Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Inflatable Hot Tub

If you own an inflatable hot tub, you already know how amazing it feels to slip into that warm, bubbling water. But let’s be honest—keeping it clean is key to making sure it stays that way. A dirty hot tub can ruin the whole experience, and trust me, it’s much easier to stay on top of maintenance than to fix things when they’ve gone bad. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks (some the hard way) to keep my hot tub looking and feeling fresh. Here’s a simple guide to cleaning your inflatable hot tub without too much hassle.

Drain the Water Regularly

Let’s start with the basics. Draining your hot tub is essential, but you don’t have to do it every week. Depending on how often you use it, aim to change the water every 1-3 months. When draining, I like to connect a garden hose to make the process easier. Just be mindful of where the water is going—I made the mistake of draining mine near my flowerbeds once, and let’s just say the plants weren’t too happy with all those chemicals.

Scrub the Liner

Once the tub is empty, grab a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean the liner. You’d be surprised how much grime builds up, even if the water looks clean. I like to use a gentle cleaner specifically made for hot tubs. One time, I thought dish soap would do the trick, but it left a residue that took forever to rinse out. Never again.

Take your time with this step and pay extra attention to the edges and seams. Those little spots are magnets for dirt and soap scum. 

Clean the Filter

The filter is the unsung hero of your hot tub. It keeps the water circulating and catches all the dirt and debris. I check mine every week and rinse it out with the garden hose. If it’s looking really bad, soak it in a filter cleaner overnight. I replaced my filter once after neglecting it for months, and the difference in water quality was huge. Lesson learned—filters are worth the effort.

Refill with Fresh Water

After the tub is scrubbed and sparkling, it’s time to refill it. Make sure to add a water sanitizer like bromine or chlorine as soon as it’s full. It keeps the water safe and prevents bacteria from building up. A friend of mine likes to toss in a spa clarifier after filling her tub, and I started doing the same. It makes the water look extra clean, almost like it’s brand new.

Keep the Cover Clean

Don’t forget about your hot tub cover. It protects your tub from dirt, leaves, and who knows what else, but it gets dirty too. I wipe mine down every couple of weeks with a mild cleaner. Once, I left mine untouched for months, and when I finally cleaned it, there was this weird mildew smell I couldn’t get rid of. Trust me, a little upkeep goes a long way.

Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

To make your life easier, stick to a weekly maintenance routine. Test your water regularly, add the right chemicals, and keep an eye on your filter. My neighbor swears by setting a reminder on her phone, and honestly, it’s a genius idea. I’ve forgotten to test my water so many times that I finally started doing the same.