Cody Casey
If you've noticed a slimy film on the surface of the water in your hot tub, or deposits caked onto the shell at the waterline, you're dealing with hot tub scum. This is often caused by a combination of body oils, lotions, makeup, conditioners, and other products that are transferred into the water from our skin and hair. To get rid of hot tub scum, you'll need to test and balance the water chemistry, remove gunk from surfaces, use a biofilm cleaner, clean or replace your filter, and possibly do a full drain of the tub. Maintaining proper chemistry levels, regularly sanitising the liner, and showering before use can help prevent scum from building up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of scum | Body oils, grease, and other human by-products (e.g. dead skin cells, hair, deodorant, lotions, creams, hair products, etc.) |
| How to prevent scum | Maintain proper chemistry levels, regularly replace hot tub water, sanitise the liner, shower before entering the hot tub, use scum bugs or scum balls |
| How to remove scum | Test and balance water, remove gunk from surfaces with a skimmer net or oil-absorbing sponges, use a biofilm cleaner, clean or replace the filter, consider doing a full drain |
What You'll Learn
Soak the pot in a vinegar solution
Ensure that the solution covers all stained areas of the pot, and soak for 15 minutes to an hour. Ventilate the area well by opening a window or turning on a fan to disperse the strong vinegar aroma.
After soaking, rinse the pot thoroughly to remove all traces of vinegar, and dry. If there are still visible hard water stains and build-up, repeat the process with a stronger vinegar solution, or leave the pot to soak overnight. For tough stains, try heating the pot on the stove top with the vinegar solution.
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Rinse and dry the pot
Rinsing and drying your hot water pot is a crucial step in removing scum and preventing further build-up. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your pot is thoroughly cleaned:
Rinsing the Pot
- After soaking the pot in a vinegar solution, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Ensure you remove all traces of vinegar from the pot. You can turn on the tap and place the pot under running water, or fill the pot with clean water and dump it out several times.
- If you are using a product like Lime-A-Way, be sure to follow the instructions on the package and rinse the pot well after cleaning. These products can be toxic if ingested, so it is important to remove all chemical residue.
- If you are dealing with hard water stains, consider rinsing the pot with hot water. The heat can help loosen and remove stubborn stains.
- Pay close attention to areas where scum and stains tend to accumulate, such as around the rim and handles of the pot. Ensure these areas are thoroughly rinsed.
Drying the Pot
- After rinsing, dry the pot thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure you dry both the interior and exterior surfaces of the pot.
- If the pot is safe to be placed on a stovetop, you can put it on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry. This can also help remove any remaining water stains.
- Leave the pot out in a dry place to air dry. Placing it near an open window can help speed up the drying process and remove any lingering vinegar or chemical smells.
- If there are still visible stains or scum after the pot has dried, repeat the cleaning process. Soak the pot in a stronger vinegar solution or try leaving it to soak overnight.
Remember, maintaining your hot water pot by regularly cleaning and drying it will help prevent scum build-up and keep it in good condition for longer.
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Repeat the process if necessary
If you are still noticing scum or limescale in your hot water pot after the first round of cleaning, you may need to repeat the process.
First, assess the severity of the limescale buildup. If there is still a significant amount of limescale, use a stronger vinegar solution. You can fill the pot halfway with vinegar and top it up with water, or use vinegar on its own.
Allow the pot to soak in the solution for 15 minutes to an hour. Make sure to ventilate the area well by opening a window or turning on a fan, as vinegar has a strong aroma.
If there are still visible stains, repeat the process with a stronger vinegar solution, or leave the pot to soak overnight. Alternatively, you can heat the pot on the stove with the vinegar solution inside.
Once you are happy with the results, rinse the pot thoroughly to remove all traces of vinegar, and dry it with a microfiber or soft towel.
If you have a stainless steel pot, you can buff it with a light coating of olive oil or baby oil.
