Keeping your jetted tub clean is essential for maintaining healthy water and preventing buildup and clogs. With regular care and maintenance, your jetted tub can provide years of relaxation and hydrotherapy. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to thoroughly clean a jetted tub in 9 simple steps.

Cleaning Supplies Needed

Before you start cleaning, gather the following supplies:

Jetted tub cleaner or disinfectant
Soft scrub brush or old toothbrush
Clean rags
Bucket
Rubber gloves
Eye protection
Vacuum/wet vacuum

Choose a tub cleaner specifically formulated for jetted tubs. Avoid using bleach, abrasives, or foaming cleaners that can damage the tub’s components.

Drain and Wipe Down The Tub

The first step is to drain out all the old water from the tub using the drainage knob or lever. This will allow you access to the pipework.

Once drained, give the empty tub a thorough wipe down with a clean rag to remove any built-up grime on the surface. Pay close attention to the area around the jets. A soft scrub brush can help dislodge soap scum.

Remove and Clean The Jets

Not all jetted tubs have removable jets – check your owner’s manual. If your jets can be taken out, remove each jet by twisting in a counter-clockwise direction. Place them in a bucket filled with tub cleaner and water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes to loosen mineral deposits and residue.

While the jets soak, use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the jet fittings inside the tub to remove gunk. Take care not to damage any rubber gaskets.

Rinse the jets thoroughly before placing them back into the fittings by turning clockwise. Make sure they are secured tightly to prevent leaks.

Scrub The Pipework

Here’s where the cleaning gets intensive. With the jets removed, you’ll have access to the inner piping system.

Use your scrub brush and tub cleaner to thoroughly cleanse all visible pipework. Remove all debris, mildew, and buildup inside the jet lines. This prevents clogs and keeps your water flowing freely through the jets.

Take extra care around pipe joints and fittings to avoid detaching or damaging them. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Drain and Refill

Once the pipe system is scrubbed, drain out the dirty cleaning solution from the tub. Do not turn on the jets yet.

Refill the tub halfway with fresh water. Add tub cleaning solution per the product instructions. Turn the jets on full blast for 10-15 minutes. This circulates the cleaning agents throughout the piping.

Drain the tub completely after jetting. Repeat the rinse if needed to remove all soapy residue.

Clean The Suction Covers

Your jetted tub has suction covers along the bottom that prevent debris from entering the piping. Use a rag and tub cleaner to wipe down these covers, removing any built-up dirt or algae.

Check the suction covers regularly and replace them immediately if cracked or damaged. Never operate your jetted tub if the suction fittings are missing or broken.

Sanitize With Disinfectant

For optimal hygiene, sanitize the entire tub with a disinfectant cleaner after scrubbing. This kills bacteria and prevents mold or mildew from growing.

Spray down all surfaces with disinfectant. If using bleach, allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Avoid getting bleach on your jets or fittings.

Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide make effective natural disinfectants if you want to avoid harsh chemicals.

Remove and Clean The Filter

Your jetted tub should have a filter that traps debris, hair, and particles. Remove the filter and soak it in tub cleaner according to the product instructions, usually 20-30 minutes.

You can also clean it with a garden hose or pressure washer. Rinse thoroughly before replacing.

Drain and Refill With Clean Water

The final step is to drain out any remaining cleaning solution and refill your freshly scrubbed tub with fresh water.

Add tub sanitizing tablets or liquid at this point if recommended by your hot tub manufacturer. This prevents bacteria or algae from growing.

Run the jets for 15 minutes to circulate the clean water. Your jetted tub cleaning is now complete!

Set a Regular Cleaning Schedule

To keep your jetted tub sparkling and promote healthy water, clean it every 1-3 months depending on use. Follow these tips:

Check and clean the filter monthly.
Shock sanitize the water weekly if your tub is used frequently.
Drain and deep clean the pipes/jets every 1-3 months.
If water looks dirty, shock and replace it.
Scrub visible surface grime before it builds up.
Remove suction covers and check for debris monthly.

With regular care, your jetted tub can stay fresh and cleanly for many years of hydrotherapy relaxation!

FAQs About Cleaning a Jetted Tub

Cleaning and maintaining a jetted tub may seem daunting but just requires regular care. Here are answers to some common questions about keeping jets and pipes crud-free.

How often should I clean my jetted tub?

