If you have a jetted tub you know how relaxing and de-stressing they can be after a long, hard day. They can help with pulled or strained muscles during healing as well as reduce arthritis pain. However, nothing can put a damper on a nice, warm soak like concern over bacteria growing in your jetted water lines. Studies have shown that bacteria can grow in these areas causing infections and disease.
So, does this mean you can no longer use your jetted tub? Of course not. It just means you need give more attention to keeping your jetted tub nice and clean. This means more than cleaning just the interior of your tub and wiping around the jets. It requires a few more steps to ensure the jetted water lines are cleaned as well. Below are the steps you can take to make certain your jetted tub is bacteria free.
- Refer to your manufacturer’s manual for recommendations first. Then begin by removing any dust or dirt from the interior of the tub, and filling it 2 to 3 inches above the jets. For a more natural clean, add 2 cups of vinegar to the water. Vinegar does a good job of dissolving buildup without potentially damaging your jets or plumbing. If you prefer something stronger, then use a 1/2 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of a low-sudsing dishwasher liquid. There are also commercial cleaning products you can purchase.
- Before activating the jets, make certain the air induction valves are turned off (unless the manufacturer recommends they be on during the cleaning process). Closing these will allow water to circulate through the internal tub plumbing providing a deeper clean. Then run the jets for 10-15 minutes or until no debris is coming from the internal plumbing.
- Drain the tub and refill, again 2-3 inches above the jets. You will want to run for another 10-15 minutes to flush any remaining debris and rinse the jets thoroughly.
- Now comes the interior cleaning part. You can use a soft cloth and baking soda (or any commercial cleaning product) to remove any grime or buildup. Use a soft toothbrush or Q-tip to clean around the jet nozzles and trim. For really hard to reach places, try dental floss. Remove the air-intake cover, clean with soap and water, then replace. Give the tub a final rinse.
Keep in mind that for a jetted tub that is not used frequently, cleaning quarterly would probably be enough. But, if used on a regular basis, you will want to following these cleaning steps once a month. Now that your jetted tub is squeaky clean, inside and out, you can reward yourself with that much deserved long soak.
Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
