Maintaining a Foam-Free Hot Tub: Best Practices for Owners
Hot tub foam is one of the most common issues that owners encounter. While some foam is normal and to be expected, excessive foam can diminish your soaking experience. I have helped hot tub owners since 2002 to solve their hot tub problems. I have assembled some of the best practices and solutions for owners to help maintain a foam-free hot tub.
As you read through, I will answer these essential questions on how to achieve a Foam-Free Hot Tub
- Why is my hot tub foaming?
- Can low alkalinity cause foam in a hot tub?
- When should you use a defoamer in a hot tub?
- How do you fix a foamy hot tub?
- How do I get rid of foam in a hot tub?
- Why won't my hot tub stop foaming?
- How much foam is normal in a hot tub?
- How often do you need to drain a hot tub?
Maintaining a Foam-Free Hot Tub-Post Navigation
- What causes hot tub foam
- Phase One-Steps for Initial fill or water change
- Phase Two-Regular Maintenance
- Phase Three: Hot Tub Foam Prevention
- Phase four: What to do when foam attacks
- Suggested Products
- Conclusions
- Next Step
- Downloadable Guide
- Featured Video
- Resources
- Hot Tubbing Products
- More All About Water
What causes hot tub foam
While there are many reasons why a hot tub will suddenly foam up, the number one reason is us. We use deodorant, body sprays, lotions, and daily showers using soap and shampoo. In addition to all of that, we wash our swimsuits with laundry detergent and fabric softeners.
Another contributing factor is how we take care of our hot tubs. Poor water chemistry and maintenance will all add to poor water quality and foamy water.
Phase One-Steps for Initial fill or water change
Battling Hot Tub Foam Starts On Day One. The best way to minimize any problem with your hot tub is with a good start-up. Whether your water is directly from the tap, well water, or you have it trucked in.
I have outlined my tips for success in preparing your water for that relaxing soak you have been waiting for.
If your hot tub is brand new from the factory. You may consider filling and draining it. Your new hot tub was wet-tested before it was shipped and will have residual water in the lines. Depending on the water and how long it has sat before it was delivered, this could avoid problems right from the start.
Get to know your water by testing it and recording the results before you fill your hot tub. This will give you a baseline, and you will know what changes you need to effect at each water change. I would also recommend keeping a log of your results and what steps you took to resolve it.
Balancing your water is not an option. It is a must. Low alkalinity and low water hardness are both causes of foam in a hot tub, and your sanitizer will be less effective. For a typical hot tub, alkalinity should be between 80-120 parts per million, and most hot manufacturers and spa chemical companies recommend a water hardness level between 150-250. Be sure to check your hot tub manual and the sanitizer label. If you are using a salt system, they usually work at a much lower hardness level of 25-75 ppm.
When adding any chemicals, your cover should be off, pumps should be on and running on high, and water features should also be on. If your hot tub has diverters, they should be in the middle position or full flow position, and any air intakes, also known as air mix, should be off whether you are adding a powder or liquid. I suggest introducing those chemicals near the filter area and letting the pump run for 10 minutes. Remember to turn your water feature off when you are done to prevent water from leaking out of the tub when the cover is closed.
If you have poor water quality or minerals in your water, use a pre-filter for your hose when filling the hot tub. This will remove unwanted contaminants in your water that could cause a water imbalance in your hot tub and will take time to adjust before you can use your hot tub.
After the hot tub is filled and the water is balanced, add the recommended amount of bromine or chlorine. The label should have the amount based on your hot tub size. This step will help with any containments in the plumbing from a previous fill included from the factory and give you peace of mind that your hot tub water is healthy.
Phase Two-Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a hot should not be something that consumes your whole day. A regular maintenance routine will ensure you have clean and clear water ready when you are.
Maintaining your Hot Tub with these steps will reduce your chance of a Foam Attack.
The most obvious is to test and adjust your hot tub water chemistry weekly.
Maintain your sanitizer level as directed by the manufacturer. Chlorine, Bromine, Salt, etc., all have different requirements. Maintaining a good sanitizer level will kill bacteria and break down soaps and oils that cause foam and cloudy water.
Often overlooked is what to do with leftover Containment after your sanitizer has done its job. I highly recommend adding a chlorine-free shock or natural enzyme to remove these leftovers that will cloud your water, cause foam, and clog your filter. These containments will also add to the biofilm in your plumbing, so it is an important step.
Check your filters weekly. If they look dirty, rinse them using a garden hose. Use cartridge spray to remove any buildup that may reduce filter efficiency.
