To ensure the longevity of your bubbling and pleasantly relaxing whirlpool bath, commonly referred to as a Jacuzzi, it is very important to adhere to certain rules for its care.
You will have to pay attention not only to the bowl, but also to cleaning the internal mechanism - those very elements of the system that saturate the water with air, control its movement and pressure.
So, we’ll tell you how to care for your hot tub to keep the system in good condition.
After each relaxing procedure, you probably rinse the tank and take care of it, based on the characteristics of the material from which it is made. But in the case of a jacuzzi, as we have already said, superficial cleaning is not enough. Internal equipment requires increased attention and care.
If you actively use your jacuzzi, then general cleaning, including cleaning the hydromassage system, is recommended to be carried out approximately once a month. The reason is that pipes and nozzles in which moisture remains are an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. In addition, dirt that accumulates during use can cause an unpleasant odor.
Proper care of a Jacuzzi includes cleaning filters, removing surface contaminants and disinfecting nozzles, hydromassage pipes and joints. To do this, it is recommended to use a specialized Jacuzzi cleaning product.
There are different ways to care for your hot tub:
Why should you clean your hot tub?
Before starting cleaning, you need to familiarize yourself with the reasons for cleaning. Experts recommend regularly cleaning your Jacuzzi, as mold and bacteria gradually accumulate in the pipes. Such contaminants externally look like sticky black dirt, which can only be removed with detergents. If you do not get rid of such contamination, after turning on the hydromassage, the water will become dirty.
The structure must also be cleaned to remove biofilms. In this case, you will have to use more powerful cleaning agents for acrylic structures.
Simple rules
If you properly care for your hot tub and follow simple guidelines, you won't have to clean it as often.
- Install water filters. They will catch even the smallest specks and prevent blockages.
- After each wash, rinse the tank with clean water.
- Do not use oils, lotions or foaming products while in the hot tub.
- Plain salts should not be used either. Buy only those that have a special mark.
- Use hair and nail polishes away from the structure.
All these tips will help extend the life of your hydromassage device. By adhering to them, you can also maintain the presentable appearance of your plumbing fixtures.
The popularity of Jacuzzis is growing, however, most people prefer a regular bathtub due to the complex care of these devices.
If you do not clean regularly, bacteria will enter the bathtub with bubbling water, then into the air and human lungs, and some types of microorganisms can be picked up directly from the bowl. Therefore, the tank should be cleaned after each bath and disinfected annually.
How to properly clean pipes at home
Often, when carrying out work, you have to clean the tubes, in which contaminants most often accumulate. The procedure is carried out in several stages:
- Dismantling. First, all contaminated elements must be dismantled. This must be done carefully so as not to accidentally break anything.
- Cleaning. You don't have to use cleaning products for this. If the accumulated dirt is small, you can simply pass a strong water pressure through the pipes.
- Installation. When all the elements are cleaned, they are installed in place.
Rules for regular cleaning
There are several rules for regular cleaning that you should familiarize yourself with in advance.
Daily
To prevent the bathroom from becoming dirty, it is necessary to clean it every day. It is not necessary to use special cleaning products. It is enough to rinse the Jacuzzi after each use to wash away any remaining dirt. Then wipe the surface with a dry cloth or soft sponge.
It is contraindicated to use hard sponges, as they can damage the coating.
Monthly
It is necessary to clean the Jacuzzi from dirt monthly. In this case, the following sequence of actions is performed:
- filling the bathtub with water to 5-10 centimeters;
- infusion of disinfectant;
- turning on the pumps for five minutes;
- draining water;
- refilling the structure with water and connecting pumps;
- dismantling filters and their further cleaning;
- installation of cleaned filtration elements;
- wiping the cleaned surface of the Jacuzzi with a dry cloth.
See also
Rules for using acid to remove rust from metal, how to dilute
Annual
Full-scale cleaning of structures should be carried out annually. It is done as follows:
- Filling the bath. It fills with water at a level of 5-7 centimeters.
- Adding vinegar. To better clean contaminants, add a liter of vinegar to the water.
- Turning on the pumps. They are connected for 1-2 minutes.
- Rinsing the bath. The washed structure must be rinsed to get rid of any remaining dirt.
