Most people don’t give too much consideration to the plumbing line in their spa. However, buildup in the plumbing and pipes of your hot tub can have a drastic effect on your water chemistry and the overall cleanliness of the water. Over time, the inside of your spa’s plumbing can become covered in grease and sludge from everyday use, which is why it is necessary to ensure safe and clean water by periodically carrying out a hot tub line flush.
Do I really need to clean my plumbing if I have clear water?
You may think that with all the sanitizing chemicals you are using in your spa, that it should be fully disinfecting the pipes, too. However just through normal use over time, the spa can begin to have a build-up of minerals, grime and dirt inside the pipes that your sanitizer is not designed to break down. Flushing out the lines will get rid of the build up and keep your water clean as long as possible.
How often should I clean my spa plumbing?
How frequently you use your spa will help you to determine how often you need to deep clean your plumbing. Most spa owners find that with average use (2 people using a spa, 2-3 times a week) doing a line flush and full drain of the spa quarterly (around every 3 months) is often enough to keep everything clean and clear.
A good rule of thumb: it’s time to flush your lines if you have cloudy, slimy or smelly water. If you have just purchased a new-to-you hot tub, a line flush is also a great starting point to help with water balance and chemistry.
How do I clean the plumbing in my hot tub?
When cleaning your spa plumbing, there are a couple of steps to ensure it gets squeaky clean.
- Ensure that your filter is clean and in good working order; the filter is extremely important to help keep your plumbing free of grime and residue. Remove and clean your filter using a chemical filter cleaner. If the filter is looking frayed, torn or swollen, it may be time to purchase a new one. Set aside the filters to dry for now.
- Even though you will be changing the water, using an oxidizing shock will help to burn off contaminants from the water and filtration system. Circulate the water after at high speed through the filtration system and allow it to run for 20-30 minutes (make sure to keep your insulated cover off the hot tub)
- Clean out the biofilm from the pipes by adding a line flushing product. Help circulate the product by turning on the jets and allow to run through the system, this will help to break up, the grease and grime buildup inside the plumbing. Always follow the directions on the line flush bottle for specific dosage instructions.
- Once your water has been circulated, drain hot tub completely and rinse out the bottom with cold water to ensure all residue is drained out.
- Once empty, giving the spa a good wipe down is never a bad idea.
- Before refilling, put the clean and dry filters back in the hot tub.
- Once filled, test water and add chemicals accordingly (more on chemicals here)
Keeping your pipes clean is extremely important for making sure your water stays nice and clean. Making plumbing health part of your maintenance routine is one of the best ways to keep your water clean, and jets and plumbing free of grime and buildup, allowing you and your family to relax in squeaky clean spa.