For light usage (1-3 times a week), clean every 2-3 months
Moderate usage (4-7 times a week), clean every 4-6 weeks
Heavy usage (daily), clean every 4 weeks minimum

Inspect water conditions often. Drain, scrub pipes, and refill if water appears dirty, sudsy, or smelly.

What’s the best jetted tub cleaner?

Look for cleaners made specifically for jetted tubs that are low-foaming and won’t damage components. Trusted brands include HotSpring FreshWater, LeisureTime Jet Fresh, and Gulfstream Tub Renew.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can degrade pipes and seals over time.

How do I clean the pipes in my jetted tub?

Drain the tub completely.
Remove any removable jets.
Use a soft brush and jetted tub cleaner to scrub all pipes, fittings, and suction covers.
Rinse thoroughly before replacing jets.

Repeat cleaning if needed to remove all residue buildup for free-flowing water jets.

Why does my jetted tub have a dirty/slimy film?

Grime, body oils, and bacteria can leave a nasty film on jetted tub surfaces and pipes. To remove:

Drain, scrub all surfaces with tub cleaner, rinse.
Refill halfway, add cleaner, run jets 10+ minutes.
Drain, rinse away cleaning solution, wipe surfaces.
Disinfect all surfaces with spray cleaner.

Shock treat water weekly and change it if dirty.

How do I clean my jetted tub filter?

Remove the filter located in the footwell or equipment bay. Rinse under a hose or pressure washer to remove debris.

Soak in tub cleaning solution for 20-30 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Air dry before replacing.

Check and clean monthly. Replace if torn, warped, or unable to be cleaned fully.

What household items can I use to clean a jetted tub?

Baking soda and vinegar to remove grime and soap scum
Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice as natural disinfectants
Old soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub small areas
White vinegar to descale jet fittings and pipes
Liquid dish detergent if tub cleaner unavailable

Avoid abrasives that could scratch surfaces.

Maintaining Clean and Healthy Jetted Tub Water

A sparkling clean tub also needs healthy water free of germs and minerals. Here are tips for maintaining good water quality between deep cleanings:

Shock Treat Weekly

“Shocking” the water with sanitizer weekly helps control bacteria and viruses. Using hot tub shock like Potassium Monopersulfate or chlorine shocking treatments blasts away organic contaminants.

Follow product instructions for ideal dosage and shocking frequency.

Test and Adjust Water Chemistry

Using test strips, check water pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels weekly. pH should be 7.2-7.8 and alkalinity 80-150 PPM. Add pH/alkalinity up or down as needed.

Change Water Regularly

Drain and refill your tub every 3-4 months minimum. More often with heavy bather loads. This removes dissolved solids that regular filtering can’t catch.

Scrub Away Visible Biofilm

That nasty sticky slime on surfaces? It’s biofilm, a bacteria colony. Remove immediately with a hot tub surface cleaner to stop it spreading.

Clean Filters Frequently

Dirty filters can’t trap debris, leading to clogs. Check and rinse your tub’s filter monthly, replacing it when worn out.

Use Spa Sanitizing Tablets

Floating dispensers with bromine or chlorine tablets constantly sanitize the soak water. Change cartridges per product guidelines.

Allow Monthly Rest Mode

program your tub to run a cleaning cycle for 1-2 hours monthly. This circulates sanitizer through the plumbing to prevent buildup.

Signs It’s Time to Deep Clean Your Jetted Tub

Don’t wait until your water is downright nasty! Here are signs it’s time to roll up your sleeves and thoroughly deep clean the tub:

Cloudy or murky water
Visible dirt floating or settled on the bottom
Strong musty or chemical odors
Skin/eye irritation after use
Mold or mildew around jets or fittings
Error code on digital panel
Slow draining pipes
Jet flow seems weak
Pipes rumble when jets run
Previous cleaning more than 2 months ago

Don’t ignore these red flags. A deep clean removes contaminants causing issues and restores healthy clean water.