- Wiping the coating. The washed surface should be wiped dry with a dry cloth.
If the bathtub is made of artificial stone
This type of hydromassage bathtub is considered the easiest to clean, since cleaning does not require the use of any special products. Optimal care is to regularly wash the surface of the bowl with ordinary liquid soap, preferably household soap with antibacterial additives.
Some experts recommend sometimes using polishes that have a soft structure to maintain the beautiful appearance of the bathtub. If the bathtub is in disrepair, you can clean it with products designed for acrylic surfaces.
Overview of special tools
There are six effective products that are often used when cleaning a Jacuzzi.
Wonder worker
This is an effective product used to disinfect and clean bathroom structures. With its help, you can clean the coating from residual grease, soap, dirt and even limescale. The main advantage of Wonder Worker is that it is completely safe for almost any type of coating.
To clean the Jacuzzi, you need to fill it with water and add a little cleaning liquid. Then the pumps are turned on for half an hour. When they are turned off, the water is drained and the structure is wiped with a cloth.
Jacuzzi Bagi
This is one of the most effective means for cleaning swimming pools, massage types of bathtubs and Jacuzzis. Regular use of Bagi prevents the formation of fungi and bacteria. With this cleaning mixture you can clean both the external and internal surfaces of structures.
The bottom of the jacuzzi is covered with water, after which five milliliters of Bagi are added to it. The mixture is thoroughly stirred, after which it is washed off. Then water is refilled and the washed surface is rinsed.
Mellured
This is a multifunctional product that not only removes dirt, but also helps get rid of unpleasant odors. Mellured effectively fights bacteria, fungi and other dangerous microorganisms. Such household chemicals are used to remove plaque from the bowl itself and the pipeline.
Before cleaning, the detergent is mixed with some water, after which the bathtub is wiped with the resulting mixture.
After treatment, the surface must be rinsed with water.
Unicum
This is a universal household product that is often used to clean hot tubs. With its help you can get rid of mold, fungi and bacteria. Among the advantages of Unicum is that it cleans not only external coatings, but also internal pipes. Other advantages include the presence of disinfectant properties, the ability to remove grease and compatibility with most types of coatings.
See also
Instructions on how to clean the ventilation in your apartment yourself
Triton
This detergent is used to remove stains from cast iron, steel and acrylic coatings. Triton is ideal for removing water scale, plaque, rust and grease marks. The product contains disinfecting components and therefore is used to disinfect plumbing fixtures.
Triton should be used regularly, as it stops the development of fungi and mold.
Edel Weiss
Sometimes it is necessary to clean the hydraulic system. For this it is better to use Edel Weiss, which copes with this task perfectly. It is recommended to mix the composition with water during use. At the same time, only 250-300 milliliters of chemical are consumed per hundred liters of water. Edel Weiss must be combined not with cold, but with warm liquid.
Storage tank
Experienced specialists can carry out cleaning in a short time. This will not only return the failed bowl to use, but will also extend its service life.
And all because professional Jacuzzi cleaning products are used.
This hygienic equipment can be washed using traditional methods, but it is highly undesirable.
Acrylic
Like any plumbing fixture, an acrylic bowl requires periodic washing and cleaning.
This is a wear-resistant material with a dirt-repellent effect, but is easily scratched. Therefore, you cannot use powdered cleaning products, only liquid ones.
Hot tub cleaner:
- Sano Jet foam has an antibacterial effect. It is used to remove dirt from any acrylic surfaces, including hot tubs. Foam removes limescale and rust without scratching the surface.
- Prosept “Bath Acryl” - suitable for all acrylic surfaces. This composition is gel-like, it contains citric acid, due to which effective cleansing is carried out. After use, it forms a thin film that prevents plaque, slows down the appearance of dirt and removes unpleasant odors.
- Bagi “Jacuzzi” is also suitable for these purposes. Its unique composition is suitable for cleaning and preventing hydromassage baths. The cleansing is gentle and quickly removes dirt, plaque and soap residue.
- Cleaning a Jacuzzi with professional products is carried out according to the same algorithm; only the amount of gel changes (see instructions on the package).
