Hot tubs are not just for parties anymore. The International Hot Tub Association claims there are positive health benefits of a hot tub for sleep, hypertension, and heart disease. To get the full health benefit from your hot tub, keep it clean and bacteria free and reduce the chance of a hot tub infection by following a few simple steps:

DIY Hot Tub Cleaning?

While there are services that will clean your hot tub, with a few simple supplies, you can do all of the work yourself. A variety of hot tub cleaners and other supplies are available online. The tools will last you a long time and give your hot tub many years of service.

To fully clean your hot tub, you will need to maintain:

• the filter
• the shell
• the cover

These are the areas people will come in contact with and pose the greatest risk of causing an infection. Keeping each of the three clean prolongs the life of the hot tub and reduces the risk of any health issues.

The Hot Tub Filter

Many manufacturers recommend that the filter be cleaned once a month, says the Hot Tub Guide. Cleaning the filter regularly extends the life of the filter so you don’t have to replace it as often. A dirty filter reduces its effectiveness meaning your hot tub will just continue to become dirtier until the filter is cleaned or replace.

Remove the filter and hose it off carefully, getting into the pleats and folds to remove dirt and slime. You can also purchase a cleaning solution in which to soak the filter. This can help loosen dirt trapped in the filter material. Follow the instructions that comes with the solution and make sure to rinse off the filter well before reinstalling it.

You might find it beneficial to buy an extra filter to use in the hot tub while you are cleaning the old one. Place the newly cleaned filter somewhere dirt and dust free to dry. The next month you can switch filters and clean the one that was in the hot tub.

The Hot Tub Shell

The body of the hot tub, the place where you sit, should be drained and cleaned once every three months. The typical acrylic hot tub shell can be wiped clean with a sponge and a small amount of mild bathroom cleaner. Don’t use anything abrasive or that contains bleach. Baking soda can be used to gently remove stains, suggests Hot Spring.

After cleaning the shell, rinse with clean water several times and drain to remove any cleaning solution residue. If possible, allow the shell to dry in the sun before refilling.

Hot tub jets rarely clog but you can clean them while you have the shell drained. Use a Q-tip and a cloth to gently swab out any material collected in the jet. A jet that is not working at all is probably not clogged and will need replacing.

The Hot Tub Cover

Since the cover spends most of its time exposed to the weather, it will have the most build up of dirt and mildew. Remove the cover and hose it off with fresh water. Using a mild soap solution or a pool cover cleaner, scrub the entire cover with a large sponge. Make sure to scrub the upper and lower surfaces, plus the sides. If the cover bends or folds, clean thoroughly in the creases.

Rinse the cover several times to remove any residue and allow it to dry thoroughly before using it on the hot tub. You may also buy a solution to spray or sponge onto the cover to help protect the vinyl material.

The Impact of a Dirty Hot Tub

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes a particular skin infection called Hot Tub Rash occurs when you come into contact with dirty water for a prolonged time (e.g. several hours). Keeping your hot tub clean reduces this risk to your friends and family.