Are jetted tubs hard to keep clean?

Author: Prof. Dell Hane Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, May 18, 2025

While it may seem difficult to deep clean all of the nooks and crannies of a jetted tub, it is doable. With a few common household supplies, your jetted tub will be returned to its former glory—and you'll be back to enjoying relaxing baths in no time.

Are jetted tubs hard to maintain?

Knowing how to clean a jetted tub can prevent mold, bacteria, and other debris from clogging the jets. Cleaning a jetted tub is not difficult and most can be cleaned with supplies you have on hand, but it does take some time.

What are the disadvantages of a jetted bathtub?

The drawbacks include the need for: Maintenance – The biggest con of a jetted bathtub is the maintenance. These bathtubs need to be cleaned every so often to remove buildup and ensure the jets are functioning properly.

How sanitary are jetted tubs?

Many people who are considering purchasing a jetted tub have concerns about how sanitary they are and if they can be cleaned properly. The short answer is, when maintained properly, they are very sanitary and simple to clean thoroughly.

How often should you clean your jetted tub?

That will depend on how often you use it. If you use it every day, you may want to do a light clean once a week. However, if you use it less frequently, you may be able to get away with cleaning your bathtub once a month.

How to Clean a Jetted Tub | Cleaning Tub Jets

What to avoid in a jetted tub?

Avoid adding regular bubbles, shampoos, bath bombs or soaps to your jetted tub, as this can clog the jets or damage the finish of your tub.

Is it worth it to get a jetted tub?

If that's your preferred way to relax and melt away stress, a bathtub upgrade could be one of the best purchases you ever make. Jetted tubs can also be an effective part of a health or physical therapy regimen if recommended by a physician.

Do jetted tubs have bacteria?

A teaspoon of whirlpool tub water, on the other hand, contains an average of more than 2 million bacteria. The interior pipes of whirlpool baths that are not filtered or chemically treated are prime areas for potentially infectious microbes to congregate and grow, Moyes noted.

How long should you sit in a jetted tub?

A good rule of thumb for Jacuzzi usage is to soak for no more than 15-30 minutes. This is a period within which you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot water without overwhelming your system.

What is the black stuff in my Jacuzzi tub jets?

Those black flakes that you may have seen coming out of your Jacuzzi® bathtub jets are likely made of some combination of mold and mildew, bacteria from bathing, soap and oil residue, or other materials that have been left behind in the piping of the tub when it was last used.

What is the difference between a jetted tub and a Jacuzzi tub?

For instance, jetted bathtubs are sometimes called a jacuzzi because of the swirling jets of water, but they're not the same as a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. Jetted bathtubs are designed for one person and are drained after each use. Jacuzzis can seat from 2-6 or more people and are drained 3-4 times a year.

Is it OK to use bubble bath in a jetted tub?

As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn't add bubble bath to a jetted bathtub, as you don't want to risk clogging the jets, pumps, or motor. However, this doesn't mean you can't find safe alternatives.

Are Jacuzzi tubs high maintenance?

Here's the real truth: A hot tub does take regular upkeep, requiring about half an hour of maintenance weekly and a more involved process about every four months or so when you need to drain and refill your water.

Are jetted tubs healthy?

Whirlpool jets can help relieve muscle tension, soreness, stress, and anxiety while improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Jetted tubs are especially beneficial for athletes and anyone suffering from chronic pain especially joint pain and arthritis.

Do plumbers fix jetted tubs?

A plumber would be the type of person you need, but want one familiar with jacuzzi since most just deal with traditional taps and drains and won't want to touch the electrics, sounds to me like you need a new control panel for the bath.

Are Jacuzzi baths hygienic?

Any risks associated with whirlpool baths come down to one thing – germs. While a few myths have been built up over the years, hydrotherapy tubs and Jacuzzis can actually be quite sanitary if they're properly taken care of and cleaned regularly.

How dirty are jetted tubs?

Over time, jetted tubs can build up with bacteria, mold, and other debris as stagnant water gets trapped in the pipes. While it may seem difficult to deep clean all of the nooks and crannies of a jetted tub, it is doable.

What to avoid in jetted tub?

Don't Get Bubbly

Bubble bath plus hot tub jets equal a foamy, frothy mess. Keep bubble suds, bath lotions, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and other foam-causing concoctions out of your hot tub. It's also best to use a non-foaming algaecide to keep frothy conditions to a minimum.

Can 2 people fit in a jetted tub?

Realistically, two people could technically fit into most tub systems, but it likely won't be safe or comfortable.

Why are jetted tubs out of style?

These behemoth bathtubs take up a lot of space, can be costly to repair should they break down, and require a lot of extra cleaning because mold can muck up the jets.

How often should I clean a jetted tub?

In general, your Jacuzzi® bathtub jets should be cleaned at least a few times a year, or once a month if you're using it regularly.

How dirty is Jacuzzi water?

Germs can spread through hot tub water and cause respiratory, skin, or gastrointestinal illnesses. Hot tub users are at risk for these illnesses if they swallow, have contact with, or breathe in mists or aerosols from water contaminated with germs.

What are the cons of a whirlpool bathtub?

Cons:
  • Whirlpool baths require more water and may take longer to fill and empty than air tubs.
  • They are generally noisier than air tubs, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a quieter bathing experience.

What is the difference between a jetted tub and a Jacuzzi?

When you are shopping for one or the other, you'll quickly notice that they differ in important ways. The main difference between the two is how the jets operate. Air tubs use jets of air, whereas whirlpools shoot jets of water. In terms of upkeep, function, and personal preference, this can have several implications.

How long should you stay in a jetted tub?

It is best to soak between 15-30 minutes at one time. Occasionally, you can go for 45 minutes to 1 hour, but try not to do this too often. Go with your comfort level, the more you use your hot tub, the more you will know the right time to soak, for your body and mind.

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