You’ve taken your friends out for a relaxing evening in your hot tub. Maybe it’s been a long week, and the thought of spending time with your loved ones is exactly what you needed. It doesn’t take long for the conversation to turn to the smell that has begun permeating this otherwise lovely home. You investigate, but find nothing visibly wrong. There may be some seepage from somewhere, but you figure it will evaporate once the humidity drops and the outside air cools again. That night though was an omen as each subsequent one has been more pungent than normal until now you just can’t stand it anymore. You need to get rid of foam in a hot tub quick smart before everyone gets fed up and leaves you alone.
How To Get Rid Of Foam In Hot Tub Naturally
Plan ahead
If you’re looking to get rid of all of the foam in your hot tub, there’s no quick fix. If you clean your hot tub as often as you clean your pool, you won’t be able to get rid of the build-up of mineral deposits. If you’d like to get rid of most of the foam buildup in your hot tub, you’ll need to plan ahead. Start by taking an inventory of all of the parts within your hot tub. This will help you identify potential issues that could be causing your foam buildup, like a blocked drain or a part that is broken. You’ll also need to know the exact location of your repair and parts. Next, create a cleaning schedule for when you will be cleaning your hot tub. Once you know when you will be cleaning your hot tub, you’ll be able to better plan your efforts.
Create a cleaning routine
If you clean your hot tub regularly, you’ll find that it’s much easier to remove foam buildup. However, to make the cleanings more effective, you’ll want to create a cleaning routine. Simply cleaning your hot tub regularly is not enough to remove all of the minerals that are building up within the water. To get rid of the build-up, you’ll need to clean the skimmer basket, the pump, the filter and the inlet valve. Make sure that you clean all of these areas as well as you clean the rest of the tub. To create your cleaning routine, first, take an inventory of all of the parts within the hot tub. From the skimmer basket to the pump, be sure to clean everything that can build up with minerals.
Make sure you have everything you need
When it comes to taking care of your spa, you can never be too prepared. You’ll need to know where to find certain parts and tools. You’ll also need to make sure that you have the right cleaner and parts for the job. It’s also important to have a light source to make sure that you don’t accidentally damage any parts during the process. Before you begin your cleaning process, make sure that you have all of the parts and tools that you’ll need. This will make the cleanings more efficient and less time-consuming. For example, after draining your hot tub, you’ll want to make sure that you have rubber gloves to protect your hands from any potential chemicals. You’ll also want to have a siphon hose to remove any excess water from your skimmer basket.
Don’t skip the preliminary steps
Before you even get into the hot tub, it’s important to make sure that it is empty. You want to make sure that all of the water is removed from your hot tub before you begin cleaning it. This will allow you to also clean around the edges while keeping everything dry. With no water in the tub, you’ll be able to more easily access any parts that may be behind or under the water’s surface.
Drain, clean, and dry the hot tub deck
While it’s important to remove the water in your hot tub, you’ll also want to make sure that it’s properly drained. The easiest way to accomplish this is to have someone hold a bucket underneath the tub while you tip it sideways until the water drains out. Once the tub is drained, you’ll want to clean the deck. Depending on the type of build-up that you’re dealing with, you may want to consider using a specific cleaner or simply a cleaning solution. When cleaning the deck, make sure that you’re keeping an eye out for any potential issues that could be causing the build-up. For example, is the edge of the deck starting to have any cracks?.
Add in your cleaner
Now that your tub is clean and dry, and your deck is free of build-up, it’s time to start adding your cleaner. There are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure that your hot tub is cleaned properly. First, you’ll want to make sure that you are using the right amount of cleaner. Next, you’ll want to make sure that you are using the right type of cleaner. These are designed to be used in spas and hot tubs, while some regular cleaners can damage your hot tub.
Cover and let sit for no more than 24 hours
Now that your hot tub is properly cleaned and properly drained, it’s time to let it sit for no more than 24 hours. The best way to accomplish this is to place a cover over the tub. Use a cover with a sturdy enough fabric that it doesn’t allow any air to get into the hot tub. You’ll also want to make sure that the fabric is not too heavy so that it doesn’t cause the water to circulate and mix with the chemicals. To ensure that your hot tub is properly covered and submerged in water, you’ll want to make sure that the overflow valve is open. If your tub is raised off the ground and not covered by a cover, you’ll want to make sure that the overflow valve is set to the open position.
Causes Of Foam In A Hot Tub
1. Excess detergent or bath oils left on the user’s skin:
Even a small amount of these substances can cause excessive foaming when mixed with the hot tub water.
2. Chemical imbalances in the water:
Low alkalinity, high pH, and low calcium levels can all contribute to foam formation in hot tubs.
3. High air circulation:
Too much air in the water can create foam as it mixes with chemical imbalances, minerals, and contaminants present in the water.
4. Contaminants from swimmers’ bodies:
Sweat, oils, lotions, and other substances on swimmers’ bodies can contribute to foaming.
5. Natural minerals and contaminants:
Minerals, metals, and other contaminants present in the hot tub water can contribute to foam formation.
6. Bacteria and Algae:
Bacterial growth or algae growth in a hot tub can cause foaming when it breaks down organic matter, creating proteins that act as surfactants (agents that reduce the surface tension of a liquid) and create foam.
7. Poor hot tub maintenance:
Improper or insufficient water care can cause the chemical balance of the hot tub to become imbalanced, leading to foam. Regularly testing and balancing chemicals is important for keeping hot tubs free from foam.
8. High temperatures:
When a hot tub is run at higher than normal temperatures (104°F/40°C or higher), the bubbles of air can become trapped in the water and create foam.
9. High bather load:
Large numbers of people in a hot tub can cause foaming, especially if extra soaps or detergents are used in the water.
Tips To Prevent Foaming In A Hot Tub
1. Run the hot tub at a lower temperature:
Running the hot tub at a temperature below 104°F/40°C can help reduce foam formation.
2. Make sure bathers rinse off before entering the hot tub:
Removing soaps, oils, lotions, and other substances from bathers’ bodies can help reduce foaming.
3. Test and balance water chemistry regularly:
Regularly testing and balancing the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other chemical levels in the hot tub is important for preventing foam formation.
4. Use non-foaming cleaners:
Using non-foaming cleaners to clean the inside of the hot tub can help reduce foaming in the water.
5. Reduce air circulation:
Reducing air circulation in the hot tub by turning down jets or blowers can help reduce foam formation.
Final Words:
If you’ve gotten this far, you know just how damaging foam can be. Now, you know how to get rid of foam in a hot tub. Just remember, prevention is the best medicine.