Cleaning and Maintaining Your Jetted Tub

I recently performed my routine maintenance on the jacuzzi tub we have in the master bath. I thought I would share some of the tips I’ve picked up during my home inspection career. I’m always seeking to better my knowledge on questions that may come up during one of my home inspections.
All whirlpool bathtubs have a small amount of residual water left in the pipeline. Minerals in water begin a process of calcifying around the insides of your pipes. This hard scale build up not only restricts water flow, but becomes a perfect breading ground for infectious bacteria. As the algae breaks off, you will see it in your bath water as ugly black flecks.
While there are certain necessary procedures to maintaining your whirlpool tub, they’re nothing that will be too difficult to complete. Proper use and maintenance will ensure your tub can be enjoyed for many years.
The best product that I recommend using is called ahh-some bio cleaner. It is safe for the environment and for human ingestion (when used in water vessels for bio cleaner), eradicates the harmful bacteria, mold spores, algae, oils and gunk on the walls of the jetted tub piping. Also has no damaging affect on the rubber seals around the pump motor.
Here’s how to maintain your jetted tub with ahh-some or just normal household products.
Step 1
Determine your usage. If you use your tub regularly, then more regular monthly cleaning and maintenance is going to be necessary. If you only use your tub occasionally, maintenance every three to four months will be adequate.
Step 2
Set air control knobs. If your tub has this feature, make sure they are closed.
Step 3
Fill tub. Fill the tube high enough so that it reaches nearly two inches above the highest jets. This water doesn’t have to be hot, but it will be more effective if it’s at least warm.
Step 4
Add a cleaning solution. Add two tablespoons of dishwasher detergent to the tub of water. This can be regular detergent that you would use in your dishwasher. Powder or liquid will work.
Step 5
Run the whirlpool. Turn the tub’s jets on and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. This lets all the soapy water run through the tub’s plumbing system to clean out any residue in the pipes.
Step 6
Drain and rinse. Allow the tub to drain normally, rinse the tub out and then clean the tub itself with a non-abrasive cleanser.
Step 7
Use bleach in the next cleaning. Add 1/2 cup of regular, household bleach to the water when you clean the tub next time. Never use to much bleach, even though it is somewhat effective in killing some germs and algae, it also breaks down the rubber seal on you pump motor which can create a leaky tub and possible water damage.
The only other way to eliminate the buildup within the pipes is to avoid high sudsing soaps, bath salts, mineral salts or bubble bath. Who wants a jetted tub and use fresh water only. That’s why its very important to kept your jetted tub maintained so it will last and keep you from spending unnecessary money having repaired or worst case replaced.

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