The Ultimate Guide To Sparkling Clean Home Spa Baths

A spa bath is a large bathtub with built-in powered massage jets. It is plumbed in with hot and cold water faucets and a drain outlet. The water in a spa bath is drained after each use and does not circulate or get filtered. Therefore, it is important to maintain your spa bath with regular cleaning.

1. Fill the bath with water above the jet line.

2. Remove and clean the filters (if your spa bath has a filter). Replace the filter if it looks old or damaged.

3. Add 50 ml of Spa Safe per 500 litres of spa water.

4. Turn on the jets and open all jets to avoid stagnant water sitting behind them.

5. Run the jets for 5-10 minutes. For very dirty pipes, run for a longer time.

6. Turn off the jets and drain the bath. Rinse the bath with cold water.

7. Wipe the bath surface and surrounding area with Spa Safe on a clean, damp cloth.

8. Polish the bath with a clean, dry cloth.

Filling the spa bath with water

Filling your spa bath with water is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some detailed instructions on how to fill your spa bath with water:

• Ensure your spa bath is in its final resting place: Before filling your spa bath, make sure it is in the location where you intend to use it. Once filled with water, it will be very heavy and difficult to move without proper planning and preparation.
• Install a cover lifter: A cover lifter is a helpful accessory that makes it easier to remove and put on the cover. It also protects your spa bath from damage and keeps the cover off the ground. Some cover lifters need to be mounted underneath the spa, so it's crucial to do this before filling it with water.
• Check the barrel union: The barrel union is a threaded fitting that connects the spa's plumbing to components like pumps and heaters. During delivery, it may have been loosened, so make sure to tighten it before filling your spa to avoid any errors or damage.
• Remove loose objects: If your spa bath is uncovered, remove any loose objects such as leaves or sand from the shell. This will prevent them from contaminating the water.
• Remove filters: If your spa bath has filters, remove them before filling it with water. Assess their condition and either clean and reinstall or replace them if they are old or damaged.
• Use a garden hose: You can use a regular garden hose to fill your spa bath. Make sure to remove any nozzles attached to the hose to avoid any debris from falling into the inlet and getting stuck in the plumbing.
• Insert the hose into the filter lines: Insert the hose into the filter lines for at least 5 minutes and around 150-200 mm inside the water inlet. This will help eliminate air blocks.
• Fill the spa bath: Turn on the water and fill your spa bath to the correct volume. Avoid overfilling or underfilling to ensure that the filters are properly submerged and functioning correctly.
• Turn off the water supply: Once your spa bath has reached the correct volume, turn off the water supply and remove the hose from the inlet.
• Reinstall the filter: Fully submerge the filter in water, allowing it to soak and rotate slightly. Wait until bubbles stop forming, then place it back into the housing and twist it clockwise until it is tightly installed.
• Turn on the spa bath: Turn on your spa bath and heat the water to your desired temperature. Refer to the specification sheet to locate the water fill line and ensure the water level is correct.
• Test and balance the water: After filling your spa bath, you may need to test and balance the water. Refer to the Water Maintenance and Chemical Guide provided by the manufacturer for specific instructions.

By following these steps, you can effectively fill your spa bath with water and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Using Spa Safe or vinegar to clean the bath

Spa Safe is a commercial-grade surface cleaner and pipe cleaner that can be used to clean your home spa bath. It is widely used to disinfect commercial spa baths and is recommended by the Department of Health due to its ability to eliminate disease-causing pathogens from contaminated pipes. It is safe and easy to use, with a gentle aroma, and acts instantly and effortlessly. To use Spa Safe to clean your home spa bath, follow these steps:

• Fill the bath with cold water above the jet line. This will allow the water to reach deeper into the internal pipes.
• Remove any filters and assess their condition. If they are in good condition, simply rinse and clean them. If they appear old or damaged, replace them with new ones. Leave the filters out for the following steps.
• Add 50 ml of Spa Safe per 500 litres of water directly into the bath.
• Turn on the jets (pump). Also, open all jets to prevent stagnant water from sitting behind them.
• Run the jets for 5-10 minutes. Very dirty pipes may require a longer time. This will help loosen and dissolve any biofilm and organic matter built up in the plumbing.
• Turn off the jets and drain the bath. Rinse the bath with cold water. Refilling the spa bath without rinsing can reduce the life of the water and increase chemical usage to maintain water clarity.
• Using Spa Safe on a clean, damp cloth, wipe down the bath surface and surrounding area. This will help remove any remaining grime and residue from the shell and jets. You can also use dental floss to clean inside and behind the jet nozzles.
• Polish the bath with a clean, dry cloth for a sparkling shine. This will ensure that excess cleaner and water are removed.