Jetted Tub Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Make your jetted tub scrub-down as effective as possible with these helpful tips:

Clean immediately after use before grime dries and hardens.
Remove and individually clean each jet for the deepest clean.
Let cleaning solutions or disinfectants sit to work before rinsing.
Wear gloves and goggles to protect skin and eyes.
Ventilate steam and fumes if using harsh chemicals.
Use a wet/dry vac to remove standing water from empty pipes.
Scrub each suction cover until totally clean and free of debris.
Clean the filter separately away from the tub to prevent clogging drain.
Avoid using metal brushes or scouring pads that can damage surfaces.
Rinse all soap residue thoroughly after cleaning. Leftover residue causes foaming.
Descale mineral deposits on jet cover plates with white vinegar.
Swab pipe joints with cotton buds soaked in cleaner to remove grime.
Run the jets on high for 15 minutes with cleaner to circulate through pipes.
Repeat steps if needed until all debris is removed for maximum cleaning.
Wipe down all surfaces and jets until they squeak!

Alternative Options for Cleaning a Jetted Tub

If cleaning your jetted tub by hand seems too labor-intensive, consider these options:

Use an Ozone Generator

Ozone generators bubble ozone into the water to oxidize contaminants without chemicals. They help maintain clean water but don’t replace periodic full cleanings.

Try a Tub Jet Flush

Specialty fluid is pumped through the jets to loosen debris. After soaking, you drain and rinse away grime. Helpful for routine maintenance.

Hire a Professional

Many hot tub and pool service companies offer jetted tub cleaning and maintenance. Choose an experienced technician certified on your tub brand.

While pricier, professional services may be preferred for older tubs with extensive buildup or pipe issues. They use powerful tools you don’t have at home to thoroughly clean the plumbing system.

Tub Safety Tips

Don’t forget these important safety measures when enjoying your sparkling clean jetted tub:

Shower before bathing to rinse off dirt, lotions etc.
Keep hair and loose clothing away from suction fittings.
Follow maximum bather occupancy.
Avoid entering tub if unwell with skin infections, open sores etc.
Stay hydrated and avoid marathon soaking sessions.
Supervise children at all times.
Replace broken or damaged suction covers immediately.
Avoid using alcohol or drugs before or during use.

With frequent cleaning and care, your jetted tub can provide years of safe relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Jetted Tub

Here are the most commonly asked questions about keeping your jetted tub clean and well maintained:

What’s the best way to clean the pipes in my jetted tub?

Fill the tub with water and tub cleaning solution. Remove the jets and use a small brush to scrub debris from the jet fittings and pipes. Let the jets soak in a bucket of solution. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.

How often should I drain and refill my jetted tub?

Drain and refill your jetted tub every 3-4 months at minimum. More frequently with heavy use. This removes contaminants and dissolved solids.

What should I use to clean my jetted tub?

Use a cleaner made specifically for jetted tubs. HotSpring FreshWater and LeisureTime JetFresh work well. Avoid bleach, foaming cleaners, and abrasives.

How do I clean my jetted tub filter?

Remove the filter and rinse under a hose or soak in tub cleaner regularly. Allow it to dry fully before replacing. Check monthly and replace if worn out.

How can I keep the water clean between full cleanings?

Shock sanitize weekly, test/adjust water chemistry, use sanitizing tablets in a floater, clean filters often, and change water every 3-4 months.

What causes the slimy/dirty film in my jetted tub?

Grime, body oils, soap, and bacteria can leave a nasty film. Drain, scrub all surfaces with a tub cleaner, and refill to remove it.

When should I know it’s time for a deep clean?

Signs include cloudy water, odor, mold, slow draining, error codes, weak jets, rumbling pipes, or more than 2 months since last cleaning.

Are there alternatives to cleaning my jetted tub manually?

Some options are using an ozone generator for maintenance, jet flush systems, or hiring a professional cleaning service.

How can I prevent mildew and mold in my jetted tub?

Proper cleaning, shocking the water weekly, using sanitizing tablets, drying surfaces after use, and maintaining proper water chemistry.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential for getting the most enjoyment and longevity out of your investment in a jetted bathtub. While it may seem daunting at first, following the steps outlined here on a regular schedule will keep your tub sparkling.

Focus on completely scrubbing the pipes, jets, and fittings to remove built-up contaminants. Always use a cleaner formulated specifically for jetted tubs for the best results without damage. Maintain healthy water between deep cleanings through filtering, shocking, and sanitizing.

With the proper care, your jetted tub can continue providing years of hygienic, relaxing soaks. Avoiding the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and biofilms will ensure your health and safety while using your spa tub. Apply these cleaning techniques today to restore your jetted bathtub to a fresh, pristine condition. Happy soaking!

How to Clean a Jetted Tub