4 Household products to get a shiny, happy hot tub

Whatever your reason for wanting to use natural or less toxic products and cleaners, chances are many exist in your pantry already. This list is for those who want to keep it simple and clean. I’ll try to explain what works as well as why so you have a deeper understanding of how and what to use when – without causing damage to the surfaces of your hot tub or spa.

White vinigar

We all know this is an awesome cleaner it’s used to clean coffee pots. It says Bye-bye germs, mold, water spots, and soap scum on showerheads, floors and most surfaces. Because it has has a PH of 2.5 to 4 it’s strong enough to dissolve ick without harsh chemicals. And is less apt to damage soft surfaces like a hot tub cover and is nonabrasive on the harder surfaces.

That said NEVER use it thinking it will clean the plumbing. The Bio-film is another beast that vinegar has no effect on. You must use ahh-some gel to penetrate that nasty stuff. You can also use as a filter cleaner- but remember if it’s really dirty use a true filter cleaner.

HOW TO:  Use equal parts vinegar and water – Spray or drench the area you want to clean – let sit for 15 min. Wipe with a sponge. Repete if needed. Soak filter in a bucket for 2 hours.
​WHAT ON:  Hot tub cover: All hard surfaces of the hot tub and filters. Rinse all residue off your filters, cover and drain rinse water before refilling your hot tub.

Baking soda

This humble yellow box is your best friend. 
​How to: Mix it with water to create a mild abrasive. If you have a stubborn water line put it on a sponge and scrub.
WHAT ON:Everything.

Rubbing Alcohol

If you want to shine up some chrome or stainless knows dials or surfaces you’ll love this.
HOW TO: Add a small amount to a soft cloth or sponge. Rub until shiny.

Diluted bleach

Just like vinegar, bleach breaks up stains. And has the added benefit of killing bacteria. You can use Bleach if Vinegar has failed. Bleach can break molecular bonds which give stains color. If the bond is broken the color is gone.
DANGER:Never ever mix bleach with Liquid EXCEPT WATER. And you MUST RINSE SURFACES BEFORE AND AFTER with water. Or you will risk damage. Mixing bleach with other chemicals to form toxic gasses and chemical clouds.
HOW TO: Stain remover: Use equal parts bleach and water – in a spray bottle – spray on the prepared surface – let sit for 15 min. Wipe with a sponge. Scrub with a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth.
WHAT ON: hard shell surfaces. As a shock in water to kill unwanted organics and bacteria

Bleach as a hot tub shock

Choose non-scented and without additives. Household bleach will raise the pH level because it has a very high pH of 13. We like this method because it is designed to evaporate very fast which allows you to bathe sooner. Some customers with water balancing challenges may find it easier to use chlorine granules or non-chlorine shock (MPS), which are more pH neutral.
HOW TO: add 1/2 Cup per 100 gallons or Test the water with a chlorine test kit will to determine the proper amount, raise the level to 10 ppm.