How to Remove Soap Scum from Your Hot Tub Easily

Use a non-abrasive spa cleaner and a soft cloth to remove soap scum from the shell and jets. Encourage users to shower before entering the tub to prevent future buildup.

What Causes Soap Scum in a Hot Tub?

Understanding what causes soap scum can help you prevent it. Soap scum usually builds up due to a combination of these factors:

• Body care products: Lotions, shampoos, deodorants, and body washes can introduce oils and soaps into the water.

• Detergent residues: Swimsuits washed with regular laundry detergents can release soap into the hot tub when worn.

• Hard water: Minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can combine with soaps and oils, accelerating soap scum formation.

• Infrequent maintenance: Inconsistent cleaning schedules allow residue and debris to build up, leading to noticeable scum lines.

When the hot tub water is not properly balanced or maintained, these residues can quickly accumulate and harden.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Your Hot Tub

Getting rid of soap scum takes a bit of effort but can be done easily with the right steps and materials.

• Turn off the hot tub

Before cleaning, always turn off the hot tub and disconnect the power to ensure safety.

• Drain the water

While you can remove some soap scum with the water still in the tub, a full drain allows for a deeper clean. If the buildup is significant, it’s best to drain the hot tub completely.

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner

Choose a hot tub-safe, non-abrasive cleaner. Harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers can damage the hot tub’s surface.

• Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is effective at breaking down soap scum without harming the surface.

• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Apply it to stubborn areas to gently scrub off residue.

Spray or apply the cleaner directly onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the soap scum.

• Gently scrub the surface

Using a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch scrub brush, gently scrub the walls, floor, and seating areas where soap scum has accumulated. Pay special attention to corners and water lines where buildup is usually heaviest.

• Rinse thoroughly

After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces thoroughly with clean water. Make sure no cleaner residues are left behind, as they can interfere with water chemistry once the tub is refilled.

• Clean the filters

Soap scum can clog your hot tub’s filters, reducing efficiency. Remove the filters and rinse them with a garden hose. For a more thorough cleaning, soak the filters in a filter cleaning solution overnight, then rinse them well before reinstalling.

• Refill and balance the water

Once the tub is clean and the filters are reinstalled, refill the hot tub with fresh water. Test and balance the water chemistry by adjusting pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels as needed.

Preventing Soap Scum in the Future

Prevention is the best way to keep soap scum from building up in your hot tub again. Here are practical tips to avoid future problems:

• Shower before using the hot tub

• Use hot tub-specific swimsuits

• Maintain proper water chemistry

• Use enzyme-based water treatments

• Clean the hot tub regularly

• Monitor calcium hardness: High calcium levels can exacerbate soap scum formation. Keep calcium hardness within recommended ranges.

Extra Tips for Dealing with Stubborn Soap Scum

If soap scum is particularly stubborn or has been left to accumulate for a long time, you might need to take additional steps:

• Use a spa-specific cleaner

• Perform a system flush

• Address hard water issues

• Use microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are effective for picking up stubborn residues without scratching the surface.

• Avoid household cleaners: Regular household cleaners might seem effective but can cause foaming and affect your hot tub’s water chemistry.

How Water Chemistry Impacts Soap Scum Buildup

Maintaining ideal water chemistry is crucial to controlling soap scum. An imbalanced chemical environment can contribute to residue sticking to surfaces. Focus on:

• pH: Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.8 to minimize soap and mineral reactions.

• Sanitizer levels: Keep bromine or chlorine levels within the recommended range to prevent organic buildup.

• Total alkalinity: Balanced alkalinity ensures water remains stable and less likely to form scum.

Signs That Soap Scum Might Be Harming Your Hot Tub

Ignoring soap scum can lead to bigger issues. Watch for these warning signs:

• Reduced water flow: Clogged filters and jets can result from soap scum buildup.

• Foamy water: Excess foam on the surface often points to contamination from soap or oils.

• Staining: Long-term buildup can cause permanent discoloration of the spa shell.

Addressing these issues early protects your investment and extends your hot tub’s lifespan.