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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.

No. In fact, some owners prefer to “summerize” their hot tubs and use them primarily over winter to enjoy the contrast of cold and hot water. It’s possible to keep the tub filled and running year-round, and some pros may even recommend this method compared to the work and risks of a full winterization every year.

However, keeping the hot tub running will require additional resources. You’ll use more power and more chemicals to keep it in good shape. Weigh the pros and cons of your situation before making a decision.

Most hot tub cracks can be repaired unless they have gone beneath the acrylic. If so, you may need a professional to determine if the crack is repairable or if you should consider hot tub replacement instead.

Where you drain a hot tub largely depends on local regulations, but you must not drain chemically treated water where it can damage the environment. Direct the water toward a sanitary sewer drain that will take it to a treatment facility. If your lawn has a dedicated drainage area that’s free from plants and foundations, you can likely drain it there. Avoid storm drains, as the hot tub water will enter waterways and could hurt aquatic life. Likewise, do not pour it out directly on any public land or where it can get into your neighbors’ property.