August 2nd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Whirlpool baths have long since been a symbol of relaxation and luxury, and they have become more and more popular in homes over the years. After all a long soak in the bath after a hard day can really bring you back to life, add in the relaxing and massaging effect of a whirlpool and you great a relaxing oasis you will never want to leave. However, in order to make sure your jets keep working their best and that, even worse, they don’t become a breeding ground for bacteria they do require a bit more care and maintenance than normal bathtubs. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of regular maintenance and how best to take care of your whirlpool bathtub.

What Are Whirlpool Bathtubs

So, before we get into the details of caring for a whirlpool bathtub let's take a look at what exactly a whirlpool bathtub is, these tubs are also known as jetted tub or spa tubs are a type of bathtub that uses water jets to create whirling and massaging water effect not too dissimilar to the ones found in hot tubs. The Jets in these tubs are placed in order to create a hydrotherapy effect and are a fantastic way to relieve muscle aches and improve circulation on top of creating a relaxing bathing experience.

Whirlpool bathtubs work by drawing the water in the bathtub in through an intake this water is then pressurised and pushed out through the jets, the intensity that the water is pushed out can usually be adjusted as well.

The Benefits of Whirlpool Bathtubs

So, now we have a better understanding of what a whirlpool bathtub is, let’s take a look at why you would want to spend the extra money to upgrade to a whirlpool. Well as we have already touched upon the main purpose of a whirlpool is to create a relaxing hydrotherapy tub.

Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries and has shown to be beneficial both physically and mentally with hydrotherapy being used to help ease pain, relieve muscle tension, and aid in rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. It can also be used to help improve blood circulation and of course, as a way to unwind and relax helping to relieve stress and anxiety.

All these amazing benefits make them a fantastic investment for those who may suffer from the above-mentioned conditions or simply for those who take pleasure in relaxing in the tub and honestly, who doesn’t? However, before you rush out to upgrade your tub then it is important to understand that whirlpool bathtubs require regular maintenance and cleaning, much more than a normal bathtub.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

So, if you have a whirlpool bathtub in your home or are thinking of adding one, then let's take a look at why it requires more maintenance than a regular tub. Well without proper maintenance and cleaning your whirlpool jets will not continue to function properly, this can ultimately lead to a drop in pressure that will reduce the whiling effect, it can also lead to a complete breakdown of these components which can lead to some very expensive repairs or replacements.

Whirlpool bathtubs also require more cleaning than normal bathtubs since dirt, grime and bacteria can build up in the jets, especially if you neglect to frequently clean them. Allowing the dirt to build up in your jets will lead to these contaminants being circulated in your water turning your relaxing bath into a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can in turn lead to skin irritation and rashes and may also in some cases aggravate allergies.

How to Clean Your Whirlpool Bathtub

Let’s take a look at the best practices for cleaning your whirlpool tub, your whirlpool cleaning should have two different phases a regular clean and then a deep clean.

Regular Cleaning

Just as we regularly clean our bathtubs, the same is required with a whirlpool tub too. Ideally, you should be doing this once a week possibly more if you have a larger family and it is more frequently used. You can largely clean your whirlpool the same way you would a normal bathtub, using a cleaner of your choice to remove soap scum, sanitising the surfaces and cleaning faucets. However, the whirlpool will require an extra step in order to clean the jets.

This can be easily done with a homemade mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, or alternatively, you can use a gentle sanitiser but be careful not to use anything too abrasive such as bleach as this can cause damage to the jets. Once you have selected your cleaner of choice then it should be added into the bath with enough warm water to cover the jets. Then power up the tub and allow it to run for five minutes so that the mixture can circulate around the system then drain. Once it has been completely drained re-fill the tub with clean warm water and repeat the process, this will ensure that there is no residue left from your cleaner.

Deep Clean

On top of the regular weekly clean, it is also important to deep clean your whirlpool tubs system and this should be done around every three months. This is an important part of keeping your jets operating their best.

Do not worry too much though as the deep cleaning process does not differ too much from your regular weekly clean. However instead of your usual detergent in its place a dedicated Whirlpool pipe cleaner such as Pro-Kleen Whirlpool cleaner or Internal pipe Cleaner. Simply add the correct dosage for the capacity of your tub which is usually between 500-750ml then fill it with water to cover the jets and then power up the tub and run for 15-30 minutes.

This will help to not only clean the jets but will also flush any dirt or slime that can build up in the pipes that your weekly clean is not able to penetrate, this will keep the pipes clean, and smelling fresh and prevent them from deteriorating and ensure that they keep on working their best for years to come. These products will also help to prevent the build-up of limescale which can greatly impact the performance of your whirlpool spa. 

5L Pro-Kleen Internal Pipe Cleaner

The Pro-Kleen Internal Pipe Cleaner has been especially designed for use in Whirpool and Jacuzzi baths to remove any unpleasant smells, grime and slime that may have built up.

Price: £15.98

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Cleaning Filters

Some whirlpool tubs will also use filters that will remove dust and debris from the water to ensure only clean water is being circulated back into the tub. These will also require regular maintenance too to not only ensure that it continue to function correctly but to prevent the dirt that has been captured form then being circulated back into the system. As with your jets the filter will require weekly cleaning, this can be easily done with a soft cloth and warm water to rise away and remove the trapped debris. Filter also need to be more deeply cleaned every three months using a filter cleaner.

Instant Hot Tub & Spa Filter Cleaner Spray 1 Litre

Price: £15.95

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We hope that with these tips you will be able to take care of your whirlpool bathtub so that you can continue to enjoy a relaxing bathing experience in clean fresh water that will keep function it’s best for years to come.