Hot Tub Maintenance 101: How to Remove Scum
Most hot tub users are pretty diligent when it comes to maintaining their pride and joy. If you have been less diligent recently and have let your spa or hot tub maintenance regime slide for a while, you can soon start to encounter problems.
The most common of these is a layer of scum developing around the waterline and on top of the water itself. Most regular hot tub users know this is a perennial problem, especially with a lot of usage. Fortunately, it’s easy to put straight.
What Causes Hot Tub Scum?
Just like your indoor bath, scum can develop for a variety of reasons. Your hot tub is no exception.
Over time you’ll find that dust and debris of all types will collect in the water. People using the tub also bring oil and other contaminants, including skin cells, that get washed off and change the nature of the water.
Everything from deodorant to suntan oil and even make-up finds its way into the water. It’s no surprise that this builds up over time. Depending on where you live in the UK, various metals found in water naturally can also accumulate, including calcium, magnesium and iron.
Mostly this will be handled by your filter system but a gradual build-up means that this becomes less efficient and leads to scum forming on the external parts of the hot tub.
What to do if You Notice Scum in Your Hot Tub
If there is only a slight build-up that is forming a ring around the tub, you can remove this with a cloth and some gentle detergent. Even if you maintain your hot tub regularly this is the sort of issue can happen when you have regular use.
If there is a bigger build-up, then the best thing to do is empty your hot tub, give it a thorough clean, including the filters, and replace the water. After this, make sure that you maintain your hot tub regularly to make sure the problem doesn’t get out of hand again.
How to Prevent Hot Tub Scum
Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. There are a number of things you can do to ensure that scum build-up is greatly reduced. The first is to educate people who use your facilities.
For example, you could ensure that people take a shower before they use the hot tub. This is not only good for hygiene, it certainly prevents contaminants such as oils and soaps from getting into the water.
You should also test your water at least once a week while you are using it regularly. This ensures you hot tub water is properly balanced, preventing issues with contaminants like calcium and means you maintain the right pH level.
You should also ‘shock’ your tub every week or so, especially if a lot of people are using it. This means upping the oxidative chemicals like chlorine and running them through the system to kill off bacteria and remove organic contaminants.
Finally, regular cleaning is something that you cannot really avoid and it does help keep you hot tub in good condition. Get into the habit of checking the surface water and rim before or after you have a session and you should stay on top of things pretty well.
You can purchase spa chemicals, cleaning accessories and other accessories from the Aqua Design and Leisure shop to help keep your spa clean and fresh. Feel free to contact us for advice on choosing the best products for you.