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Prevent scum by maintaining water balance
Maintaining the water balance in your hot water pot is essential to prevent scum buildup. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Test and Balance Water
It is important to regularly test the water in your hot water pot to ensure that the parameters are balanced. Pay close attention to the chlorine or bromine levels, as these play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. Aim to maintain 1 – 4 PPM of Free Chlorine or 3 – 5 PPM of Bromine. This will help prevent cloudy water and inhibit bacterial growth.
Clean Your Filter
The filter in your hot water pot plays a vital role in removing dirt and oils that accumulate over time. However, when the filter becomes dirty, it loses its effectiveness in trapping smaller particles, which can lead to cloudy water. Therefore, it is essential to clean your filter regularly according to the instructions in your owner's manual. This will ensure that your filter functions optimally and help prevent scum buildup.
Shock Treatment
Applying a shock treatment to your hot water pot on a weekly basis is an effective way to remove any lingering contaminants and improve filtration. Choose a shock product that is compatible with your sanitizer of choice, such as chlorine or bromine. This will help maintain water balance and prevent scum formation.
Wipe Down the Pot
Periodically wiping down your hot water pot is an easy way to prevent scum buildup. Use a non-abrasive cloth or towel to gently wipe away any visible stains or buildup, especially along the waterline. This simple step can go a long way in maintaining the cleanliness of your pot and preventing scum accumulation.
Shower Before Use
Taking a quick shower before using your hot water pot can help prevent body oils, lotions, perfumes, and other personal care products from contaminating the water. While it may not be possible to remove all contaminants, rinsing off beforehand will significantly reduce the amount of residue that ends up in the water, thus helping to maintain water balance and prevent scum.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
In addition to the steps mentioned above, it is important to clean and maintain your hot water pot regularly. This includes tasks such as emptying and scrubbing the pot to remove any limescale or algae buildup. Follow the cleaning instructions specific to your pot and use gentle detergents instead of harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning will help prevent scum buildup and ensure the longevity of your hot water pot.
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Clean the hot tub regularly
Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your hot tub in good condition and preventing the buildup of contaminants that can lead to scum. Here are some tips to help you clean your hot tub effectively:
- Wipe down the hot tub after each use: Use a soft cloth or towel to wipe down the headrests and any parts of the shell that are not submerged. This will help remove any residue and prevent the buildup of scum.
- Clean the hot tub weekly: Use a hot tub cleaner and a soft sponge to clean the areas above the waterline at least once a week. This will help remove any contaminants and prevent mildew. You can also use a dampened melamine sponge to clean the water line without getting cleaning chemicals in the water.
- Maintain the water chemistry: Test the water chemistry regularly, including the pH level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine). This will help you identify any imbalances that may contribute to scum formation.
- Shock your hot tub regularly: Apply a shock treatment weekly or bi-weekly as part of your maintenance routine. Select a shock product compatible with your sanitizer of choice. This will help remove lingering contaminants and improve filtration.
- Clean the filter regularly: Rinse your hot tub filter with warm water or a garden hose spray nozzle frequently, especially if the hot tub has been used heavily. Spray the filter with a hot tub filter cleaner once a week, and remember to rinse it afterward. Soak the filter in a chemical cleaner each time you drain and refill the hot tub to extend its life and remove stubborn particles. Replace the filter when it can no longer be cleaned effectively.
- Encourage users to shower before using the hot tub: Ask users to shower and exfoliate before entering the hot tub to remove body oils, lotions, makeup, deodorant, and other personal care products that can contribute to scum formation.
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Frequently asked questions
Regularly replace your hot water pot's water and sanitise the liner. You should also shower before using the pot to prevent body oils, lotions, and other products from contaminating the water.
You can use a mixture of vinegar and water to soak the pot. The ratio of vinegar to water depends on the severity of the scum build-up. For minor stains, a 1:1 solution should be sufficient. For heavier stains, use more vinegar, or vinegar alone. Soak the pot for 15 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the process if necessary.
Scum is caused by a variety of factors, including ineffective sanitisers, high copper levels in the water, heavy contamination, and filtration issues.
If your filter is torn, clogged, or worn out, it will need to be replaced. Filters should be replaced entirely every 1.5-2 years and cleaned at least once a month.