- Fill the Jacuzzi with water until it covers the holes.
- Then add cleaner.
- Run the bath for a while. For some products, 3 minutes is enough, others require 30 minutes. Read all such information on the label.
- The waste water must be drained and the bowl refilled. After two minutes of operation, you can drain the liquid and wipe the tank dry.
Features of surface cleaning
Cleaning surfaces made from various materials has certain features that you need to become familiar with.
Acrylic
Most often, bowls are made of acrylic. This material is wear-resistant and durable. However, despite these features, acrylic surfaces are easily scratched. Therefore, when cleaning them, it is contraindicated to use powdered detergents. It is better to use liquid cleaners that dissolve in water when used.
Marble
Products made from marble are the easiest to care for. Such coatings are the most durable and reliable. The marble surface is not scratched and therefore you can use any means to clean it. The easiest way to clean such coatings is with laundry soap. It is diluted with water and applied to the surface with a cloth. Cleaning with laundry soap is carried out 2-3 times a month.
Cast iron
Cast iron structures are treated not only with liquid detergents, but also with powder. They are applied to the contaminated surface and then wiped with a damp cloth. Such powders must be used carefully so as not to leave marks on the surface.
Work should be performed with durable rubberized gloves so that the skin does not come into contact with the soapy liquid.
Secrets of proper maintenance?
Daily care
How to care for a hot tub? It's quite simple. Each time after taking water procedures, the product is washed with warm water and wiped dry with a soft cloth. That's the whole secret! Using detergents (and especially abrasive ones) and hard sponges every day is not allowed.
How to clean the surface of the bathtub?
All hydromassage baths are made from different materials, so it is very important to choose the right care methods and products for each individual case.
So how to clean and rinse the surface of a hot tub at home?
Acrylic
It is considered the most delicate material and needs careful care . To avoid damaging the surface, do not use metal brushes or abrasives . Also, do not use acetone or solvents.
Before choosing cleaning products , it is worth studying in detail all their advantages and disadvantages in relation to acrylic.
The ideal option would be chemistry in the form of a gel, foam or cream. But ordinary powder will most likely scratch the coating. Good choices would be triton acrilic cleaner and Sif cream.
A special feature of acrylic is its repairability. With the help of special restoration kits, you can easily get rid of scratches, chips, as well as cracks and breakdowns of the coating.
Marble
Marble baths are the easiest to maintain. It doesn't even need to use household chemicals . Simply use a soap solution. To make surfaces shiny, you can use car polishes. If you have neglected the product too much and cleaning with soapy water does not help, products designed for caring for acrylic surfaces will help deal with the dirt.
Cast iron
An easy-to-clean material, its enamel coating is much less susceptible to damage than acrylic. But cast-iron hot tubs also have special features when cleaning - in no case should you use alcohol emulsions, gasoline or acetone - this can lead to damage to the enamel.
Flushing the hydromassage system at home
Unfortunately, the quality of water in our apartments leaves much to be desired: rust, lime - all this settles in the hydraulic system of the jacuzzi.
Therefore, it is very important to flush all tubes and pumps every 2-3 months. If the hydromassage system does not have an automatic cleaning function , then it must be cared for as follows:
- fill the product with warm water 5 cm above the upper nozzles;
- pour 100 ml of cleaning agent that can be used when caring for the hydraulic system of a jacuzzi;
- turn on the pump for half an hour;
- drain the water and rinse the surface with clean water;
- Wipe the bowl dry.
Instead of detergent, you can use 1 liter of vinegar essence or 200 g of citric acid to wash hot tubs; these substances will help break down lime deposits.
If the Jacuzzi has an automatic cleaning system , then you must adhere to the following instructions:
- fill the bath with water above the level of the nozzles;
- Pour the cleaning agent according to the instructions on the label into a special dosing device;
- turn on automatic cleaning mode;
- drain the water;
- fill the bathtub with clean water and turn on the motor again for 2 minutes. Drain the water and wipe the product with a dry cloth.
Also, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it is necessary to periodically remove and wash the filters. If they are heavily soiled, soak them in a basin with any detergent.
Disinfection
To prevent microbes from multiplying in the hydraulic system, it is recommended to disinfect plumbing fixtures at least once a month.
