Hot tubs are pure bliss. Whether you’re soaking away stress or enjoying time with family, there’s nothing quite like it. We use ours at least once every weekend – you can’t get us out of it in the colder months. My son lives there.
But let’s face it—keeping your hot tub clean isn’t exactly the fun part. Me and my husband HATE jumping in when it’s looking dirty. The good news? You don’t need fancy cleaners or harsh chemicals to do the job.
Vinegar, that humble bottle in your pantry, is a cleaning powerhouse. It’s natural, affordable, and tough on grime. Plus, it’s gentle enough for your hot tub, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the surfaces or messing with the water. This guide will show you my step-by-step how to use vinegar to get your hot tub sparkling clean without any hassle.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies and Pick Your Vinegar
Before you begin, grab everything you’ll need. Don’t worry—it’s a short list, and you probably already have most of it:
- White vinegar: The star of the show. Just about any kind will work. Go for a distilled white.
- A bucket or spray bottle: For mixing and applying the vinegar solution.
- Soft sponges or cloths: Gentle on your hot tub’s surfaces.
- A hose: For rinsing everything down.
- A soft-bristle brush (optional): For stubborn spots that need extra attention.
Having everything ready makes the process easier. Vinegar is strong enough to break down grime but safe for your hot tub’s materials. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to tackle the mess and bring your hot tub back to life!
Step 2: Drain Your Hot Tub Safely
Before you can give your hot tub a good scrub, you’ll need to drain the water. Don’t worry—it’s not as tricky as it sounds.
Start by turning off the power to your hot tub. This step is important for safety and keeps the pump and jets from running while it’s empty. Next, check your owner’s manual for draining instructions specific to your hot tub. Most tubs have a drain spout or valve at the base. Connect a garden hose to the spout, aim the other end somewhere safe (like a garden or storm drain), and let the water flow out.
If your water has been heavily treated with chemicals, avoid draining it onto plants or grass. Instead, send it to a storm drain or an area where it won’t cause harm.
Once the tub is empty, take out the filter if you haven’t already. Set it aside—we’ll clean that later. Now your hot tub is ready for its vinegar spa treatment!
Step 3: Clean the Hot Tub Interior with the Vinegar
Now for the fun part—getting your hot tub shiny and clean! Vinegar works wonders on grime, water spots, and even mineral build-up.
Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket or spray bottle. You don’t need to measure perfectly—just aim for a 1:1 ratio. Using your sponge or cloth, apply the solution to the walls, seats, and edges of the tub. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid scratching the surface.
For tough spots, a soft-bristle brush can help. Dip it into the vinegar solution and give those areas a little extra attention. Vinegar naturally breaks down calcium deposits and soap residue, so you won’t need to use much elbow grease.
Work your way around the tub until you’ve covered every inch. Don’t forget to clean the jets if your tub has them—use a sponge to gently wipe them down. When you’re done, your tub will already be looking fresher!
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, you’re ready for the next step: rinsing it all away.
Step 4: Rinse the Vinegar Thoroughly and Refill the Spa
After cleaning your hot tub with vinegar, it’s time to rinse everything down. This step is super important to ensure no vinegar residue is left behind—it could affect the water’s pH balance once you refill your tub.
Grab your hose or a bucket of clean water and rinse every surface you just scrubbed. Start from the top and work your way down, letting the water carry away any leftover grime or vinegar. Pay extra attention to the jets and corners where residue might hide. If you feel any slippery spots, give them an extra rinse to make sure everything is clean.
Once you’re confident the tub is sparkling and residue-free, double-check your filter compartment and drain area to make sure they’re clear of debris. Now, reconnect your filter (if it was removed), turn the power back on, and start refilling the tub with fresh water.
When the tub is full, run the jets for a few minutes to circulate the water and ensure everything is working properly. Congrats! Your hot tub is now clean, fresh, and ready for the next relaxing soak.
Step 5: Don’t Forget to Clean the Hot Tub Filter
Don’t forget about the filter—it plays a huge role in keeping your water clean and safe. While your tub is draining or refilling, take a few minutes to clean it.
First, remove the filter and give it a good rinse with your hose to wash away loose dirt and debris. If it’s really dirty, soak it in a bucket of water mixed with vinegar. Use a ratio of about 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar, and let it soak for 30 minutes. This will help break down stubborn grime and mineral deposits.
After soaking, rinse it thoroughly again to remove any leftover vinegar. Let it dry completely before putting it back into your hot tub. A clean filter not only keeps the water crystal clear but also makes your hot tub run more efficiently.
Relax and Enjoy Your Clean Hot Tub
Cleaning your hot tub doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. With just a little vinegar and some simple steps, you can keep your tub looking and working like new. Plus, using a natural cleaner like vinegar is safe for your family, your hot tub, and the environment.
Now that your hot tub is fresh and clean, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the bubbles. You’ve earned it! And if you’ve got any hot tub cleaning tips or tricks of your own, feel free to share them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
