The bath time before bed was not complete without a tub of bubble bath. It was as if warm water had magically transformed into bubbling fun! It brings back great childhood memories to be surrounded by mountains of foam and bubbles. While a giant bubble bath outside may delight the kids, foam and bubbles in a hot tub most likely aren’t what you’re looking for.
Our goal is to have crystal clear hot tub and spa water, but foam formation prevents us from doing so. It is possible to have foamy hot tub water from time to time. It is generally not harmful and just a build-up of products and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Foam appears on the surface of the water when you turn on the jets of your hot tub when the water is full or old.
Causes of Foam
Filter
Your filter should be cleaned every 1-2 months. Using chemicals that are used for cleaning helps eliminate soap, oils, and any other foam-causing contaminants that lay dormant in the filter.
Drain and Refill
It is highly recommended to drain and refill your spa right before winter, so that you can start with fresh, clear, clean water.
Sanitization
Consistency is key! Keep up with your sanitization levels so that bacteria cannot stay alive. If your levels begin to drop, you may see foam as your spa is unable to kill the bacteria.
Bathing Suits
You may not realize it, but your bathing suit may be the issue. When you leave your hot tub, your bathing suit will hold onto some residue. When you get back in later, this will cause foam in your hot tub. How do you solve this? Give your bathing suit an extra rinse when you’re washing it!
PH Levels
Much like keeping an eye on your sanitation levels, be sure to look at your pH balance. Typically, you want your balance to be 7.4–7.6. Anything outside of that may render your sanitization process useless.
Hot Tub Covers
By opening the cover of your hot tub, you allow the water to breathe and introduce oxygen to it. Imagine a swimming pool where the water is constantly exposed to fresh air and sunlight. Swimming pool water will remain clear and clean with this solution, and your hot tub will enjoy it as well!
Shocking
It is recommended to Shock your spa every other week. Body oils, lotions, hair products, deodorants, colognes, perfumes, makeup, creams, and any organic products left behind after hot tub use will be broken down with Spa Shock. On a weekly basis, how often and how long you use your hot tub, how many people use it, and what products remain in your hot tub will determine the amount of spa shock required.
So there you have it! The easiest way to keep your spa foam free during the winter season. If you live in Alberta and want a new hot tub installed, or if you’re looking for maintenance services for your current hot tub, visit the Spa Tech site. Our team of professionals will get the job done with ease.
