Is your hot tub water cloudy with a changed smell? Does your hot tub water feel slimy? In both cases, your hot tub has accumulated a chemical-resistant biofilm. But don’t worry! With proper maintenance and cleaning procedures, you can clean it.
This easy to read blog explores various methods to get rid of biofilm in hot tubs without draining. It also uncovers the causes and signs of hot tub biofilms and how to prevent hot tub biofilms in the future.
So, what is biofilm in a hot tub?
Hot tub biofilm refers to a slimy layer of bacteria, body oils, lotions, hair products, sweat, and any other minerals or residues that can accumulate over time.
The hot tub bacteria can resist disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine because of their outermost protective layer made of slime.
Hot tub biofilms flourish in dark, warm water conditions, making the water cloudy or foamy.
What are the signs of biofilm in a hot tub?
For those seeking what hot tub biofilm looks like, the following apparent signs will show the hot tub biofilm accumulation.
- More chemicals are used than normal for hot tub sanitation.
- Appearance of foam on the water surface.
- Unpleasant smell from the water.
- Appearance of oily bubbles around the filters.
- Calcium flakes on the hot tub water surface.
- The water feels slimy
- Skin irritation
How to clean hot tub biofilm?
Prompt cleaning of the hot tub can prevent bodily discomforts and also prolong the equipment life.
Here is how to get rid of biofilm in a hot tub without draining it.
Purge the Hot Tub
The first step is to purge the hot tub equipment extensively. Clean and rub the inner lines, pumps, jets, and other hidden areas.
Apply the specialized purging solution to the equipment to help loosen the accumulated biofilm or debris. Always follow the recommended guidelines on the solution’s package.
Shock the Hot Tub
After an extensive purging session, your hot tub will need a shock treatment. The high chlorine dose will raise the free chlorine level and disinfect the hot tub water.
The loose bacteria or fungi from the purging process are killed during the shock treatment.
Clean the Filters
Do you know why most hot tub bacteria or biofilm issues persist? It’s mostly due to improper function of the filters in cleaning the debris and other contaminants. Clean your hot tub filters and replace them if they need replacement.
How to get rid of your hot tub biofilm more effectively?
If the above processes do not work, the most effective and easiest way to clean your hot tub is by draining it.
Here is how this whole process looks like.
- Drain your hot tub with a hose.
- Brush and scrub the surface, jets, filters, and other hard to reach areas of the hot tub.
- Thoroughly clean the inside of your hot tub.
- Fill the hot tub again.
- Check and balance the chemical levels of the hot tub.
- Add a strong but recommended dose of the hot tub sanitizers and algaecides.
How do you prevent hot tub biofilm in the future?
Follow the guidelines below to prevent hot tub biofilm in the future.
- Maintain the ideal hot tub temperature, pH, chemicals, and alkalinity.
- Clean the hot tub filters daily.
- Maintain your hot tub sanitation through chlorine or bromine.
- Shock your hot tub or spa once in a week or after heavy use.
- Drain your hot tub every 2 to 3 months.
- Close your hot tub lid when you’re done soaking.
What is the best biofilm cleaner for hot tubs?
There are multiple options available for hot tub biofilm cleaning. Silverline Pools provides the most effective and budget-friendly biofilm cleaners for hot tubs.
Some of the chemicals that we use as biofilm cleaners include:
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- Enzyme-based Cleaners
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
- Peroxides (Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Vanigar
- Baking Soda
What causes biofilm in the hot tub?
Owners often ask how biofilm enters a hot tub. Well, an ill-maintained hot tub or a hot tub with users not taking care of their swim suits or bodies when entering, or hot tubs with high traffic increase the chances of biofilm accumulation.
At first, the bacteria enters the hot tub through the bathers’ bodies and builds in the hot tub pipes and plumbing.
The bacteria then gradually covers themselves with a protective slime layer to safeguard them from sanitizers and other hot tub chemicals.
What’s next! The biofilm enters the warm water environment changing the water odor and appearance.
Biofilm in Hot Tub and Equipment
As the bacteria, fungi, or viruses build up in the equipment, they can cause the premature wear and tear of the equipment. The slime buildup on the equipment can lead to:
- Filter and other equipment clogging.
- Corrosion in the spa plumbing.
- Require more extensive cleaning
- Reduced equipment functioning.
What are the typical hot tub areas for biofilm accumulation?
Identifying the exact location of the accumulated hot tub is a crucial part of its cleaning process.
Here are the hot tub places where you can most likely find a biofilm slime.
- Hot Tub Plumbing
- Jets
- Filter
- Hot Tub Shell
- Steps
- Headrests
Can you go in a hot tub with biofilm?
It is best to avoid using a hot tub with biofilm. You must always clean and sanitize your hot tub before using it. This is because the low sanitation of a hot tub can cause health issues to the users.
Hot tub biofilm slime can cause the following complications to the swimmers’ health.
- Skin issues such as rashes, irritation, or itching.
- Respiratory problems such as coughs, wheezing, or difficulty in breathing.
- Can cause ear or eye infections.
- May further irritate fresh wounds.
Will biofilm go away on its own?
Biofilm in a hot tub can go away naturally within a few weeks. However, you must continue to clean the hot tub by purging the equipment, shocking the hot tub, and cleaning the filters regularly.
Why is the bottom of my hot tub so slimy?
The slimy hot tub bottom indicates the accumulation of biofilm (bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, body oils and residues).
How do you unclog biofilm?
Baking soda can help unclog hot tub biofilm.
Conclusion
Hot tub users carry bacteria and other microorganisms through their bodies from outside. They also leave their body oils and organic residues in the hot tub water. This leads to the hot tub biofilm accumulation, turning the water cloudy.
If your water smells or it consumes more than usual chemicals during shock treatment, it’s an indication to get rid of your hot tub biofilm. To do this, purge your hot tub equipment, apply shock treatment, and clean or replace the filters.
For professional hot tub servicing, contact Silverline Pools and let them turn your biofilm hot tub into a sparkling and healthy one.
