When it is time to drain and refill, take a few extra minutes to clean your Royal Spa inside and out. Here is the full process.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub, Step by Step
- Flush the lines before draining. Add a jet and line cleaner to the water and let it circulate through the jets to clean pipes and equipment. This only needs to be done about every three years.
- Drain the hot tub completely.
- Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Distilled vinegar or denatured alcohol work well. Do not use abrasive cleaners such as Bon Ami, Comet or Ajax, or products like Lysol, which can dull the finish. Never use household soap or detergent, which causes foam.
- Refill. Keep the thermostat at its lowest setting until the hot tub is full and every pump and jet is working, then set your temperature. Our guide to filling a hot tub covers each step, including clearing airlocks.
- Balance alkalinity and pH as soon as you can. It can take a few days. See lowering pH in your hot tub.
- Add start-up chemicals as directed in the Operation and Care Guide.
- Add Royal Spa Natural Hot Tub Nutrients only after alkalinity and pH are balanced.
Cleaning Between Water Changes
Filter
Rinse your filter with a garden hose every four to six weeks. Rotating two filters makes it easy to keep one clean and dry. Full details are in our filter cleaning and replacement guide, and you can find replacement filters here.
Skimmer basket
Empty the skimmer basket every one to two weeks. Turn the spa off, unscrew the basket, remove debris and put it back.
Cover
Wipe the cover with mild soap and water and rinse well, keeping soap out of the hot tub. A cover care product helps protect the vinyl.
For a simple ongoing routine, see our year-round maintenance schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my hot tub?
Each time you drain and refill. Flushing the lines with a jet cleaner is only needed about every three years.
What can I use to clean a hot tub surface?
A soft, damp cloth with distilled vinegar or denatured alcohol. Avoid abrasives, harsh chemicals and household soap.
Can I put my hot tub filter in the dishwasher?
We recommend a garden hose rinse and, for buildup, a cartridge cleaner soak. See our filter guide.