Depending on the technical structure of the font, various methods of carrying out this procedure are used.
Option #1
If the plumbing has an automatic cleaning function, the procedure is performed as follows:
- Pour water into the bath at 45 degrees Celsius. It should completely cover the injectors.
- Next, according to the instructions, we pour the jacuzzi disinfectant into a special reservoir.
- Turn on the cleaning function.
- After this, drain the water and rinse the plumbing fixtures.
- We repeat the same thing with cold water and without household chemicals.
- After turning off the self-cleaning function, drain the water and wipe the surface dry.
If you don’t have a special disinfectant, it doesn’t matter.
You can pour a weak chlorine solution into the bowl in a proportion of 5-10 ml per 1 liter of water. Option No. 2
It is used for Jacuzzis that do not have self-cleaning functions:
- Pour hot water into the product so that the nozzles remain 1 cm below the water level.
- Add the chosen product for the hot tub (300 – 500 ml).
- Turn on the device at high power for 15 minutes.
- After turning off the pump, leave it to settle for another 20 - 30 minutes.
- Drain the water. Pour in clean water and turn on the hydromassage mode for 5 minutes.
- After this, all that remains is to drain the water and wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Before you disinfect your hot tub, you must completely clean the tub of dust, dirt, and buildup.
Hydraulic system disinfection
It is necessary to carry out disinfection work at least once a month. The procedure is carried out to clean the pipes of dangerous bacteria and plaque.
See also
How and what is the best way to clean coins made of different metals at home
During the procedure, all disinfectant compounds must be diluted with water. The prepared composition is poured into a small hole located on the side of the structure. When the product is poured in, the disinfection cycle starts. After ten minutes, the poured liquid is drained.
Additional tips and tricks
To clean black spots and get rid of dirt flakes, you must adhere to the following recommendations and useful tips:
- After each cleaning, the Jacuzzi must be rinsed so that no detergent residue remains on the coating;
- When taking a bath, you should not use oils, as they leave a residue on the coating;
- It is better to wipe surfaces with soft cloths so as not to leave scratches and other marks;
- Preventive cleaning of the Jacuzzi should be carried out at least three times a week.
Common technical problems
A hydromassage bath is a complex technical system equipped with an impressive range of functionalities.
They are responsible for starting and stopping equipment, stimulating the movement of water, saturating it with air, generating pressure, and also performing a number of various significant actions. We talked more about the construction of a hot tub in our other article.
Along with other types of equipment, functional Jacuzzi systems require scheduled and sometimes unscheduled maintenance. Scheduled inspections should be carried out at the frequency specified by the manufacturer of the technical system, unscheduled inspections should be carried out immediately after a problem is detected.
The technical equipment of a jacuzzi requires preventive inspections and periodic troubleshooting, some of which can be corrected with your own hands.
Signs of an easily repairable or impending serious breakdown include:
- Failure or delay on/off. Technical systems with braking react when buttons are pressed and do not start or turn off. If such deviations in operation are detected, it is advisable to call a specialist who specializes in repairing Jacuzzi equipment.
- Knocking out traffic jams. You should definitely call an electrician to possibly lay and connect a separate branch of the electrical network for the hot tub.
- Difficult water flow. A purely plumbing nuisance is a blockage, which, if you know the design of the Jacuzzi bowl, you can deal with yourself.
- Insufficient pressure. If the jets no longer produce a massage effect, it means that the nozzles are clogged. To fix the problem, you need to carefully unscrew the cap and remove dirt and sediment from the inner surface with a soft rag.
- Low quality water supply. Occurs due to clogged or failed filters that need to be cleaned or replaced.
Like any plumbing equipment, a hydromassage bath is subject to all breakdowns that occur due to the failure of faucets or just cartridges. Their repair and replacement are carried out according to the standard scheme.
Another type of serious disruption to the operation of equipment is associated with breakdowns of the air compressor and pumping equipment.
Without knowledge and experience in the field of repair of compressor and pumping equipment, you should not undertake troubleshooting. It is better to contact a specialized workshop.
We recommend looking at our other article for more information about various breakdowns of a hydromassage bathtub and methods for eliminating them.