Cleaning the Hot Tub Shell and Removing Scale

Before you start

• Turn off power at the breaker. This avoids pump or heater cycling while the spa is empty.
• Drain the spa completely. Full draining lets you clean the entire shell without leaving residue behind.
• Use spa-safe, non-abrasive cleaners only. The right cleaner protects acrylic surfaces from scratching and haze.

Shell cleaning checklist

1. Rinse loose debris from seats and footwell. This first pass keeps grit from smearing during detailed cleaning.
2. Apply cleaner to waterline buildup and let it dwell. Dwell time softens mineral scale so wiping is more effective.
3. Wipe with a soft sponge to remove residue and scale. Work in sections to keep the shell finish uniform.
4. Rinse thoroughly so no cleaner remains. Leftover cleaner can upset water balance after refill.
5. Refill and confirm normal circulation after restart. Verify jets and intake flow before returning to regular use.

For balancing sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity after refill, follow the Fill and Balance Water guide.

Scale prevention habits

• Rinse filters regularly to support strong circulation. Better circulation reduces particles that settle on shell surfaces.
• Wipe the waterline weekly. Small, frequent cleanups prevent thick scale rings from forming.
• Drain and refill on schedule. Fresh water lowers dissolved solids that contribute to recurring scale.
• Use spa-safe cleaners and avoid abrasive pads. Gentle products preserve the shell finish and make future cleaning easier.

Frequent residue usually points to delayed cleaning intervals, heavy use, or mineral-heavy source water.