Empty and refill your hot tub every three to four months or as your manufacturer recommends. The older the water, the more likely phosphates, TDS (total dissolved solids), and other unwanted by-products will build up and cause possible foam and other unforeseen problems.
Soak your filter in a deep cleaning solution to ensure filter efficiency when changing your water. A dirty filter will cause your hot tub to draw more water through the bottom intake and bypass the filter altogether.
Before you change your water, perform a regular plumbing purge at your water change to remove biofilm. Besides a harbor for bacteria, it can be another cause of foamy water and unhealthy water conditions.
Phase Three: Hot Tub Foam Prevention
As I discussed at the beginning of this article, we, as hot tub lovers, are the most significant reason our hot tubs foam up.
Following these simple steps will eliminate foam in your hot tub.
Shower before using your hot tub to rinse off excess hygiene, hair, and makeup products.
Have a hot tub-only swimsuit washed less frequently with less or no soap. Be sure to rinse twice.
I am repeating this one from the maintenance section. This is by far the best prevention against a foam build-up. Treat your hot tub with a Non-chlorine shock (potassium peroxy monosulfate) or a natural enzyme. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
If you don’t like using a lot of chemicals, an alternative is a scum absorber that floats in your hot tub. Caution with this approach. Not all containments will be absorbed; some will get through to your filter, clog it, and reduce efficiency. In addition, it will contribute to biofilm inside your hot tubs plumbing.
Phase four: What to do when foam attacks
Even with your best efforts, you have foam in your hot tub. This usually happens right after using your hot tub or when you have friends and family over. Given time, your regular hot tub maintenance habits will resolve the problem on its own. However, if the foam does not go away on its own after a few days, this would indicate that you have more condiments than residual chemicals in the water to combat the foam. The following simple steps will get you back into your hot tub foam free in no time.
Start by removing as much foam as possible. Turn your pumps on high. Use a large scoop hand skimmer or shop vac to remove the foam off the surface. Be sure to turn off the air mix. Running a hot tub with the air on will raise your pH.
Rinse your filters with water using a garden hose. Note: A cartridge cleaner can also be used but may introduce residual foam into your hot tub, which will dissipate. I would only use a cartridge cleaner to improve the filters efficiently once your foam issues are resolved.
Add extra sanitizer. Use the recommended dose for boosting, shocking, super chlorination/bromination, or the term used for overdosing by your sanitizer manufacturer. This will break down much of what is causing the foam and likely leave your water cloudy.
Add non-chlorine shock to remove any remaining containments and clear your water. If you are experiencing recurring foam issues, consider using a natural enzyme. The more you use your hot tub, the more you bring into your water. Unless your hot tub is too far gone, these products will resolve your problem over a 2-3 day period. Note: when using an enzyme, check the directions. Most enzymes are ineffective when sanitizer is high.
If you are using a scum-absorbing product, be sure it is fresh, either by replacing it or washing it, depending on the type you are using.
For a temporary fix, you can use a deformer to relieve the situation for 10-15 minutes. Great for when your hot tub is overloaded during a party or family gathering.
If it has been more than four months since your last water change or over a year since you performed a plumbing purge, this is the time to do so and start over with Step One as prescribed above.
If less than four months have passed since your last water change and none of the above has not resolved your foam issue, try a partial water change. In server cases, a complete water change may be your only option.
Suggested Products
Now that you have my secrets to success and battle plan against hot tub foam, you need to start implementing them sooner rather than later. If you need suggestions on what products to use, click the button below for a list of products in my Swim N Soak store.
In conclusion
Maintaining a foam-free hot tub is your path to happiness for an enjoyable and relaxing soaking experience. Here are the main takeaways.
Hot tub foam is a common issue, often caused by factors such as personal hygiene products, poor water chemistry, and inconsistent maintenance.
Testing and balancing your hot tub water, using proper chemicals, and ensuring the cleanliness of your water source are essential steps.
Next Steps
Foam prevention also relies on personal habits, such as showering before entering the hot tub and using minimal soap on hot tub-specific swimsuits. Use a Non-chlorine shock or natural enzymes can help maintain water quality and minimize foam.
When foam does appear, take action. Removing excess foam, cleaning filters, boosting sanitizer levels, and using non-chlorine or enzyme treatments can quickly resolve the issue. A partial or complete water change may be required in more severe cases.
Remember that maintaining a foam-free hot tub requires consistency. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your hot tub remains a source of relaxation and enjoyment rather than a source of frustration.
Implement these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to a foam-free hot tub experience that you and your guests can fully appreciate.
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