How to Clean a Spa Bath and Keep It Hygienic at Home

There is a good reason Aussie homeowners are willing to spend extra to install spa bathtubs in their homes. Unlike ordinary bathtubs, spa baths feature ergonomic seats, powerful jets, and water heaters to create a relaxing, soothing, therapeutic experience. All your stress and anxiety will disappear within seconds of stepping into your spa bath. 

Of course, all bathroom fixtures require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, mould, and soap scum. However, it is even more imperative to clean spa baths because they have more complex plumbing systems where bacteria can hide and linger longer. 

To preserve the health and wellness of your household, you need to learn the best ways to clean a spa bath and keep it hygienic. 

The Hidden Crevices in Spa Baths

The process for cleaning regular bathtubs is rather straightforward. Since water droplets normally sit on the smooth outer basin of the tub after taking a bath or shower, all you need to do is dry it off with a towel to prevent mould and bacteria from growing there. And even if mould and bacteria appear on the basin, you can easily see and remove them with little effort.

Unfortunately, spa bathtubs are much harder to clean. They have many more hidden crevices and a complex internal plumbing system that you don’t see in ordinary bathtubs. Because of this, there are more hiding spots where mould, bacteria, and soap scum can build without you noticing right away. 

Why Spa Baths Require Special Cleaning

A spa bath runs on a circulation system. It continuously moves water in and out of the tub through a filter and heater. When you see those powerful water jets shooting water out, it is really the same water that was already in the tub. A pump moves the water into the spa’s internal piping and then pushes it back out through the jets. 

The good news is that spa baths require you to refill them with fresh water each time you use them. They are not like hot tubs, which reuse the same water. The bad news is that old water can remain within the spa bath’s internal pumps, pipes, and hoses. It will eventually mix with the new water when you turn your spa bath back on. 

As a result, a spa bath becomes a breeding ground for two particular types of bacteria: Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The former is known to cause a pneumonia-like illness, and the latter can leave a skin rash. Furthermore, all dead skin, lotions, spa products, and body oils used can form biofilm buildup in the pipes. You’ll know when biofilm exists because dark spots appear in the water shooting out of the jets. 

Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies

You must gather the proper spa bath cleaning supplies before you can begin. There is no need to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as they will only do more harm than good. Commercial products such as acidic cleaners and bleach can damage the internal components and the outer sealant of the spa bath.

Here are the best cleaning supplies and tools to use:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Soft Cloth
• Toothbrush
• Towel
• Low-foaming dishwasher pod or powder

Steps for Cleaning After Each Use

To preserve the health and appearance of your spa bath surface, you will need to clean it after each use. That will prevent bacteria from growing on the surface and causing discolouration and increased respiratory health risks. 

1. Drain the Water. The first step is to drain all the water from the tub after you have used it. Again, it is not like a traditional hot tub where you leave the water in it. You must always drain the water after using it. 
2. Spray with a Vinegar/Water Mixture. Mix vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the spa bath surface with the solution. 
3. Wipe the Surface. Use a damp soft cloth to wipe the spa bath surface and remove all the soap, oil, and scum residue. 
4. Dry the Surface. Wipe and dry the surface with a clean, dry towel. Drying will prevent the formation of water spots and limescale buildup. 

Steps for Monthly Deep Cleaning

The daily cleaning steps are good for addressing the surface bacteria, but they will do very little to remove the bacteria hidden within the internal pipes. That is why you must perform a deep cleaning of your spa bath every 1 to 3 months to remove biofilm and bacteria from your pipes. 

1. Close the Air Induction Valves. The rim of every spa bath has small dials that control the air induction valves. Turn the dials to close the air valves. That will prevent air from circulating through the pipes. The objective is only to have water circulating through them during the deep cleaning process.
2. Fill the Spa Bath with Hot Water. Fill the spa bath with fresh hot water until the highest-positioned jet is covered with at least 2 to 3 inches of water. It doesn’t need to be boiling water, just the hottest water available. 
3. Add the Cleaning Solution. Now add the cleaning solution to the water. If you are not using a commercial chemical-based cleaning product as we suggested, the best alternative is to add 2 cups of low-foaming dishwasher detergent. You should also add 1 cup of white vinegar. The detergent contains enzymes that can break down organic matter in the pipes, while the vinegar helps remove calcium deposits. 
4. Turn on the Jets. Turn on the water jets to their highest setting. Let the jets run for up to 20 minutes. It will forcefully circulate water and cleaning agents throughout the spa bath’s internal plumbing for a good while. By the time it finishes, most or all of the bacteria and biofilm within the pipes should be gone. 
5. Turn off the Jets. Turn off the jets. Let the remaining water sit in the tub for another 20 minutes to soak away the remaining scum deposits. 
6. Scrub the Jet Nozzles. Use an old toothbrush, water, and baking soda to gently scrub behind the jet nozzles. A lot of skin cells, hair, and soap scum tend to get trapped behind them, so you need to scrub them out. 
7. Drain, Rinse, and Dry the Tub. Drain out all the remaining dirty water from the tub. Don’t panic if you see scum debris remaining on the surface. Just rinse and wipe it away from the surface, as described in the “after each use” cleaning steps from before. Dry the surface with a towel afterward.

Conclusion

Cleaning your spa bath and keeping it hygienic will preserve its lifespan and maintain the health of everyone in your household who uses it. All you need to do is follow the simple and affordable cleaning strategies outlined above. 

FAQs

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