Hot tub cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What hot tub cleaning is

Hot tub cleaning drains the spa, scrubs the shell and cover, cleans the filters, flushes the plumbing and refills with balanced water. It removes the buildup and biofilm that cause foam, odor and poor sanitizing, and it is usually done on a set schedule.

Signs you need it

  • The water has a slimy feel, a film on the shell, or a ring at the waterline
  • The water foams, smells strongly or stays cloudy even after you add sanitizer
  • The filter is clogged, brittle or stained, and flow through the jets has dropped
  • The cover has mildew, dirt or a musty smell that the water does not remove
  • It has been months since the spa was drained and refilled

What the pro does

  • Drain the spa fully and remove the filters for cleaning
  • Scrub the shell, the waterline, the jets and the cover with a spa-safe cleaner matched to each surface
  • Soak and rinse the filters, then check them for damage before they go back in
  • Flush the plumbing lines with a cleaner made for spa lines, then rinse them thoroughly
  • Refill with fresh water, balance the chemistry, and run the pump to circulate it
  • Show the owner how to test, clean the filter and keep the cover clean between services

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size of the spa and how many jets, seats and filters it has
  • Amount of buildup on the shell, the cover and the plumbing
  • Water volume, and whether the spa must be pumped out or drained another way
  • Access to the spa, including any steps, decking or cover lift that must be moved
  • Whether the filter must be replaced, which depends on its condition
  • Whether a biofilm or heavy-odor treatment is needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The steps the pro will take: drain, scrub, filter clean, line flush, refill and balance
  • The cleaning products used, and whether they are included
  • Whether filters are cleaned, soaked or replaced, and why
  • Whether the cover is cleaned or only inspected
  • Water testing and balancing at refill, and whether the chemistry is included
  • Any problems found, such as leaks, cracked jets or sensor fouling, listed for follow-up

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you drain the spa completely, and how do you handle the water?
  • Which cleaner do you use, and is it safe for my shell and cover?
  • Will you replace the filter or clean it?
  • Do you flush the plumbing lines, and how often should that be done?
  • What do you check for while the spa is empty?
  • Will you test and balance the water before you leave?
  • How often should I book a cleaning, and what can I do between services?

Red flags

  • They refill the spa without testing and balancing the water
  • They use a harsh household cleaner on the shell, the cover or the jets
  • They will not clean or inspect the filter
  • They skip the plumbing flush after a biofilm problem
  • They leave without showing you what they found

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can rinse the cover, wipe the outside of the shell, and rinse the filter with a garden hose between professional cleanings. Do not mix cleaning products together, pour strong cleaners into the spa, or open the equipment compartment, and do not handle the electrical controls with wet hands. Call a pro for full drains, deep cleaning, plumbing flushes and any tripping breaker.

Licenses and permits

Hot tub cleaning is usually routine service work, and some areas regulate pool and spa service or chemical handling. Check with your state or local licensing agency, and make sure any electrical work that comes up during service is handled by a licensed trade.

Hot tub cleaning questions

How often should a hot tub be drained and cleaned?

Frequency depends on use, the sanitizer system, the water balance and how often the spa is covered. Ask the pro to set a schedule for your spa and to explain the signs that mean it needs service sooner.

Can I just add more sanitizer instead of cleaning?

More sanitizer does not remove biofilm stuck to the shell, the plumbing and the filter. A clean, balanced spa needs both cleaning and the right chemistry, so ask the pro to check both.

Why does my spa foam so much?

Foam often comes from body oils, cosmetics, biofilm, or a filter that is dirty or worn out. A pro can test the water, clean the filter and check the spa for the cause.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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