Hot tubs provide relaxation and therapy for sore muscles. However, without proper maintenance, hot tubs can become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause infections. One important maintenance task is cleaning the jet lines that circulate water through the hot tub. Jet lines easily become clogged with dirt, body oils, and calcium deposits that reduce water flow. Cleaning the jet lines regularly helps keep your hot tub functioning properly for safe enjoyment. This article provides steps for effectively cleaning the jet lines in a hot tub.
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Why Clean Jet Lines?
Jet lines circulate hot water through the hot tub providing massage therapy for users. Over time, residue from body oils, lotions, and dirt builds up inside these lines. This clogs the jets and reduces water flow and pressure. Reduced flow means the therapy jets do not work as well. More importantly, clogged jets allow water to stagnate promoting bacteria growth. Stagnant water also causes more limescale buildup from hard water. Cleaning the jet lines regularly helps avoid these problems.
How Often Should You Clean Jet Lines?
Most experts recommend cleaning hot tub jet lines every 1-3 months depending on usage. Heavily used commercial hot tubs may need cleaning monthly. Residential hot tubs used less often only need cleaning every 2-3 months. Checking jet flow and buildup inside the lines helps determine the right cleaning frequency for your hot tub. If you notice reduced water pressure from the jets or see residue accumulating, it is time to clean.
Steps to Clean Jet Lines
Cleaning jet lines involves simple steps but does take some time and elbow grease. You will need to drain all the water from the hot tub. Follow these basic steps:
Drain and Disconnect Power
Turn off power to the hot tub at the GFCI circuit breaker before draining water. Locate the drain valve and attach a garden hose. Open the valve and drain all water from the hot tub completely.
Remove Jets
Most hot tub jets twist out of their fitting. Grasp the outer rim of each jet fixture and twist counter-clockwise. Pull the jet out of the fitting. Place jets in a bucket to keep all the parts together.
Clean Jet Fixtures
Check each jet fixture for limescale or other deposits. Soak fixtures in white vinegar or a descaling solution to dissolve any buildup. Use a small brush to scrub out the nozzle opening thoroughly. Rinse fixtures and set aside.
Flush Lines
With all jets removed, attach a garden hose to the drain valve opening. Turn on water and let it flow into each jet line pushing out debris. You may need to cover other jet openings to increase pressure into each line. Flush each line for 1-2 minutes.
Clean with Detergent
Fill the hot tub with warm water and add a few tablespoons of dish soap. Use a long bottle brush and scrub out each jet line opening thoroughly. The detergent helps break up oily residue. Drain all the soapy water.
Rinse
Refill the hot tub with fresh water. Run the filtration system for 30 minutes allowing all jet lines to circulate clean water. Drain all the rinse water.
Sanitize
As a final step, wipe the inside of the hot tub with a clean towel soaked in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. This disinfects surfaces to inhibit bacteria growth. Rinse surfaces with a wet towel.
Reinstall Jets
Insert each jet fixture into the fitting and twist clockwise to secure back in place. Hand tighten only. Connect power and refill hot tub with fresh water. Run the jets for 15 minutes to check that all lines are flowing properly.
Cleaning Products to Use
For best results cleaning jet lines, have these products on hand:
| Cleaning Product | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | Descales and disinfects |
| Dish soap | Cuts through oils and grease |
| Long bottle brush | Scrubs inside jet lines |
| Small brush | Cleans jet fixtures |
| Bucket | Holds jet parts |
Tips for Easier Cleaning
Follow these tips to make cleaning the jet lines easier:
- Clean jet lines after each drain and refill of the hot tub.
- Soak jet fixtures in vinegar solution while cleaning lines.
- Always completely drain all water from lines before refilling.
- Alternate white vinegar and dish soap for heavy buildup.
- Increase flushing pressure by blocking off some jets.
- Replace any damaged or worn out jets.
- Rinse thoroughly after soap to avoid foamy water.
Warning Signs of Clogged Jets
Watch for these signs that the jet lines need cleaning:
- Reduced water flow from jets
- Jets release air more than water
- Water pressure seems weak
- Residue visible around jet fittings
- Cloudy water even after shocking
- Musty or foul odor from jets
Address clogged jets right away before major problems develop.
When to Call a Professional
While cleaning the jet lines is a do-it-yourself project, some situations do require a hot tub professional:
- Jet fixtures cannot be removed for cleaning
- Jet fittings are damaged or broken
- Jet lines still clogged after multiple cleanings
- Calcification is excessive and vinegar cannot dissolve
- You find leaks around plumbing fittings
- Electrical issues prevent draining the hot tub
Let a skilled technician handle any complicated disassembly or plumbing repairs.
Maintain Cleanliness Between Cleanings
To maximize time between deep cleanings follow these tips:
- Rinse filter cartridges weekly to remove debris
- Shock sanitize water after heavy bather loads
- Test and adjust chemicals twice a week
- Run jets on high after each use to circulate water
- Clean covers regularly to prevent organic matter from entering
- Replace hot tub water every 3-4 months
Proper water care goes hand in hand with cleaning the jet lines.
Conclusion
Allowing jet lines to become clogged with residue reduces the enjoyment and hygiene of your hot tub. Regular cleaning following the simple steps in this article will keep jets working properly. Always completely flush lines and use cleaners to break up oily buildup. Watch for signs it is time to clean like reduced jet pressure. Proper jet line cleaning, along with ongoing water maintenance, gives you the most relaxation benefit from your hot tub investment.