March 26, 2025

How to Clean Hot Tub Jets: The Ultimate Guide to Hot Tub Maintenance

A hot tub is the ultimate relaxation experience, but to keep it running smoothly, proper hot tub cleaning is essential. While most owners remember to sanitize the water and clean the filters, the hot tub jets are often neglected. Over time, jets accumulate bacteria, biofilm, mineral deposits, and debris, leading to clogged nozzles, reduced water pressure, and even foul odors.

Ignoring hot tub jet cleaning can result in the following:

Weak water pressure, reduces the therapeutic effect of the jets.
Unpleasant smells are caused by bacteria and mold buildup.
Cloudy, foamy, or murky water affects the bathing experience.
Higher maintenance costs if jets become damaged due to neglect.

To ensure your hot tub remains hygienic, efficient, and long-lasting, it's important to clean the jets regularly. In this guide, we’ll cover how often to clean your jets, what tools you need, and step-by-step instructions for proper maintenance.

How Often Should You Clean Hot Tub Jets?

Keeping your hot tub jets clean is crucial for both hygiene and performance. But how frequently should you clean them?

The answer depends on how often you use your hot tub and the water quality in your area. Here’s a general guideline:

Recommended Cleaning Frequency:

Light usage (1-2 times per week): Clean jets every 2-3 months.
Moderate usage (3-4 times per week): Clean jets every 4-6 weeks.
Heavy usage (daily or almost daily): Clean jets every 2-4 weeks.
If using hard water: More frequent cleaning is needed to prevent calcium buildup.

Signs That Your Hot Tub Jets Need Cleaning:

Even if you follow a schedule, some signs indicate it’s time for immediate cleaning:

Weak water pressure – Jets aren’t as strong as before.
Cloudy or foamy water – Indicates bacterial or biofilm buildup.
Unpleasant smell – A musty odor suggests mold or mildew inside the jets.
Visible residue – If you see gunk, dirt, or slimy substances inside the nozzles.

Factors That Can Speed Up Jet Contamination:

Some elements contribute to faster jet clogging, including:

Hard water – Causes mineral deposits and limescale buildup.
Infrequent water changes – Dirty water leads to biofilm accumulation.
Improper sanitization – Not using enough chlorine, bromine, or alternative sanitizers.
Body oils, lotions, and cosmetics – These accumulate inside the plumbing system.

Pro Tip: If you notice water flow issues or strange smells, don’t wait—clean your jets immediately to avoid long-term damage!

What You’ll Need for Hot Tub Jet Cleaning

To properly clean your hot tub jets, you’ll need a few essential supplies to remove bacteria, mineral buildup, and debris. Using the right cleaning tools ensures that your jets stay in top condition, keeping your spa experience relaxing and hygienic.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Hot Tub Cleaning Solution

A commercial hot tub jet cleaner is designed to break down biofilm, scale, and residue inside the jet system.
If you prefer a natural approach, a vinegar and baking soda solution is a safe and effective alternative.

Soft Brush or Toothbrush

Helps scrub the jet nozzles and openings to remove dirt and buildup.
A toothbrush is ideal for reaching hard-to-clean corners inside the jets.

Bucket and Sponge

Needed for soaking removable jet components and wiping down surfaces.

Hot Tub Plumbing Cleaner

A specialized pipe cleaner flushes out hidden contaminants from the internal plumbing system.
This prevents bacteria buildup and keeps water quality optimal.

Microfiber Cloth & Gloves

A microfiber cloth prevents scratching while wiping down the hot tub shell.
Gloves protect your hands from chemical exposure during cleaning.

Optional Accessories for Deeper Cleaning

Hot Tub Jet Removal Tool

Some jets can be removed manually, but if they’re tightly fitted, a specialized removal tool makes the process easier.

Portable Pressure Washer

If your jets have excessive mineral deposits or grime, a low-pressure power washer can help remove stubborn buildup.

Filter Cleaner & Sanitizer

Cleaning the jets alone is not enough—dirty filters can reintroduce bacteria into the water. Using a filter cleaner ensures the entire system stays clean.

Pipe Cleaning Wand

A thin, flexible pipe brush or wand is useful for cleaning deep inside the jet system.

Pro Tip: Always check the hot tub manufacturer’s manual before using any cleaning chemicals to avoid damage to the jets or internal plumbing.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Hot Tub Jets

Step 1: Turn Off and Drain the Hot Tub

Safety first! Turn off the power to avoid electrical issues.
Drain all water using the hot tub’s drainage system.

Step 2: Remove & Inspect the Jets

Some hot tub jets are removable, while others must be cleaned in place.
Twist and pull the jets gently to remove them.
Check for visible debris, mold, or calcium buildup.

Step 3: Soak the Jets in Cleaning Solution

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a hot tub jet cleaner or a vinegar-baking soda mix.
Let the jets soak for at least 30 minutes to dissolve dirt and bacteria.

Step 4: Scrub the Jets Thoroughly

Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue inside the jet nozzles.
For stubborn buildup, try a pipe cleaner or cotton swab.

Step 5: Clean the Hot Tub’s Internal Plumbing

Refill the hot tub with warm water just enough to cover the jets.
Add a hot tub plumbing cleaner and turn on the jets for 15-20 minutes.
This flushes out bacteria, biofilm, and mineral deposits from the plumbing system.

Step 6: Rinse and Reassemble Everything

Drain the cleaning solution and refill the tub with fresh water.
Wipe down the hot tub shell and jets with a microfiber cloth.
Reinstall the jets, ensuring they are securely in place.

Step 7: Refill and Sanitize the Hot Tub

Refill the tub with fresh water and balance the pH levels.
Add your preferred sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or alternative solutions).
Run the jets for 10-15 minutes to distribute the chemicals evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hot Tub Jets

Proper hot tub jet cleaning ensures optimal performance and hygiene, but many owners make mistakes that can lead to damage or ineffective results. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

Using Harsh Chemicals – Bleach or abrasive cleaners can damage jet seals and internal plumbing, leading to leaks or malfunctions. Stick to hot tub-safe cleaners.
Skipping Internal Plumbing Cleaning – Cleaning just the jet nozzles is not enough; bacteria and biofilm can build up inside the pipes, affecting water quality. Always use a hot tub plumbing cleaner.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly – Leftover cleaning residue can mix with water and cause foamy, cloudy, or irritating water. Always rinse the jets and the hot tub shell properly.
Neglecting Water pH Balance – After refilling, test and adjust pH levels to maintain clean and balanced water.

Avoiding these mistakes will keep your hot tub jets working efficiently, extending their lifespan and ensuring a safe, enjoyable spa experience.

Best Hot Tub Cleaning Products for Jet Maintenance

Choosing the right hot tub cleaning products ensures your jets remain free of bacteria, biofilm, and mineral buildup. Here are the best solutions for effective maintenance:

Jet & Pipe Cleaner – This product is specially formulated to remove debris, biofilm, and scale from internal plumbing and jets, preventing clogs and maintaining water flow.
Filter Cleaner – Ensures the filtration system remains free from contaminants, helping to keep the entire hot tub clean.
Eco-Friendly Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix – A natural alternative for light jet cleaning, ideal for monthly maintenance.

Regularly using high-quality hot tub cleaning products like those available at BuenoSpa helps extend the lifespan of your jets and maintain a crystal-clear spa experience.

Explore premium hot tub accessories and maintenance solutions at BuenoSpa!