Hot Tub Foam Guide

Symptom:

Hot tub or spa water appears foamy, reducing water clarity.

Common Underlying Issues

Foamy water is often caused by:

  • Organic contaminants or microcontaminants.
  • Water imbalance.
  • Low calcium hardness levels.

Steps to Diagnose and Treat Foamy Water

1. Remove Foam with a Hot Tub Defoamer

Using a product like Summerbuddy Defoamer is an effective way to eliminate foam quickly. If the foam disappears and does not return, the issue may be resolved. However, persistent foam indicates an underlying problem that requires further action.

2. Remove Organic Microcontaminants

  • Add 1 oz of AquaDoc's Natural Enzyme per 250 gallons of water. Circulate water for at least 15 minutes to break down organic contaminants (e.g., oils, sunscreen, and makeup).
  • Add 2 oz of AquaDoc's Spa Clarifier per 250 gallons of water. This helps combine microcontaminants so the filtration system can capture and remove them. Run the filtration system until the water is clear.

3. Balance Alkalinity Levels

  • If alkalinity is low: Use an Alkalinity Increaser to bring levels to the recommended range.
  • If alkalinity is high: Use a pH Decreaser (there is no direct Alkalinity Decreaser) to reduce alkalinity levels effectively.

4. Balance pH Levels

  • If pH levels are low: Use a pH Booster.
  • If pH levels are high: Use a pH Decreaser.

5. Check and Correct Calcium Hardness Levels

  • Use a home calcium hardness test kit or have your water tested by a local spa retailer.
  • Use a Spa Calcium Increaser to bring water to the proper calcium levels:
    • For Chlorine & Bromine systems: Maintain calcium levels between 75 and 150 ppm.
    • For Saltwater systems: Maintain calcium levels between 25 and 75 ppm.

Preventing Foamy Water

Responsible Hot Tub Usage

  • Shower before using the hot tub.
  • Avoid wearing makeup, lotions, and oils. If possible, use your hot tub at night or in shaded areas to avoid sunscreen use.
  • Rinse your bathing suit before entering the hot tub. Ideally, dedicate a suit for hot tub use and avoid detergent when washing.
  • Cover your hot tub when not in use.
  • Avoid bath bombs or other additives that can introduce contaminants.

Regular Hot Tub Maintenance

  • Frequently check and balance spa calcium levels.
  • Add 1 oz of Natural Enzyme per 250 gallons of water weekly.
  • Add 2 oz of Spa Clarifier per 250 gallons twice a week.

Summary of Treatment Products

  • Water Clarifier: Helps filters capture microcontaminants.
  • Natural Enzyme: Removes algae and organic contaminants.
  • Test Strips: Diagnose alkalinity, pH, and calcium levels.
  • Alkalinity Increaser: Raises low alkalinity levels.
  • pH Increaser: Boosts low pH levels.
  • pH Decreaser: Lowers high pH and alkalinity levels.
  • Calcium Increaser: Raises calcium hardness levels.

By diagnosing the root cause of foamy water and following these steps, you can restore and maintain the clarity and cleanliness of your spa or hot tub, ensuring a relaxing and worry-free experience.