Spa Hygiene 101: How To Clean Your Hot Tub or Spa

In this guide we explore the causes of slime build up in spas and how you can keep your spa hygienic, clean, and swim-ready. 

Why is My Spa Foaming, Cloudy and Slimy? 

If you’ve pulled the cover off your spa and noticed a filmy layer on the water’s surface, we recommend you act fast and treat your water. 

Biofilm build up is caused from excessive swimming and accumulation of organic materials such as faeces, urine, sunscreen skin oils, body lotions, and residues. This leads to high TDS (total dissolved solids) levels.

If the TDS in your spa water is too high (above 500ppm) it may lead to cloudy water and that “spa smell” that we mistakenly yet affectionately associate with the smell of chlorine or bromine and clean water. Unfortunately, this is quite the opposite and borders on “unhealthy” water, which should be adequately treated before the next soak.

Note: Unbalanced spa water may cause skin and eye irritation.

Key Causes of Spa Biofilm 

• Feaces and Urine: Not showering before using the spa use increases the contamination risks.

• Body oils and lotions: Products used on the body can accumulate in the spa water.

• Incorrect chemical balance: Failing to maintain the correct chemical balance in your spa can lead to water problems, including the growth of algae and bacteria.

• Infrequent cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime.

How do you get rid of biofilm in a spa?

Here are our recommended steps to remove and prevent the build up of biofilm in your spa:

• Step 1: Flush out the pipes and filtration system of any build up that may have accumulated since last use. 

• Step 2: Check the spa filter, it might need a deep clean, or may be due for replacement. 

• Step 3: Use a soft bristle brush to clean the spa floor, walls and waterline. 

• Step 4: Check the pH balance of your spa and dose with chlorine accordingly.

• Step 5: Once all clear, your spa is ready to use again!

Note: In some extreme examples, we recommend draining the spa, cleaning and refilling with fresh water to ensure that all the bacteria and build up from contaminants have been removed. 

Spa Cleaning Checklist

• Clean your spa regularly: Weekly cleaning of the waterline and spa shell can significantly reduce buildup.

• Balance your spa's water chemistry: Regular testing and adjusting of your spa's water chemistry are critical. Ensure that pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels are always within the recommended TDS ranges to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation.

• Change the water: Depending on usage, completely draining and refilling your spa periodically (every 3, 6 and 12 months) is necessary to refresh the water and remove dissolved solids that contribute to bacterial growth and cloudy water.

• Check your spa TDS levels: Using a TDS meter, perform a total dissolved solids test on your spa water to ensure that it’s sitting within the correct ranges

• Replace Your Filters: depending on how frequently you’re using your spa, we recommend hosing down the filter, soaking in a filter cleaner and/or changing the filters every 12-18 months.

• Use a spa cover: A good-quality cover not only keeps out debris but also reduces evaporation. If your spa is frequently filling up with leaves, dust or debris of any kind this will have a huge impact on water quality. Remember, the spa cover must be secured down, which can prevent young children from entering the spa unsupervised.

When to Call a Professional

At Poolwerx, we are committed to ensuring that your spa remains a healthy and enjoyable part of your home. Regular spa maintenance and professional care are key to achieving this, and we're here to help every step of the way. We can take care of everything from routine cleaning to chemical balancing, ensuring your spa is always ready for you to enjoy.

For more tips on spa and pool maintenance or to schedule a spa maintenance service, contact your local Poolwerx service team directly.