How to quickly and correctly clean the bathtub after a big celebration: a practical guide

St. John's Day, birthdays or just a weekend party with friends - big holidays are the most serious test for a hot tub. The morning after the fun, the view is often quite typical: fallen birch leaves, blades of grass, sand are floating in the water, and the water itself has lost its clarity, becoming smoky.

Although at first it may seem that the cleaning will take half a day, the experts of DM Group hasten to reassure you - by using the right sequence of steps, the hot tub can be returned to working order quickly and without too much effort. Here will be a practical guide on what to do after the holiday.

1. The first and most important rule: do not rush to drain the water

The biggest mistake you can make in the morning rush is to immediately open the water drain valve.

• Why wait: If there are still hot coals left in the hot tub furnace or the furnace itself has not completely cooled down, pouring water will cause immediate overheating of the system. Without a layer of cooling water, the
  fiberglass

  

  fiberglass

  Glass-reinforced plastic (also known as glass-reinforced plastic or GRP) is a composite material consisting of two main components: glass fiber and a binder (usually polymer resin). Put simply, fiberglass is a material in which the fiberglass provides strength, while the plastic (resin) holds these fibers together and gives the product its shape.
  shell near the furnace pipes can melt or deform.
• How to proceed: Make sure the furnace is completely cold, and only then start draining the water.

2. Collecting coarse dirt

Before running the water, it's worth taking two minutes to use a regular garden pool strainer (or even a kitchen colander if you have nothing else to hand) to drain floating leaves, grass and other large debris.

• Why do it: If you let the water out with all the leaves and grass, this dirt will get stuck in the outlet valves, massage nozzles or clog the water filtration system.

3. The fate of water: save or pour out?

Here everything depends on what equipment your hot tub has:

• If the hot tub does not have a filter (only water): After mass celebrations, such water must be poured out. It has accumulated invisible layers of cosmetics, suntan creams and sweat, which in the heat become an ideal environment for bacteria.
• If the bathtub has a sand filter and chemicals are used: You can try to save the water. Turn the filter on continuously for 12-24 hours, clean the filter pump basket and add a shock dose of chlorine-free disinfectant (available in our e-shop). If after a day the water is still cloudy or has a specific smell, it is better to change it.

4. Washing the fiberglass shell

When the water has been drained, a darker, greasy band will remain on the walls of the tub (especially at the height of the water level). It is made up of body creams, oils and organic impurities.

• What you should definitely not use: Never use abrasive powders, hard brushes or metal sponges. They will scratch the smooth fiberglass surface (gelcoat layer), as a result of which it will lose its shine and in the future dirt will stick to it even more strongly. Also, avoid aggressive acids or chlorine-based cleaners.
• How to clean properly: Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge and a mild, liquid cleaner (such as dishwashing liquid or specialized non-wax pool/car shampoos). After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the walls with clean water from the hose and let it drain.

5. Blowing and maintenance of massage systems

If your hot tub is equipped with hydro or aero massage systems, a small amount of dirty water may remain in them after the holiday.

• Prevention: When the hot tub is completely cleaned and rinsed, turn on the air massage (bubble) pump for a few seconds. The air flow will blow the remaining water and moisture from the nozzles, preventing the formation of rancid water or mold there.

6. Cleaning the Cover and Exterior

While you're cleaning the inside of your hot tub, don't forget the details:

• Hot Cover: Whether you have a fiberglass or insulated leather cover, its interior has been exposed to moisture and fumes. Wipe it with a damp cloth. If you use the heated leather cover, let it dry a little before putting it on to avoid the formation of fungus.
• Wood or composite material finish: If drinks are spilled on the outside of the tub during the party, just rinse them off with water before they have a chance to harden in the sun.

Summary of DM Group experience

We need to celebrate the holidays and the hot tub is perfect for that, but the true mark of a homeowner is the ability to take care of the equipment afterwards. By devoting just half an hour to cleaning the next day, you will ensure that the fiberglass shell will last for years, and next weekend's relaxation will start again in crystal clear and fresh water.

All the necessary care products, sand filters, their accessories and protective covers are available in our DM Group e-shop - we are here to help keep your home recreation area in perfect order!