What Causes Foam in a Hot Tub?
Knowing how to get rid of foam in a hot tub starts with understanding what causes foam in a hot tub. The primary causes of hot tub foaming are:
- Soap–often added by someone as a joke or “experiment”
- Body oil, soap, cosmetics, or hair products–as a result of extended use
- High pH and total alkalinity levels or low-grade spa chemicals–balancing your chemicals is essential to stop hot tub foaming
How to Get Rid of Foam in a Hot Tub
You can use an anti-foam agent to remove foam in a hot tub by spraying a small amount on the water’s surface to “pop” all the bubbles and minimize the foam. However, that’s only a temporary fix. To get rid of hot tub foam completely, you’ll want to identify the culprit and take steps to remedy the situation.
How to Get Rid of Foam in Hot Tub Caused by Soap:
If someone deliberately puts soap in your hot tub thinking a foam party would be a good idea, your hot tub needs a good cleaning. Start by draining the water completely. Then flush the lines and clean the surface several times. Make sure all soap residue is gone before refilling to avoid more hot tub foam from forming.
How to Get Rid of Foam in Hot Tub Caused by Use:
Regular use of your hot tub can result in foamy water on accident. Body oil, soap, cosmetics, or hair products on people or swimwear can cause hot tub foaming. To fix this issue, first, clean your hot tub thoroughly by lowering the water level in your spa until the foam starts to dissipate. Once it’s gone, rinse the inside of the hot tub with clean, warm water before adding hot tub sanitizer.
Once you remedy the issue, follow these tips to keep the foam at bay:
- Shower before using the spa to remove excessive oil or soap on the skin
- Don’t put your head under to keep hair products out of the water
- Always wear a clean bathing suit in the spa
- Replace your hot tub filter regularly
How to Get Rid of Foam in Hot Tub Caused by a Chemical Imbalance or Low-Quality Chemicals:
When foam starts to form, it can indicate a chemical imbalance, such as low-quality chemicals or too much of a chemical. To identify and remedy the issue, start by testing your hot tub's calcium hardness to determine if a lack of calcium is causing your foam issue. If this isn't the issue, test the pH and alkalinity levels with a testing kit. It’s essential to keep your chemicals balanced:
- Your calcium hardness level should be at least 200 ppm–add a calcium increaser if it’s lower.
- Your total alkalinity level should be at least 100 ppm–add an alkalinity increaser if it’s lower.
- Your pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6–add pH Up or pH Down if needed.
Finally, invest in high-quality hot tub chemicals to maintain proper balance going forward, and keep an eye on chemical concentrations regularly by testing your water throughout the season. With a little effort, you'll soon have a beautiful hot tub free from persistent foaming caused by a chemical imbalance or cheap chemicals.
Keep Your Hot Tub Foam Free with Pool Supply Unlimited
Having a hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, but keeping it foam free can sometimes be challenging. Thankfully, at Pool Supply Unlimited, we have you covered. Our spa supplies help keep your hot tub clean and free from foam, leaving you with crystal-clear water that’s always ready for your next relaxation session.
From top-quality hot tub treatments to filter cleansers and spa filters, our products provide an effective way to maintain your hot tub. As a bonus, our products are perfect for both indoor and outdoor pools and spas, offering superior industry-leading performance in all types of aquatic environments. So don’t let foam dampen your spirits. Shop Pool Supply Unlimited today and keep your hot tub calm, clean, and foam-free!
