How to Use Vinegar to Clean Your Hot Tub in 4 Easy Steps

Cleaning your hot tub with vinegar is simple and natural. Fill the tub with enough water to cover the jets, then add about 1 cup of white vinegar per 100 gallons. Run the jets for an hour to circulate the solution, then drain and rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed. This method helps remove mineral build-up and keeps your tub fresh.

The Benefits of Using Vinegar to Clean Hot Tub

Vinegar isn’t just for salads. It’s a natural, affordable, and surprisingly effective way to keep your hot tub fresh and spotless. Here’s why it works so well:

1. Gentle but Powerful

If you’re avoiding harsh chemicals, vinegar is a safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternative. It’s tough on grime but gentle on your skin and your hot tub’s materials.

2. Protects Hot Tub Components

Unlike some cleaners that can corrode acrylic shells, jets, or filters, vinegar’s mild acidity cleans without causing damage.

3. Fights Mineral Build-Up

Hard water often leaves behind stubborn calcium or lime deposits. Vinegar breaks these down, making them easy to scrub away.

4. Neutralizes Odors

Unpleasant smells? Vinegar’s natural deodorizing power tackles the source of the odor, leaving your tub smelling clean.

5. Stops Mold and Mildew

Its antifungal properties help remove and prevent mold or mildew, which thrive in damp hot tub environments.

6. Helps Maintain pH Balance

Vinegar can slightly lower pH without throwing off your water chemistry too much, making it safer for routine cleaning.

7. Budget-Friendly

No need for expensive specialty cleaners—a simple bottle of vinegar gets the job done.

8. Easy to Use

Dilute it with water, spray surfaces, let it sit, then wipe clean. For a deep clean, fill your tub with a vinegar solution and run the jets to flush the system.

How to Clean Your Hot Tub with Vinegar

By following these steps, you’ll have a clean, fresh hot tub ready for use, all without resorting to harsh chemicals. Enjoy your soak!

1. Empty the Hot Tub: Drain completely.
2. Prepare a Vinegar Solution: Mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio for surface cleaning. For tougher stains or mineral build-up, you can use vinegar full-strength.
3. Clean the Surfaces: Use a sponge or cloth soaked in the vinegar solution to scrub the sides, bottom, and any other surfaces. Pay extra attention to any areas with visible build-up or stains.
4. Clean the Jets and Filters: Soak the filters in a vinegar solution for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly. To clean the jets, you can fill the tub with water and add a few cups of vinegar, then run the jets for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse and Refill: After cleaning, rinse the tub thoroughly with fresh water to remove any remaining vinegar. Refill with water, checking the pH levels to ensure they’re balanced.

Why Use Vinegar to Clean a Hot Tub

Vinegar is an all-natural cleaning agent that is safe and effective in removing dirt, grime, and bacteria from surfaces. It is also environmentally friendly and does not include harsh chemicals or toxic substances that could harm you or the environment. 

What Type of Vinegar to Use: Using the correct type of vinegar is essential. Distilled white vinegar is the most effective for cleaning and is readily available in most grocery stores.

Avoid using apple cider vinegar or other flavored kinds of vinegar, as they may leave behind a residue that could be difficult to remove.

Preparation: It is essential to prepare the surface by removing any loose dirt or debris before cleaning your hot tub with vinegar.

Use a skimmer or a vacuum to remove any floating debris, and then use a brush to scrub the borders and floor of the hot tub. This will help to loosen any stubborn grime or bacteria that may be present.

How to Clean a Jacuzzi with Vinegar

Cleaning your Jacuzzi with vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly solution. Here’s a quick and easy step-by-step guide:

Follow these straightforward steps to keep your Jacuzzi sparkling clean:

1. Drain and Flush the Lines
2. Surface Cleaning
3. Clean the Jets
4. Cleaning the Filters
5. Final Rinse

Steps to Clean:

1. Drain and Flush the Lines:
   • Begin by flushing the water lines to remove any build-up. Fill the tub with water up to about 3 inches above the jets.
   • Add 2-4 cups of white vinegar, depending on the tub size.
   • Run the jets for 15 minutes to allow the vinegar to circulate and break down grime and biofilm.
2. Surface Cleaning:
   • Mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
   • Spray the solution on the surface of the tub and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to dissolve soap scum and grime.
   • Wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge, focusing on corners and crevices.
3. Clean the Jets:
   • Use a toothbrush or small scrubber to clean around and inside the jets.
   • For deeper cleaning, remove the jet caps and scrub underneath them with the vinegar solution.
4. Cleaning Filters:
   • Soak the filters in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for at least 2 hours to break down oils and bacteria.
   • Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
5. Final Rinse:
   • Drain the tub and refill with clean water.
   • Run the jets for another 5-10 minutes to flush out any remaining residue.

How to Use Vinegar to Clean Your Hot Tub

Step 1: Drain and Rinse

First, drain it completely and rinse it with clean water. This will help remove any loose dirt, debris, or residue in the water or on the surface. You can rinse thoroughly using a hose or a bucket.

Step 2: Make a Vinegar Solution

The next step is to make a vinegar solution to scrub. The best type of vinegar is distilled white vinegar, which has an acidic level below 4 pH.

You can find it in most grocery stores or online. Mix one part water and vinegar in a large bucket or spray bottle to make the solution. You will need enough solution to cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Use the Scrub

The third step is to use a scrub with the vinegar solution. You can use a sponge, a brush, or a cloth to apply the solution and scrub on the surface. Pay special attention to the sides, bottom, and fixtures of your hot tub, where dirt and bacteria may accumulate.

