Hot Tub Spring Clean Up

"Bubbling Over" Newsletter Article - April 2006

Did you know that by not cleaning your spa's jets or plumbing lines you could be compromising power and using more sanitizer than you actually need? Also, when was the last time you cleaned the jets in your whirlpool bath tub? Do you know what could be growing in your pipes and jet housings?

A study by Texas A&M University microbiologist Rita B. Moyes found that the lines in jetted whirlpool bath tubs could be some of the filthiest water in the world. You read it right - the WORLD! That's because even though you clean your tub, there is still water left sitting in the lines after you have used your jets. Remember, if you don't use the jets or have them completely closed, the water in the lines doesn't circulate. Hot Tubs are different because most models have a purge cycle every 12 hours to help with this problem. But even with a purge cycle, you should give those lines a good cleaning every six months.

Flushing your lines
There are many plumbing lines in a Hot Tub Spa. No matter how clean you keep the water, chemicals only clean the water, not the plumbing lines. Bacteria and mildew-attracting scum and algae can accumulate in the vast number of spa plumbing lines and fittings. You need to flush and clean them in order to prolong the life of your spa and keep it running smoothly. We recommend chemically flushing and cleaning the lines every six months to one year, or whenever you notice a skim film developing around the spa fittings. You should do this procedure right before you drain your spa. Be sure to use a product that will dissolve body oils, dirt, hair, soap, scum, rust, and mineral deposits. ThermoSpas Jet Line Cleaner has trace chemicals to help kill bacteria!

TIP: ThermoSpas Jet Line Cleaner works on spas AND jetted bath tubs!

TIP: Keep your pillow jet valve open just a crack to make sure water circulates during the purge cycle.

Shell Cleaning
After draining your hot tub, you should wipe down the shell with an acrylic cleaner, such as Acrylic Brightener. While an ammonia-based product will work, it could throw off the pH of your water. If you have a granite shell you probably won't notice the small scratches that occur from the sand people carry into your tub on the bottom of their feet. However, if you have a marble shell, over time, you will notice these small scratches making your tub look a little dull. As we come into the busy months of spa use, a coat of an acrylic conditioner such as Thermo Gloss will help protect against these kinds of scratches. We recommend this at least once a year.

TIP: Don't use car wax - it isn't made for hot water!

Jet Maintenance
As we mentioned above, your feet bring in sand and grit as as you get in and out of your spa. This grit travels through the suction fittings and can lodge in your jet fittings. Oils and lotions are another culprit in gumming up the works. Jets should be cleaned every 6 - 12 months. It is easy enough to do and can save you lots of problems down the road. Using enzymes can reduce the oils, hair and cosmetic contamination, but a good cleaning is really they only thing that will ensure your jets continue work properly.

Feel free to call our Service Department at 800-876-0158 if you need help.

Cover Cleaning
Don't forget to give the top of your cover a good wipe down. As the summer sun beats upon us, the sun, pollen and dust will continue to beat on the vinyl and over time can make it brittle. Use a good cleanser, such as Spa Cover Wipes, to get the grime off and then condition it with a vinyl conditioner, such as Cover Conditioner.

TIP: Don't use Armor-All - this product actually dries out the type of vinyl used on spa covers.

Happy Hot Tubbing!

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