6 / 7
via merchantMuch like the pipes of a kitchen sink, the places you can’t see in your hot tub are where the really nasty stuff can lurk. Ahh-Some’s jet cleaner claims to work like “a complete colonoscopy for your hot tub” (yay, but yikes!) by removing built-up dirt, grease, white water mold and sludge from the inner workings of your spa. The manufacturer says the product also cleans hot tub cartridges and filters.
There are nearly 2,000 five-star Amazon reviews that rave about the effectiveness of this plumbing decontaminator. “We have a large outdoor spa that needed a deep cleaning, as it had not been used for some time. The tiny jar of Ahh-Some arrived and I was a bit skeptical. Following directions and using only a small amount, the results were fantastic!” says verified purchaser Vivian B.
Pros
- Designed for hot tub plumbing infrastructure
- One container provides four hot tub purges
- Quick 15-minute cleaning cycle
- Septic system-safe
Cons
- Expelled gunk must be wiped away immediately
7 / 7
via merchantReduce the amount of periodic cleaning your hot tub needs with a weekly dose of this cleaner and water clarifier. Simply add the prescribed dose directly to the hot tub water, turn up the jets and let it run for 15 minutes. Then, wipe down the gunk accumulated at the waterline. This product runs through pipes and helps clean them of accrued nastiness, resulting in clearer water.
Pros
- Designed to use weekly
- Comes with a month’s worth of cleaner
- Easy and quick to use
- Makes periodic deep cleaning easier
Cons
- Larger spas will require multiple packs of product
What to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub Cleaner
Deciding what to buy means assessing just how dirty your hot tub is. If you’re giving it some TLC after a long period of neglect, you might need a heavy-duty cleaner as opposed to an all-in-one or eco-friendly spray. You also need to decide how much elbow grease you want to commit to—some cleaners are wipe-and-go while others require scrubbing or buffing. Ultimately, consistent cleaning is a necessary part of protecting your investment.
Types of Hot Tub Cleaners
There are several hot tub cleaning supplies with specific functions that target different areas. Here the most common formulas:
- General surface cleaner: For all hard surfaces, these solutions often come in spray bottles with an easy, spray-and-wipe application.
- Hot tub cover cleaner: Specifically designed to clean and restore shine to vinyl covers, they’re usually sold in a liquid form that’s applied and buffed out.
- Hot tub filter cleaner: This special soaking formula lifts dirt and grime out of the nooks and crannies of hot tub filters. Use about once every one to two weeks for optimal performance.
- Hot tub pipe cleaner: Like a kitchen drain cleaner, these heavy-duty formulas clean the gunk you can’t see. Clean the plumbing every three to four months, or every time you change the hot tub water.
How We Found the Best Hot Tub Cleaners
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How often do hot tubs need cleaning?
Hot tub filters should be rinsed about once a week, with a deeper filter cleaning occurring at least once a month. This monthly filter cleaning is also a good time to wipe down the waterline and other exposed surfaces and run a cleaning agent through the pipes and filtration system.
Do you have to empty a hot tub to clean it?
Any of the products we included on this list work without draining the hot tub. Spray cleaners are especially suited for cleaning the waterline, where a layer of scum is most likely to form. For stains and build-up under the water level, you’ll need to drain your hot tub, clean it thoroughly and refill it.
What chemicals do you put in a hot tub to keep it clean?
The chemicals you use for cleaning a hot tub depend on the system you’ve installed. Your pool and spa pro should walk you through routine maintenance and cleaning tips, and provide you with a list of the necessary chemicals, including test strips to check for chemical balances. When in doubt, always refer to the instruction manual for the best cleaning and hot tub safety tips.
What can I use to scrub the inside of my hot tub?
Along with the best hot tub cleaners, a soft brush or scrubby tool should be sufficient to clean off most of the grime on the inside of your hot tub or jacuzzi. You can buy the items separately or purchase a maintenance accessory kit with all the hot tub cleaning tools you’ll need.
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