Inflatable hot tubs have become increasingly popular in recent years, but few people actually know how to properly clean and care for them. Maintaining your inflatable hot tub is necessary if you really want to enjoy the experience and extend the tub’s life.
You can clean and maintain your inflatable hot tub by removing debris, properly draining the water, cleaning the filters, and ensuring a proper pH level. Avoid damaging the tub by keeping it in a dry place in the winter. You’ll also need to keep it away from constant direct sunlight and pets.
So, what guidelines need to be followed if you want to keep your hot tub well-maintained and make it last as long as possible? Let’s take a closer look at maintenance tips for an inflatable hot tub and how to prevent it from getting damaged.
How Do You Maintain an Inflatable Hot Tub?
You don’t need to worry if your inflatable hot tub gets a little messy. If the tub isn’t damaged or not too unhygienic to use, you can clean and maintain the tub without professional help.
Fortunately, cleaning and maintaining an inflatable hot tub is easy. All you’ll need to do is remove debris, drain and scrub the tub, maintain a proper pH level, and clean the filters.
Inflatable hot tubs are also easy to use. Simply fill the tub with fresh water to the maximum water level, switch on the heater to get your desired temperature, and turn on the air jets to enjoy the water bubbles.
Follow these steps to properly maintain your inflatable hot tub:
Remove Debris and Large Objects
You need to remove debris and large objects that are left in your tub when you finish your bath. How much debris collects in your tub will depend on the environment where you use your inflatable hot tub.
If you use the tub outdoors, it’s very likely that leaves and shrubs will get into the water and block the drainage. Always remove debris and large objects before draining the hot tub to prevent damage to the tub’s filters.
Also, you may want to cover the tub with a hot tub cover (on Amazon) when it’s not in use to prevent debris from entering the water.
Drain and Scrub It
You’ll need to properly drain the water from your inflatable tub and scrub it thoroughly at least once a month to maintain good hygiene in your tub.
If you have a simple model, you’ll easily find a nozzle or valve attached to the tub, and you only need to pull it out to drain the tub.
However, if you have a more complex hot tub, you’ll need to check the tub’s manual for instructions on how to drain it properly.
Once you’ve drained out the water, you’ll have to scrub your hot tub thoroughly. Use a clean, damp cloth to scrub your tub to remove regular stains and dirt.
If you notice hard-to-clean stains in the tub, you’ll probably need a special sponge or microfiber cloth to get rid of these stains.
Maintain a Proper pH Level
If you maintain a proper pH level, your tub is less likely to be affected by bacteria or algae and will last for longer. Maintaining the right water pH levels is also important because a low pH can damage the tub’s inner casing.
On the other hand, if the pH is too high, it results in unwanted alkaline scars forming along the water lines.
The recommended pH level for an inflatable hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8. Many manufacturers offer hot tubs with a complete testing kit and chemicals to stabilize the pH level.
You can also use test strips (on Amazon) to test the water and chlorine capsules to adjust the pH if you don’t have a complete kit.
Clean the Filters
If you regularly clean the filters of your hot tub, you can maintain your hot tub for longer. You’ll also have clean and hygienic water if the filters are properly cleaned.
Fortunately, cleaning filters is an easy task if you do it regularly. Simply put them in the dishwasher and scrub them with a clean cloth. You don’t even need to use detergent, and, after you’ve cleaned them, the filters will seem almost brand new.
If the filters are in very bad condition, however, you’ll probably need certain chemicals and special cleaning brushes to remove debris and stains.
Other Maintenance Tips
Cleaning the filter, scrubbing the hot tub, and maintaining the right pH level are all tasks that should be part of your regular hot tub maintenance routine. Sometimes, however, you may have to take additional steps to ensure your hot tub is well-maintained.
These include draining the tub when it’s not in use, keeping pets and small children away from the hot tub, and ensuring that the water is hygienic.
Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your hot tub:
Drain Your Tub in the Winter
If you aren’t going to use your hot tub in the winter, it’s best to drain and store it. This way, you won’t have to clean the water or maintain its pH regularly.
If you have an outdoor hot tub, draining it will prevent the water from freezing and protect the tub’s equipment.
Here are some steps to follow when draining your hot tub in the winter:
- Find the nozzle or valve. If you don’t see any, check the instruction manual for the proper draining procedure.
- Clear the tub from debris and large objects before draining, as they can choke the valve or nozzle.
- Next, open the nozzle and wait until the tub is empty.
- Deflate the tub and use a sponge to collect any remaining moisture.
- Keep the disassembled tub in a dry place and cover it with a cloth in the winter.
Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause mild to severe damage to your hot tub. Inflatable hot tubs are more susceptible to damage unless they’re made from a UV-resistant material.
However, most tubs aren’t made of anti-UV material, which leaves them highly susceptible to damage if they are exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
You can use the tub under direct sunlight in the winter, but take care to disassemble it and keep it in a dry place away from the sunlight when you’re done with the spa.
Keep It Away From Pets
You need to keep your pets away from the hot tub since they can easily damage it. Since pets often have sharp nails and teeth, they can unintentionally ruin an inflatable hot tub.
Also, if your pets see the hot tub as an alternate potty, you’re in for a tough time. In such cases, you’ll definitely have to keep them away from the tub.
Avoid leaving your pets near the hot tub unsupervised. The same goes for toddlers who risk drowning if they aren’t supervised.
Keep the Water Clean
Clean water not only prevents diseases from spreading but it also helps your tub last longer. While your tub may look clean sometimes, it might actually be a breeding ground for germs.
Here are some tips to ensure that your tub’s water is clean:
- Use chlorine and bromine to sanitize your tub. This will help kill bacteria inside the water and also prevents the growth of algae.
- Always make sure that your kids use the bathroom before they enter the tub.
- Always take a shower before you get inside the tub and avoid putting on too much makeup or creams, as the chemicals can disrupt the tub water balance.
- Replace the water regularly and use fresh water to avoid germs and foul smells.
- Cover the water with a net or a hot tub cover (on Amazon) when you’re not using the tub.
