If a hot tub are not disinfected or filtered, they develop biofilms or bacterial colonies. Want to know how to clean a hot tub that has been sitting? Stay and read.
With moderate temperatures, the spa water can stay fresh for up to two weeks (if properly covered).
Algae and bacteria start to develop in spa water that remains for 1 to 2 weeks (even if there is no light and under a dark cover).
In unattended spa, a foam forms (which can be seen in toilets that have not been cleaned for a long time).
But if you want to start up your spa and hot tub that you have left unattended for a while, you should do this:
- Test the filtration system. Before you start your hot tub, make sure the spa pump and filter are operational
- Add water if needed to cover half of the tub (it should cover the spa filter)
- Now turn on the power at the circuit breaker, open the spa cabinet until you find the spa equipment
- Reset any GFCI outlets that have tripped, turn on the spa equipment
- Check that the valves are open (before and after the pump), there should be no water leaking under the spa
- Use the spa's side control, run the pump on low speed and high speed (will help clear debris from the plumbing)
Draining and cleaning
The best way to clean a hot tub that has been inoperative for a long time is to drain the water.
If you notice that the water is in good condition with a cloudy appearance but without algae, you only have to drain the pipes.
For draining, you should look for the port or drain hose.
Some mirrors have a small access port at the base of the cabinet for draining the water.
But if this is not the case, you can usually find a short hose or hose connection at the lowest point of the spa.
Pull out the hose (or connect a hose), let the water drain through gravity.
You could also use a submersible pump, but first you must make sure the spa's power is disconnected.
While the water is draining from the spa, if the water is bad, you can use a garden hose to spray the spa's surfaces.
You can spray water into the spa jets to loosen debris. Be careful not to spray the spa equipment (filter, pump, heater).
Refill and purge: Now that you have removed the dirty, sticky water, the next step is to purge the spa.
To do this you must apply a chemical product that specializes in removing biofilm, mineral deposits, oil and organic contaminants that coat the inside of the pipes and also lodge in the spa water.
There are many on the market, to use them you must follow the instructions on the labels.
You will see the dirt and grime rise to the surface in the form of brown foam.
After that, you only have to turn on the jet pump and the blower to dislodge the remaining bacteria colonies (you can also use a sponge).
Now you can fill your spa tub again: Fill your spa with clean, fresh water, when it is full you can do this:
- Add chemicals to balance the water pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. (Add a bromine booster if using bromine tablets)
- Flush the tub (with 1-3 tablespoons, follow label instructions)
- You might need a new spa filter, these should be replaced every 18 months or for every 12 cleanings (this helps keep the tub clean).
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