Cleaning guidance

Keeping plumbing lines clean

Water in the plumbing lines of hot tubs and pools can become stagnant and grow bacteria or fungus. You can prevent this by:

  • Running a pump 24 hours a day to circulate water through all the pipes; or
  • Setting a timer to turn the pump on for a few hours, at least twice a day, to flush out all the lines; and
  • Making sure that all filters and pumps are maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Cleaning your hot tub or spa pool

Some hot tubs have secondary circulation pumps that run 24 hours a day. These systems may bypass some water lines and still leave water sitting stagnant in those lines. Always ask your dealer or pool supplier for advice and recommendations

Clean your hot tub and spa pool regularly. Your cleaning schedule will vary depending upon how many people use your hot tub or spa pool, and how much. At a minimum, it should be cleaned and restarted monthly, or as per the manufacturer's instructions. You should also drain and clean your hot tub or pool if any of the following problems occur:

  • Complaints of eye, ear or skin irritations after using the pool or hot tub; or,
  • Proper disinfectant levels have not been maintained

For more information

For more information on maintaining safe water quality in hot tubs and pools, contact Council's Environmental Health Officer, or a local pool and hot tub service provider.