Cleaning and preparing your outdoor hot tub after winter

Outdoor whirlpools are a true luxury and offer relaxation at any time of the year. But before you get your hot tub ready for the new season, the entire system needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. In this article you will learn how to effectively clean your hot tub and prepare it for summer.

 

1. Why is cleaning the hot tub important?

Cleaning your hot tub is a crucial aspect of a pleasant bathing experience and the longevity of your hot tub. The deposits of limescale, dirt and the warm water promote the formation of germs and bacteria in the tub. By cleaning and draining the water regularly, you can prevent them from multiplying and contaminating the water.

Tip: Clean your whirlpool approximately every three to five months, depending on how frequently you use it.

2. Basic cleaning and disinfection of an outdoor hot tub

Basic whirlpool cleaning includes disinfecting the entire system. The cleaning itself is very easy with a special whirlpool system cleaner. This cleaner is added directly to the bath water before the water is drained and the whirlpool system is activated again for approx. 30 minutes.

Important: Be sure to turn on the water system. You should switch the air system on and off several times so that these system lines also fill with water and empty again when you switch it on. A small amount of foam may be produced, but this is completely normal.

3. Draining the hot tub

After disinfection, you should empty your whirlpool, either via the drain valve or with the help of a submersible pump. The whirlpool is now disinfected and can be refilled. Organic residues, germs, bacteria and algae are eliminated by the product.

Tip: Don't forget to add chemicals to the water after refilling your outdoor hot tub!

4. Preparing the hot tub for the new season

After the winter break, you shouldn't just put your whirlpool back into operation. A thorough inspection of the plumbing is required. These should not contain any frozen residual water. If this is the case, there may be complications when filling.

Important: When refilling the whirlpool after the winter break, you should proceed in the same way as you did the very first time you filled it after purchasing the pool. In any case, stick to the manufacturer's instructions and read them in the instructions.

5. Cleaning the hot tub features

After water care, you should clean the whirlpool functions, i.e. pipes, jets, filter system and pump. Rinse the pipes with a special cleaner, as grease and deposits accumulate with every use and affect the water quality.

6. Cleaning the filter

To clean the filter, remove it from the holder and rinse it with sufficient water pressure, for example with a garden hose. Then clean the inside of the filter housing with a soft cloth and the whirlpool cleaner. To remove any residue and debris, soak the filter in a disinfectant liquid, such as chlorine, overnight. The next day, rinse the filter thoroughly and let it dry. Then install the filter cartridge back into the whirlpool.

Note: It's best to change the filter cartridge every two months - depending on how often you use the whirlpool. If discoloration and dirt can no longer be washed off, this is a clear sign that the filter needs to be replaced.

7. Cleaning the air nozzles

If your whirlpool does not have automatic air jet cleaning, do it manually. To do this, switch on the air jet function every time you empty the whirlpool so that the remaining water comes out.

8. Cleaning the pump

Unscrew your hot tub pump if there are foreign objects stuck in it. You can find out how to remove the pump in the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Cleaning with home remedies

As an alternative to chemical whirlpool cleaners, some common home remedies are suitable for cleaning outdoor whirlpools. They reliably remove heavy dirt and are usually cheaper and less harmful to the environment than chemical cleaning agents.

Note: Do not use acidic home remedies such as vinegar or lemon on acrylic tubs, as these will damage the surface.

10. Special features of whirlpool cleaning

There are a few special considerations to keep in mind when cleaning inflatable hot tubs and outdoor hot tubs. For inflatable hot tubs, be sure to use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the surface of the material. For outdoor whirlpools, the best way to prevent this is to use a whirlpool cover. This means that fewer leaves and dirt are deposited in the water and water maintenance is made easier.

11. Prevention of contamination

There are some tips to prevent contamination and make cleaning your hot tub easier. For example, shower before entering the whirlpool tub and do not use bath products, shampoo or oils in the pool. These damage or clog the pipes and make water care more difficult.