Inflatable hot tubs are an easy, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly way to bring a spa experience to the comfort of your own backyard. But just as you bought your hot tub to help yourself to a little TLC, your tub will need some care to ensure it stays sanitary and sparkling.
Ideally, you’ll want to clean your inflatable hot tub and its filter once a week and deep clean it each month or so. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple: it only requires a few steps and should take less than an hour to complete.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean inflatable hot tub units, and walk you through the necessary steps for taking care of your investment so you can get back to soaking in no time.
Step 1: Drain Water From the Tub
Even if your inflatable hot tub water has a built-in filtration system, it’s important to fully drain and replace the water with a fresh supply regularly. Moreover, draining your tub will make accessing all the nooks, crannies, and interior surfaces easier for a thorough deep clean.
Before you remove the water, you’ll need to:
- Scoop out any large debris like leaves or other items with a pool net
- Unplug the unit from its electrical source
- Disconnect the pump by attaching a garden hose to the built-in valve
Now, you’re in the clear to start draining.
Step 2: Scrub Down Surfaces
Once your regular or portable hot tub has emptied completely, clean the interior, starting from the center and working your way out to the edges.
In general, bleach and other harsh chemicals aren’t recommended for inflatable hot tub cleanings. Vinyl is a soft surface, so you’ll want to keep your cleaning supplies on the gentle side by using the following:
- Bristle brushes
- Sponges
- A soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Simple soaps or specially formulated hot tub cleaners
If you’re focusing on stain or mold removal, try cleaning with the following:
- Dish soap and warm water
- Baking soda and white vinegar (for stubborn stains)
Finally, if your inflatable tub has any accessories or special features, be sure to clean these as well. These could include:
- Cushions
- Headrests
- Drink trays
- The hot tub cover
When they aren’t wiped down, the buildup they’ve accreted can get back into your newly clean water. Bubble jets and hoses will also benefit from an occasional flush to remove grime.
Step 3: Clean Or Replace The Filter
Your water filter does most of the heavy lifting to keep your water supply clean and clear. To keep it (and your hot tub water) in good shape:
- If you’ve been using it for under a month, remove the filter cartridge and clean it by either hosing it down or rinsing it in the sink
- If you’ve been using it for more than a month, you may want to replace the hot tub filter cartridge completely
Knowing when to replace your water filter depends on how often you take a soak in your inflatable tub. Use your best judgment. If your hot tub filter is filled with dirt and grime or looks like it’s seen better days, it’s probably best to chuck it.
Step 4: Refill With Water
Now that your inflatable hot tub has been sanitized, it’s time to refill it with clean water. Before you do, be sure to:
- Inspect the unit inside and out to make sure everything is still structurally sound
- Add any chemicals and sanitizers, making sure to monitor pH and chlorine levels as you replenish your water supply
If you’re cleaning your inflatable hot tub to prepare it for storage or transport, make sure you allow it to air dry completely before stowing it away. This will prevent any mold or mildew from forming while it’s in storage.
Tips For Maintaining Your Inflatable Hot Tub Between Full Cleanings
You’ll want to deep clean your inflatable hot tub every 3 or 4 weeks to ensure it’s suitable for soaking in, and so you can continue enjoying the many hot tub benefits your unit has to offer.
To keep it functioning optimally, consider the following methods to maintain your hot tub between cleanings:
- Take a shower before using your inflatable hot tub
- Keep your inflatable hot tub covered when not in use
- Test water frequently for pH, chlorine, bromine, and alkalinity
- Use water sanitizers and shock chemicals to keep bacteria at bay
- Clean or replace your filter regularly
- Keep the water free of debris
- Try a floating chlorine dispenser or chlorine granules
Now that you know how to clean your hot tub, consider learning how to drain hot tub units to become the true spa expert.
Keep Your Inflatable Hot Tub Sparkling with ALEKO
So, are inflatable hot tubs worth it? In a word, absolutely––as long as you keep them clean. From a 2 person oval hot tub to a more spacious hot tub for your family and friends, maintaining your home spa shouldn’t introduce any extra stress to your life.
After all, wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of a home spa setup?
At ALEKO, we want to make luxuriating at home achievable, affordable, and stress-free. From hot tubs built for the great outdoors to luxury saunas that let you find calm at home, our seasoned associates want to help you create your oasis—whatever paradise means to you.
Sources:
Smyth, D. (2021, January 19). How to care for an inflatable hot tub. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-inflatable-hot-tub-42778.html
Gibson, M. (2021, July 5). How to clean and maintain an inflatable hot tub. Tom’s Guide. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-maintain-an-inflatable-hot-tub
