How to Clean Inflatable Hot Tub: 9 Essential Steps for Crystal-Clear Water and Longer Lifespan

Introduction — The Simple Answer to “How Do You Clean an Inflatable Hot Tub?”

Cleaning an inflatable hot tub might sound like a chore, but it’s the single most important thing you can do to keep your spa safe, hygienic, and long-lasting. Regular cleaning removes dirt, body oils, dead skin, bacteria, and algae before they have a chance to damage the tub or make soaking unsafe. If you clean your inflatable hot tub on a schedule and use the right products, you’ll not only keep the water crystal-clear—you’ll also extend the life of the tub’s liner, pump, and filter. Think of cleaning as a form of preventative maintenance: a few minutes every week can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs or replacements later. In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

• The must-have tools for cleaning your inflatable hot tub
• The basic weekly cleaning routine
• The deep-clean process for seasonal or heavy-use maintenance
• Extra features and hacks to make cleaning easier
• FAQs about inflatable hot tub care

By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to keep your inflatable hot tub sparkling clean, safe, and ready for a relaxing soak—any day of the year.

1. Gather Your Hot Tub Cleaning Essentials

Before you start scrubbing, you’ll need the right tools and products. Having these on hand makes the process smoother and ensures you can tackle both light cleaning and deep maintenance without interruptions.

Must-Have Cleaning Tools:

• Garden Hose – For rinsing, flushing, and refilling your tub.
• Soft Sponge, Cloth, or Towel – Gentle on the liner to prevent scratches.
• Skimmer Net – Removes floating leaves, bugs, and debris.
• All-in-One Chemical Starter Kit – Usually includes:
  • Brominating Tabs (sanitizer)
  • pH Plus (to raise pH)
  • pH Minus (to lower pH)
  • Scum Destroyer (removes oily residue)
  • Bromine Test Strips (for chemical testing)
• Chemical Floater – Keeps sanitizer tablets circulating evenly in the water.

Nice-to-Have Tools (Highly Recommended):

• All-In-One Cleaning Tool Set – Scoop, brush, and scrubbing mitt for stubborn grime.
• Cordless Vacuum – Great for removing grit and sand from the bottom.
• Replacement Filters – Always have extras ready to swap in.

Pro Tip: Store all your hot tub cleaning supplies together in a waterproof bin. This makes weekly maintenance faster and ensures you won’t skip cleaning because you can’t find a tool.

2. Weekly Basic Cleaning: Your 4-Step Maintenance Routine

Basic cleaning keeps your inflatable hot tub water fresh between deep cleans. It’s quick, simple, and should be done at least once a week (or more if you use the tub daily).

Step 1: Skim Out Dirt and Debris

Use a skimmer net to collect floating debris like leaves, insects, and twigs. For debris that has settled on the bottom, use a cordless vacuum or manually scoop it up with a net. Why it matters: Debris not only looks bad—it can clog your filter and introduce bacteria.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Exterior and Cover

Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the outer liner. Clean the hot tub cover, especially if it’s exposed to dust, pollen, or bird droppings. Why it matters: Dirt on the outside can easily be transferred to the inside when you remove the cover or climb in.

Step 3: Clean or Replace the Filter

Rinse the filter under running water using the garden hose. If the filter is worn out, discolored, or cracked, replace it. Why it matters: Filters are your first line of defense against cloudy or contaminated water.

Step 4: Top Up Water and Adjust Chemicals

Add water to reach the minimum fill line if it has dropped. Use test strips to check bromine and pH levels, then adjust with your chemical kit. Why it matters: Low sanitizer levels or incorrect pH can cause bacterial growth, skin irritation, and damage to your tub.

3. Deep Cleaning: The Full 7-Step Process

Deep cleaning should be done every 1–3 months, depending on use. If your tub is heavily used or water looks cloudy despite regular cleaning, do it sooner.

Step 1: Remove Debris (Same as Weekly Step 1)

Clear the water surface and bottom of any debris. This prevents gunk from smearing on the liner during draining.

Step 2: Drain the Water

• Turn off the pump and unplug it.
• Remove the filter and chemical floater.
• Attach your garden hose to the drain valve and empty water to a safe drainage area.

Pro Tip: Don’t drain directly onto grass—the chemicals can harm it.

Step 3: Clean the Pump Unit

• Flush out the pump with the garden hose.
• Tilt it to remove excess water.
• Dry it using the inflation hose and AirJet™ system if available.
• Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Scrub the Liner and Cover

• Mix mild soap with warm water.
• Wipe the inside and outside of the liner with a sponge or cloth.
• Pay extra attention to the waterline—this is where oils and dirt build up.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Dry completely to prevent mold.

Step 5: Clean or Replace the Filter (Same as Weekly Step 3)

Step 6: Refill with Fresh Water

• Use your garden hose to fill to the correct level.
• Avoid using softened water—it can be too low in minerals and may damage equipment.

Step 7: Balance the Water with Chemicals

• Test pH, alkalinity, and bromine levels.
• Add chemicals as needed.
• Run the pump for at least 30 minutes before soaking.

4. Two Additional Features for Easier Maintenance

Feature 1: Inline Water Filter for Filling

Attach an inline filter to your garden hose before refilling the tub. This removes impurities like metals and sediment before they even enter your spa, keeping water cleaner for longer.

Feature 2: Thermal Blanket for Heat Retention

Floating a thermal blanket under the cover reduces heat loss, prevents evaporation, and minimizes chemical use. It also reduces debris buildup, meaning less frequent cleanings.

5. Preventative Maintenance Tips

• Shower before soaking to reduce oils, lotions, and dirt entering the water.
• Keep the cover on when not in use to block debris and UV damage.
• Rotate filters—have at least two and swap weekly while the other is cleaned and dried.
• Monitor chemical levels twice a week, even if you don’t use the tub often.

6. FAQs

Q1: How often should I change the water in my inflatable hot tub?

Every 1–3 months, depending on use and water quality. Heavy use or improper chemical balance may require more frequent changes.

Q2: Can I use chlorine instead of bromine?

Yes, but bromine is generally gentler on inflatable hot tub liners and more stable in warm water.

Q3: What’s the best way to prevent cloudy water?

Maintain proper chemical balance, clean the filter weekly, and ensure bathers rinse off before use.

Conclusion — A Clean Tub Is a Happy Tub

Cleaning your inflatable hot tub isn’t just about keeping the water clear—it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring a safe soaking environment, and maximizing relaxation time. With a solid weekly routine and periodic deep cleaning, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water, a fresh-smelling spa, and a tub that lasts for many seasons. So, gather your supplies, follow these steps, and treat your inflatable hot tub like the luxury it is. After all, nothing feels better than sinking into perfectly warm, perfectly clean water at the end of a long day.