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Algae-related green hot tub water is generally safe to use, as algae aren't usually harmful to your health. However, if the conditions in the hot tub are hospitable to algae growth, they may also be hospitable to the growth of other types of microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacteria that can cause hot tub rash, or Legionella bacteria, which can cause respiratory illness.

The best thing with which to clean a hot tub is whatever the manufacturer recommends; in most cases, this is a gentle surface cleaner and a soft cloth. Recommended hot tub cleaners can include specially formulated cleaning agents, mild dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, or diluted bleach. For your hot tub exterior, choose wood or vinyl cleaner (depending on the casing material).

You should never use household cleaning products, harsh chemicals such as undiluted bleach or acids, or abrasive cleansers or cloths, as these can scratch or etch your hot tub’s coating or shell and cause permanent damage.

Using bubble bath, bath oils, bath salts, or moisturizing products that contain butters or oils can damage your jetted tub. Because of the water pump and jet mechanism, you need to be more selective with products for a jetted tub than you would for a traditional bathtub in order to keep it functioning properly and avoid expensive repairs. These products also leave residue that can feed mildew and mold, so it’s best to avoid them.

If you want to have a chemical-free spa, or if you are wondering how to keep your hot tub clean naturally, there are several options. Some individuals choose to run their hot tub without treatment at all and simply clean it more often (although you risk bacteria, fungi, and algae growth if you take this route); others use natural products like vinegar or Borax. Ozone, ultraviolet light, and electrolysis systems are also eco-friendly ways to have a clean hot tub without chemicals. Saltwater hot tubs are popular with people who are sensitive to chlorine, bromine, and other traditional hot tub chemicals.