What Causes Hot Tub Scale Buildup?
Hot tub scaling is an issue that most spa owners will face at some point during the life of their spa. The scale itself is normally harmless and is a buildup of minerals that deposit on the shell, fixtures or both. The scale can be unsightly and rough on the skin, and if it's left unchecked, over time it can cause damage to the jets, plumbing, spa components and the shell. Knowing what to do to remove existing scale and how to prevent it is important and will keep your spa in tip-top shape.
There are several different causes for scale buildup: hard water, high alkalinity, high mineral content and body oils, lotions and other contaminants. Knowing which source is likely causing your issue is the first step to preventing scaling in the future. No matter which type of scaling you are suffering from, you will want to remove it as soon as possible and then take the appropriate steps to prevent it from occurring again.
How to Remove Existing Scale From Your Hot Tub
Removing the scale buildup isn’t hard, as long as you are willing to put in some time and effort. You will need to scrub the affected areas to break up the scale. Once you have removed the scale from the fixtures and inside the tub, the particles should go through your filtration system and be collected. Once in the filtration system, remove and thoroughly clean the filter to completely remove deposits from the spa.
How to Prevent Scale Buildup in Your Spa
Preventing the scale before it starts is really the key and will make keeping your hot tub clean a little easier. When keeping your spa clean, the filter is always a good place to start and preventing scaling is not different.
Clean and Maintain Your Spa Filter
Remove and give your filter a thorough clean to remove dirt and contaminants from the filtration system.
Remove Any Existing Scale Before It Can Build Up Again
Clean any visible scale from the sides, jets, and fixtures.
Maintain Proper pH and Total Alkalinity Levels
Check your pH and total alkalinity regularly. High pH can cause calcium to accumulate in the water, forming scale. The same goes for high total alkalinity. pH and alkalinity tend to move together—if one is high, the other often is too. Keeping your water chemistry within the proper ranges is crucial not only for preventing scale buildup but also for avoiding a wide range of other water issues. Test your water frequently and rebalance when needed.
Consider Water Source Factors (Well Water vs. City Water)
The source of your water may be the cause of scale. If you live in an area with naturally hard water—meaning it has more calcium—you are filling your spa with water that is more prone to scaling. Try using a pre-filter to remove minerals before they enter the spa, or add a stain and scale prevention product directly to the water.
Follow a Routine Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
Having a regular cleaning routine (including draining, clearing buildup from the pipes, chemically soaking the filters, or replacing the filters as needed) will help reduce scale-producing contaminants in your hot tub.
Make Spa Maintenance a Routine for a Scale-Free Hot Tub
Though scaling can be challenging to keep on top of, particularly when you are a new spa owner, making water maintenance and scheduled cleaning part of your regular routine can really help with preventing scale before it starts. That way you can spend less time worrying about unsightly scale and more time enjoy a relaxing, stress reducing soak in your spa.