Alternatively, you can use vinegar to clean your home spa bath. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that is safe to use around people and pets. It can help prevent clogs in the jets, eliminate bacteria, and clean away water spots and other residue. To use vinegar to clean your home spa bath, follow these steps:

• Fill the tub with hot water, covering the jets by about three inches.
• Add one-half cup of vinegar to the tub.
• Run the jets to circulate the vinegar throughout the system.
• Drain the tub and refill it with clean water.
• Wipe down the bath surface and surrounding area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining grime.

Turning the jets on

Firstly, ensure that you have already filled your spa bath with cold or hot water above the jet line. This is an important step as it allows the water to penetrate deeper into the internal pipes and plumbing. It is recommended to fill the tub with water 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) above the highest jets.

Now, it's time to add the cleaning agents. For a powerful clean, you can add 2 tablespoons of a low-foaming dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup of bleach to the water. Alternatively, for a more eco-friendly approach, substitute the bleach with 1 cup of white vinegar. It is important to note that some manufacturers do not recommend using bleach as it can dry out internal gaskets over time. Therefore, always refer to your manufacturer's instructions before proceeding.

If you are using a commercial spa bath cleaner, follow the instructions on the product for the specified amount to use. For example, if you are using a product like Spa Safe, pour 50 ml directly into the water for every 500 litres of spa water.

Once the cleaning agents are added, it's time to turn on the jets. Set the jets to their highest power and run them for 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the cleaning solution circulates through the jets and internal plumbing, removing any built-up dirt and residue.

If there is still visible grime coming out of the jets after 15 minutes, continue running the jets until the water appears relatively clear. For a deeper clean, you can also alternate between running the jets and letting the cleaning solution sit in the tub for 30-minute intervals.

After completing this process, drain the tub and refill it with cold water. Run the jets again for another 10 minutes to ensure that any remaining residue is removed. Finally, drain the tub and wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge to remove any leftover residue.

By following these steps, you will effectively clean your home spa bath jets, ensuring a relaxing and hygienic bathing experience.

Running the jets for 5-15 minutes

Before running the jets, it is crucial to fill the tub with water. Most sources recommend filling the tub with hot water to a level that is 2-3 inches above the highest jets. This ensures that the jets are completely covered with water, protecting the motor from damage and preventing water from spraying upwards.

Once the tub is filled, you can add cleaning agents to the water. Some common household cleaning agents include:

• Low-foaming dishwashing liquid (2 tablespoons)
• Powdered dish detergent (4 tablespoons)
• White vinegar (1/2 cup)
• Bleach (1/2 cup)
• Commercial jetted tub cleaners

After adding the cleaning agents, it is time to run the jets. Set the jets to the highest pressure and turn them on for 5-15 minutes. This step may need to be repeated if there is still grime coming out of the jets.

If your tub has air-induction valves, it is recommended to turn them off before running the jets. This forces the water to circulate only through the internal plumbing, resulting in a deeper clean.

After running the jets, drain the tub and refill it with cold water. Run the jets again for another 5-15 minutes to ensure that all the cleaning agents and loosened debris are rinsed away.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the jets and internal plumbing of your home spa bath, ensuring a relaxing and sanitary experience for your next bath.

Draining and rinsing the bath

Draining the Bath:

• After filling the tub with water and cleaning agents, it's time to drain the dirty water. Let the tub run for a few minutes to ensure all the dirty water is drained. You can also use a bucket to remove any remaining water from the tub.
• If your spa bath has a filter, remember to remove and clean or replace it. Assess the condition of the filter. If it looks old or damaged, it's best to replace it with a new one. Cleaning the filter can be done by rinsing and washing it with clean water.
• For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a filter cleaning wand, which helps remove any built-up dirt or residue.

Rinsing the Bath:

• Once the tub is drained, it's important to rinse it with cold water. Filling the tub with fresh water without rinsing can reduce the life of the spa and increase chemical usage to maintain water clarity.
• Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the bath surface and surrounding areas. Pay close attention to the shell and jets, ensuring that all remaining grime and residue are removed.
• For a sparkling finish, polish the bath with a clean, dry cloth. This step ensures that excess water and cleaning agents are removed, leaving your spa bath shining.
• If there is any dirt or residue around the jet covers, you can use dental floss to reach and clean behind them.

By following these steps, you will effectively drain and rinse your home spa bath, making it ready for the next relaxing soak!

Frequently asked questions