- Keep test strips handy to keep an eye on your pH levels. Liquid test kits are also available.
- You may also like to keep a defoamer nearby for those unexpected foam-ups, but this is optional.
Balancing pH and Alkalinity
A pH of between 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal. Anything lower, and your water will be too acidic. Not only will the acidic water corrode your hardware, but it can also make using the hot tub a very unpleasant experience.
Anything above these levels and your water will be too basic, rendering your sanitizer less effective. Low Alkalinity can also lead to scaling and cloudiness. Alkalinity measurements should be around 100 to 150 parts per million (ppm).
How to Clean Inflatable Hot Tub Filters
Filters in your hot tub are there to ensure the water is hygienic. Regularly cleaning your filters will ensure they last longer between replacements. Running hot tub filters through a dishwasher cycle without detergent is perhaps the easiest method, but there are also special filter cleaning brushes that will do a more thorough job while rinsing under cold water.
Filters will need replacing every once in a while, depending on how often you use the hot tub and the type of water you have access to in your area. Some areas supply harder water that will cause your hot tub filters to wear out faster. Every model is different, so check the recommendations in the manual that came with your hot tub.
Inflatable Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule
It may seem like cleaning and maintaining a hot tub is a lot of work, but it’s not a big deal when you break it down into manageable time frames. Use this quick guide to help you keep your hot tub in tip-top condition.
Daily Hot Tub Maintenance
- Keep the cover on and secure to keep pets, critters, and debris out.
- Check and adjust the water temperature as needed.
- Turn the hot tub on for at least 20 minutes twice a day.
Weekly Hot Tub Tasks
- Use sanitizer to keep the water clean and hygienic.
- Wipe above the water line to remove any scum buildup.
Every 3 Months
- Drain, clean (inside, outside, and cover), and refill the hot tub.
- Sanitize with a hot tub shock treatment.
If you keep up with proper maintenance and care, your inflatable hot tub will give you years of trouble-free service. So, jump in; the water is fine.
