How to Clean Inflatable Hot Tub: 5 Steps to Follow

Last Updated on September 6, 2023

Maintaining the cleanliness of your inflated hot tub helps extend its lifespan and ensures a hygienic environment for relaxing. But air-inflated hot tubs have a different cleaning process than regular ones.

To begin the cleaning process, you need to drain the inflatable hot tub. Next, focus your attention on the exterior surface.

Wipe away loose debris and gently scrub with a diluted detergent solution using a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with the water hose, removing all traces of detergent.

Transitioning to the interior, wipe down the surfaces with clean water, paying attention to any spots of dirt or marks. Afterward, rinse it off.

We will discuss all the steps in detail on cleaning an inflated hot tub, ensuring you can clean it successfully.

How to Clean Inflatable Hot Tub: A Complete Guide

To properly wash an inflatable hot spa tub, there are several key steps you have to follow. The following are among them:

Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies

Step 2: Drain your inflated tub

Step 3: Clean the exterior surface

Step 4: Clean the interior surface

Step 5: Rinsing thoroughly

Let’s go over each step in detail so that you can clean the inflated hot tub and give it a nice appearance.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Supplies

To begin cleaning an inflated hot tub, you must equip yourself with the essential items that will contribute to a thorough and successful cleaning effort.

Ensure that a sponge or soft cloth plays a pivotal role in cleansing the tub’s surfaces. You will require a mild detergent to eliminate dirt, grime, and unsightly stains effectively.

If accessible, consider employing a specialized cleaning spray designed for your specific hot tub material. The inclusion of a water hose is indispensable, serving the dual purposes of facilitating the draining of the tub and rinsing it post-cleaning.

Having a soft-bristle brush at your disposal can be invaluable for addressing more tenacious spots. These supplies collectively form the arsenal to empower you to embark on a thorough and efficient cleaning journey for an air-filled hot tub.

Step 2: Drain Your Inflated Tub

As soon as all the necessary supplies have been assembled, you can begin draining the spa tub. Ensure you’ve turned off the power to the pump before removing any removable accessories from the tub.

Take out any headrests, cushions, or trays that can be removed. Once everything is ready, attach a garden hose to the built-in drainage valve and direct the other end to an appropriate drainage area.

Now it’s time to open the valve and let the water flow out. Slowly turn the valve counterclockwise. This will allow the water to start draining out through the hose.

Be patient, as this may take some time, depending on how much water is in your hot tub. As most of the water drains out, gently press on the tub’s sides to encourage any remaining water to exit.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior Surface

Once the inflated spa tub is drained, prepare the surface for cleaning. Follow these three simple yet effective steps to clean the exterior surface:

Wipe away any loose debris: Using a sponge or soft cloth, gently wipe away any dirt or leaves that may have accumulated on the surface of your hot tub. This will prevent them from scratching or damaging the material during cleaning.
Create a soapy solution: In a bucket, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. This will help break down any stubborn stains or grime on the exterior surface.

Scrub gently section by section: Dip your sponge or soft cloth into the soapy solution and begin scrubbing the exterior surface of your hot tub. Take it section by section, applying gentle but effective pressure to remove any accumulated dirt and grime. Avoid using excessive force or abrasive brushes, as they could damage the material.
Rinse off the detergent residue: Once the cleaning is complete, use a water hose to rinse the detergent residue from the exterior surface thoroughly.

Step 4: Clean the Interior Surface

After cleaning the exterior surface, you need to clean the interior. If the interior surface does not have a great deal of filth, it’s best to clean it with warm water.

Dampen a sponge or cloth with clean, warm water and gently wipe down the entire interior of the inflated hot spa tub. Take extra care to focus on areas with visible dirt or marks.

You may need to dampen the soft cloth with the detergent cleaning solution when you encounter stubborn spots. But do not use abrasive scrubbing brushes. Apply gentle pressure and repeatedly wipe to loosen and remove dirt effectively.

Step 5: Rinsing Thoroughly

After the thorough cleaning of both the exterior and interior surfaces, thorough rinsing is essential to eliminate any lingering residues. Here’s how to do it:

Use the water hose to rinse the exterior of the hot spa tub carefully. Make sure to wash away every trace of detergent, paying attention to all areas, including corners and crevices.
Refill the tub with clean water using the hose. Activate the pump and jets to facilitate water circulation and effectively rinse the interior surfaces.
Let the water circulate for a few minutes before draining it once more. This will help remove any final traces of soap residues, leaving the hot spa tub refreshed and ready for use.

Are inflatable hot spa tubs cleanable with vinegar?

You can use vinegar as a natural cleaning agent for the inflated hot tub. Vinegar’s mild acidic properties make it an effective solution for removing stains, mineral deposits, and buildup without causing any damage to the material of your tub.

Pour equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle or bucket to clean your hot tub. Apply this solution to areas with stains or mineral deposits and leave it for a few minutes. Afterward, gently scrub the affected areas using a sponge or soft cloth.

Vinegar is especially useful for tackling hard water stains and mineral buildup around the waterline. Remember to thoroughly rinse your tub with clean water after using vinegar to ensure that no residue remains.

However, be cautious not to use vinegar on areas with delicate finishes or sensitive materials. Always refer to your hot tub’s manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning recommendations.

How often should you clean an inflated hot tub?

For optimal maintenance and hygiene, performing a comprehensive cleaning of an air-filled hot tub once a week is generally recommended.

This routine cleaning ensures that dirt, debris, and potential contaminants are regularly removed from the tub’s interior and exterior surfaces.

Also, this frequency allows you to monitor the water quality, address any buildup, and keep the tub clean and inviting.

While a weekly cleaning is advisable, it can vary depending on factors like usage frequency, environmental conditions, and the manufacturer’s instructions.