Why are the sides of my hot tub slimy?

The most common cause of slimy water in your hot tub is a bacterial substance called biofilm. This is caused by bacteria that grow in the warm water of your hot tub. They can live in the piping of your hot tub, on interior surfaces, or in the filter.

How do I get rid of slime in my hot tub?

To remove bacteria and slime from your hot tub plumbing, use Swirl Away before draining your hot tub and replacing the water. You should also clean the filter before refilling. If your filter is particularly slimy, it is better to replace it.

Is it safe to use a hot tub with biofilm?

Biofilm can form in your spa's equipment and plumbing, increasing the risk of continuous water contamination if left untreated. Biofilm buildup can be damaging to your hot tub and unhealthy for bathers.

How do you get rid of biofilm build up?

Adding 1 gallon of white vinegar to the water can kill biofilm (but will also lower the pH). Adding extra chlorine will be ineffective in removing biofilm. But preventative maintenance every time the hot tub is drained is the best solution.

What is the white slimy stuff in my hot tub?

Mold and mildew can take the form of floating white slime in your spa water or discolored white or black patches on your hot tub shell. Mildew is a surface fungi that can usually be easily wiped away, whereas mold might be a sign of a more intensive infestation. Mold is most likely to form in a neglected spa.

Spa Mold

How often should you shock your hot tub?

Regular hot tub shocking is inevitable to keep your water clean and safe for use. Dead skin and other elements like hair may end up dropping in the hot tub, leaving the tub in a mess. It is essential to shock the hot tub frequently – at least once every week.

What does algae look like in a hot tub?

Algae in a hot tub can take many forms and can appear in various colors, from green to yellow to white to black. Your water could appear greenish or cloudy. Or the sides of your hot tub shell could feel slippery and slimy to the touch.

Why is my hot tub sticky?

Generally, hot tub biofilm comes from contaminants introduced by the people bathing, such as skin oils, deodorants, lotions and perfumes. Older or damaged filters, imbalanced water and ineffective sanitation can also lead to the formation of hot tub slime.

Why is my hot tub greasy?

In general, many factors can affect the development of this oily film, but it usually forms due to the dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, hair products and detergent residue found on bathers when they enter the tub.

What kills algae in a hot tub?

Shocking or super-sanitizing your hot tub water involves adding a high quantity of Chlorine, Bromine or non-Chlorine to break down the contaminants in the water. You can shock dose the hot tub yourself or seek the help of a professional.

What happens if you put too much shock in a hot tub?

You only need a small amount of chlorine to successfully sanitize your spa, so it's possible to overdo it if you're not careful. Too much chlorine can damage your hot tub and irritate your skin, eyes and lungs. Thankfully, reducing the chlorine levels in your hot tub is very easy to do.

What temperature should I leave my hot tub on overnight?

Knowing that hot tub water heats up around three to six degrees per hour, keeping it as low as 10° less can still be fine. At most, it will take about 3 hours to get back to normal when you're ready for it. But if you find your hot tub heats slower, or you don't like waiting, keep it at 5 degrees less instead.

How soon can you go in a hot tub after shocking it?

How long do I need to wait after shocking my hot tub? There is no set time to wait before using your hot tub. All brands give different recommendations, ranging from 20 minutes to 24 hours. However, before donning your swimsuit and stepping inside, we suggest using a test strip to ensure your chlorine levels are safe.

Do you leave jets on in hot tub?

Hot tub jets can be run with the cover on. But if chemicals have just been added, it is best to leave the cover off for 20 minutes as the mist of the water and chemicals could damage the underside of the cover over time.

Should Jets be on when heating hot tub?

Before covering your hot tub, make sure to turn on the jets as this will accelerate the pace of your hot tub's heating. By running the jets, you're allowing the heated water to be circulated and evenly distributed to all areas of the hot tub.

How long should a spa pump run per day?

Since your hot tub pump circulates the warm water as well as the sanitizer, a general rule is to follow manufacturer recommendations or leave the pump on for a minimum of eight hours per day.

How often should you add chlorine to your hot tub?

You should generally add chlorine to your hot tub every 1-3 days depending on usage. A typical use of one person taking a 15-minute soak once a week might only require adding chlorine every 2-3 days, while more frequent use can mean topping up the chlorine every day.

Is shock the same as chlorine?

Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.

What is the difference between spa shock and chlorine?

Is Spa Shock the same as Chlorine? Sodium dichlor shock is a form of chlorine and can act as both sanitiser and shock treatment. If you're using a chlorine-free shock product like MPS (potassium peroxy-monosulphate), then this will not have any chlorine in it.

Can you put bleach in a hot tub?

You never want to use bleach in place or regular chlorine or bromine sanitizing, but you can use bleach to occasionally shock your hot tub water and use diluted bleach to clean the shell of an empty hot tub. Just avoid using liquid chlorine designed for swimming pools.

Can you get in a hot tub with algae?

Algae is a common issue with hot tubs but is typically not dangerous to humans.

How do I know if I have bacteria in my hot tub?

Look out for slime, a sour smell or unclear water – clear signs of a bacterial infestation. You can often see/smell the bacteria long before it becomes a serious problem. That's usually a symptom of bacteria in your hot tub.

Does spa shock clear water?

The purpose of spa shock is to break-down organic waste contaminants which cause odor and cloudy water. After using spa shock, water quality and clarity is often completely restored.