
How to clean and maintain an outdoor spa hot tub? - Do's and Don'ts
2025-07-03 15:30Installing a spa hot tub in the courtyard, terrace or outdoor space of a villa can be used for relaxation, stress relief and family entertainment. However, the daily maintenance of such hydraulic equipment is by no means a simple task, especially for outdoor spa hot tubs exposed to the natural environment, which require scientific and systematic cleaning and maintenance methods to ensure its operating efficiency, safety of use and equipment life.
This article will explore in depth from a professional and technical perspective: What are the tasks that must be performed regularly when cleaning and maintaining an outdoor spa hot tub? What operations must be strictly prohibited?
Outdoor spa hot tub: Why is cleaning and maintenance important?
Before explaining the operating procedures, let's first clarify why the cleaning and maintenance of outdoor spa hot tubs require such rigorousness.
1. Pollution factors in the exposed environment
Dust, pollen, leaves, insects, rainwater and even animal excrement in the outdoor environment will enter the bathtub water, causing the following problems:
· Rapid deterioration of water quality;
· Filter blockage and increased pump load;
· Slippery and sticky biofilm adheres to the wall of the bathtub;
· Causes bacteria and fungi to grow, endangering health.
2. High temperature and humid environment is a breeding ground for microorganisms
Outdoor spa hot tubs usually operate at a constant temperature of 37°C to 40°C, which is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria (such as Legionella and Pseudomonas) and algae. If there is no effective cleaning, the water will get out of control in a short time.
3. Dual impact of cost and safety
· Poor maintenance will shorten the life of core components such as heaters, water pumps, and nozzles;
· Increase power consumption;
· Form slippery surface hazards, leading to slip accidents;
· Potential health threats to the skin and respiratory system.
Therefore, regular and scientific cleaning and maintenance of outdoor spa hot tubs are necessary to ensure equipment performance and family health.
Outdoor spa hot tub: What cleaning and maintenance are "must-do"?
The following content is the basic process to ensure the long-term safe operation of outdoor spa hot tubs, and users must strictly follow it.
1. Water quality testing and chemical balance (weekly)
Use water quality test strips or digital testers to test the following indicators:
· pH value (ideal range 7.2–7.6);
· Free chlorine or bromine content;
· Total alkalinity;
· Calcium hardness.
The significance of maintaining chemical balance:
· Excessive acidity or alkalinity will corrode pipes and seals;
· Chlorine content that does not meet the standard will lose its sterilization ability;
· Uncontrolled water hardness will cause scaling or damage the heater.
2. Spa hot tub filter cleaning (every 2–4 weeks)
· Turn off the power and remove the filter;
· Rinse the filter folds with a high-pressure water gun to remove impurities;
· Use professional filter cleaners for deep cleaning every quarter;
· Replace the filter once a year.
The spa hot tub filter is the core barrier of the entire circulation system. Any blockage will lead to deterioration of water quality and decreased water flow efficiency.
3. Drain and thoroughly clean the tank (every 3 months)
· Cut off the power supply, open the drain valve or use a submersible pump to drain;
· Use a special bathtub cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe the internal surface;
· Especially remove the biofilm and sediment around the massage nozzle;
· Check and clean the bottom drain and water suction hole.
Never use kitchen cleaners, scrubs or corrosive products! They will damage the surface of the outdoor spa hot tub or release harmful substances.
4. Flushing the pipe system (every 6 months)
· Use pipe cleaning fluid (Pipe Cleaner);
· Add to the system and circulate for 15-30 minutes;
· Effectively remove grease, soap scum, and bacterial film accumulated on the inner wall of the pipe;
· Be sure to completely drain and add new water after cleaning.
5. Cover and shell maintenance (monthly inspection)
· Check whether the cover is tight, waterproof and UV-resistant;
· Clean the cover surface to prevent mold;
· Cover the entire bathtub with a plastic or synthetic coating cover;
· The shell can be cleaned with a neutral detergent, and the wooden shell needs to be regularly coated with protective oil.
Outdoor spa hot tub: What operations are "prohibited" during maintenance?
In the actual maintenance process of outdoor spa hot tub, many users have performed some seemingly reasonable but actually seriously wrong operations for the sake of "speed" or "convenience". It must be made clear that the following behaviors are absolutely prohibited:
1. Do not use bleach or alcohol-containing disinfectants
· High concentration and strong corrosion will damage the surface of the tank body;
· Long-term use will damage the filter system and nozzles;
· Will release volatile gases that are harmful to the human body.
2. Do not use kitchen or bathroom cleaners to clean the inner cavity
· Contains strong acids, alkalis, and abrasive ingredients;
· Reacts with disinfectants in the spa system to produce toxic byproducts;
· Damages the surface finish of acrylic and forms rough stains
3. Do not ignore the treatment of residues after drainage
·Even after drainage, there is still residual water at the bottom of the tank and in the pipes;
·These residual waters are a hotbed for the rapid growth of bacteria;
·After drainage, the tank should be wiped dry, and the nozzles, water inlets and other dead corners should be handled with wet wipes.
4. Do not use high-pressure hot water to rinse the acrylic surface
·High temperature + pressure will cause thermal stress cracking of acrylic;
·The correct way is to use room temperature soft water and flexible cloth to scrub.
5. Do not clean the electric control box and water pump without cutting off the power
·It is very easy to cause electric shock or short circuit;
·The main power must be cut off before cleaning any electrical area;
·It is recommended to use a dry cloth or a clean brush to remove dust instead of a wet rag.
Outdoor spa hot tub: Regular maintenance plan (schedule)
The following is a standardized outdoor spa hot tub maintenance schedule to help users establish a stable cleaning rhythm:
Frequency | Must-do tasks |
Before each use | Check for debris on the water surface, integrity of the cap, and status of the heating system |
Every week | Test water quality and balance chemicals, check whether the nozzle is clogged |
Every 2–4 weeks | Clean the filter, check the cleanliness of the cap |
Every 3 months | Drain completely, clean the tank and nozzle |
Every 6 months | Descale and clean the pipe system, and perform comprehensive system maintenance |
Every 12 months | Replace the filter, check whether the housing and equipment room are aging |
Frequently Asked Questions (Professional Perspective)
1. What kind of cleaning agent is suitable for outdoor spa hot tub?
You should choose a dedicated spa system cleaner with neutral pH, no phosphorus, no abrasive ingredients, and non-foaming products are recommended.
2. Can the hot tub water source be softened by a household water softener?
Yes. Hard water will cause scale accumulation, affecting heating efficiency and water pump life, but please note:
· Do not use over-softened deionized water;
· Keep the calcium hardness between 150-250 ppm.
3. Why should the hot tub cover be maintained?
The outdoor spa hot tub cover is the first line of defense for heat retention and impurity isolation. If the cover is aged, absorbs water and deforms, it will lead to heat loss, difficulty in heating, and increased energy consumption.
How can I get customized spa products from your company?
Guangzhou HuanTong Industrial, known internationally as Lovia Spa, offers a customized comprehensive spa manufacturing service. We understand that every client’s needs differ, so our factory in Guangzhou collaborates closely with customers to design and produce high quality spa jacuzzi tubs, swim spas, and outdoor whirlpool tubs tailored to specific dimensions, features, or branding requirements.