You can also use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas or crevices. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it with clean water.

Step 4: Refill and Balance Water Chemistry

The final step is to refill it with fresh water and balance its pH and sanitizer levels. Vinegar can lower the pH of your water, so you may need to add some pH increaser or baking soda to bring it back to the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8.

You should also check the sanitizer level of your water and add chlorine or bromine tablets if needed. To measure your water’s pH and sanitizer levels, you can use a test kit or strips.

And that’s it! You have successfully cleaned your hot tub with vinegar. Enjoy your sparkling and sanitary spa!

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Embrace the Natural Cleaning Power of Vinegar:

• Eco-Friendly and Safe: Vinegar is an environmentally friendly choice, free from harsh chemicals that can harm the planet or your health. Enjoy peace of mind while soaking in, knowing you’ve opted for a gentle yet effective cleaning solution.
• Budget-Friendly and Accessible: There is no need to spend a fortune on expensive cleaning products. Vinegar is an inexpensive and readily available option, making it a practical choice for regular hot tub maintenance.
• Bacteria and Mold Buster: Vinegar’s natural acidity makes it an excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, effectively eliminating bacteria, mold, and other unwanted microorganisms that can thrive in hot tub environments.
• Residue-Free Cleanliness: Unlike some chemical cleaners, vinegar won’t leave behind a harsh, lingering residue. Water will remain fresh and inviting, free from unpleasant odors or tastes.

3 Things to Know Before Using Vinegar

1. Please be aware that vinegar is acidic and can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear gloves and goggles when using it, and rinse off any spills with water.
2. Vinegar can lower the pH of your water, so you need to add some pH increaser or baking soda to balance it. You also need to maintain a high chlorine level to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Vinegar should not be added to an empty tub, as it can damage your equipment. When using vinegar, always have some water in the tub, and rinse it well afterward.

The Best Type of Vinegar to use for Cleaning Your Hot Tub is Plain white vinegar. It is inexpensive and does not contain any sugar or other additives that could harm the cleanliness of your tub of water.

How to Use Vinegar as a Natural Descaler

Vinegar is a natural, safe, and budget-friendly alternative to chemical descalers. You probably already have it in your kitchen, so it’s easy to use.

Steps to Descale

1. Prepare the Solution
   • Fill your hot tub with enough water to cover the jets.
   • Add 1 cup of white vinegar for every 100 gallons of water. This gently breaks down mineral deposits and build-up.
2. Circulate the Solution
   • Turn on the jets and let the vinegar solution circulate for about 1 hour.
   • This ensures all the plumbing, jets, and surfaces are thoroughly treated.
3. Drain and Rinse
   • Drain the tub completely.
   • Refill with fresh water and run the jets for a few minutes to rinse out any remaining vinegar.
4. Repeat if Needed
   • For stubborn scale or mineral deposits, repeat steps 1–3. Regular maintenance can prevent heavy build-up in the future.

Extra Tips for Best Results

• Check the pH level after descaling and adjust if necessary before using your hot tub again.
• Avoid leaving vinegar in the tub for more than an hour to prevent potential damage to metal parts.
• Combine this method with regular cleaning to extend the life of your hot tub and keep the water clear.

Are There Alternatives to Vinegar?

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild, all-natural abrasive that is safe and effective for cleaning. It can be used alone or in combination with vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another all-natural, safe, and effective option. It can be used alone or in combination with vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and stains.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a natural acid that can be used to clean a hot tub. It is particularly effective in removing mineral deposits and restoring the shine to the surface.

Commercial Hot Tub Cleaners: Hot tub cleaners are specifically designed for cleaning hot tubs and come in various formulas to address different cleaning needs. They are often more effective in removing stubborn stains and restoring shine to your hot tub’s surface, but they may contain harsh chemicals or toxic substances.

Muriatic Acid: Another Option for Cleaning

Vinegar is not the only acid that can help. Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is another option that can remove stains, dissolve scale, and control algae and mold. 

However, muriatic acid is much stronger and more dangerous than vinegar, so you need to be extra careful when using it.  Muriatic acid can irritate your skin and eyes, damage your equipment, and lower the pH of your water too much. 

You should always wear protective gear, dilute the acid with water, and test the water before and after using it.  You should also neutralize any leftover acid with baking soda and rinse it well. It can be effective but should be used sparingly and cautiously.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Hot Tub Jets with Vinegar

Step	Action	Details / Tips
1	Turn Off Power	Make sure the hot tub is completely powered off to avoid electric shock or damage.
2	Drain Water (If Needed)	Drain if water is dirty or stagnant. If it’s clean, you can leave it for cleaning.
3	Prepare Vinegar Solution	Mix white vinegar and water 1:1. Use undiluted vinegar for heavy build-up.
4	Refill Tub	Refill enough water to cover the jets if you drained the tub.
5	Add Vinegar	Pour 2–4 cups of vinegar (depending on tub size) to help dissolve grime and mineral deposits.
6	Run Jets	Turn on jets for 15–20 minutes to circulate the vinegar and loosen debris.
7	Let Sit	Turn off jets and let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes to tackle stubborn build-up.
8	Drain Water Again	Drain the water to flush out loosened debris.
9	Rinse Jets	Refill with clean water, run jets a few minutes, drain if needed to remove vinegar residue.
10	Final Refill & Balance	Refill with fresh water, check pH levels, turn on power, and enjoy your clean hot tub.