Hot tubs are supposed to have gentle rolling bubbles, but you are not supposed to have foamy hot tub water. Why does this happen? Is foam in a hot tub bad? Hot tubs are comfortable and fun until excess foam takes over. Hot tub foam can be removed and prevented from occurring again with a little care.
A foamy hot tub is normally caused by common surfactants such as soap, hair products, and human body residues. Depending on the surfactant type and the amount, the foam can become excessive. Fortunately, you can prevent and remove foams in hot tubs.
Perhaps a foamy hot tub looks like a bubble bath, but it is not as clean or safe as a regular tub. Foam in hot tub when jets are on is a clear sign that you need to clean your hot tub, and the faster you clean it, the better. Keep reading to find out why hot tubs foam, how to prevent the foam, and how to get rid of it.
What causes foam in hot tub water?
While a foaming hot tub might seem harmless, it can actually be a sign of some pretty nasty business. It may not be merely the relaxing bubble bath it looks like.
Hot tub foam is generally made out of three things:
- Water
- Air
- Surfactants
While none of those elements are individually a problem, when they’re mixed with other residues, they create the foam that is a problem. The surfactants (soap, oils, etc.) are the culprit when it comes to making a hot tub foam. Surfactants are molecules that are sticky by nature, lower liquid surface tension, and make it easier for oil-like substances to mix with water.
Now add in the air jets of a hot tub, and you get foams as a result. The jet pump is responsible for making tiny bubbles. With surfactants in the hot tub, however, the jet pump bubbles become covered in contaminants and are unable to pop which is why the foam persists.
Water is the world’s greatest solvent. This means the water in your hot tub easily takes in all the chemicals and residues that enter it, and this includes surfactants.
A well-maintained hot tub has spa water that is well mixed with calcium and sanitizing chemicals, which prevent foam. However, missing a few maintenance days or an excess amount of surfactants leads to foam build-up.
Below you will find the main surfactant sources that can cause hot tub foam.
| Haircare products | Hair products like shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, mousse, hair leave-in treatments, hair sprays, and so on are common surfactants in hot tubs. |
| Body/skin products | Body and face care products such as body lotions, body creams, deodorants, and body powders are surfactants that can cause foam in hot tubs. Make-up also acts as a surfactant in hot tub water. |
| Soaps & detergents | Our washed clothes tend to hold onto some soaps, bleach, detergents, and so on. The swimwear we wear has soaps and detergents that mix with the hot tub water. |
| Drinks | Sugary and fizzy drinks can spill into the hot tub, which creates the hot tub water to become imbalanced. |
| Low-quality hot tub chemicals | Hot tub chemicals that are low in quality or used in excessive amounts can cause hot tub foam. This is why it is important to only use high-grade hot tub chemicals and also to use them in appropriate amounts. |
| The human body | The human body is obviously an unavoidable one, but the truth is the human body produces a lot of different things. Dead skin cells, fatty acids, and more are the human body’s byproducts. Nothing can be done about this, and it is why sanitizing chemicals and proper maintenance are important for hot tubs. |
| Other dissolved substances | Other substances can interact with the hot tub water. Substances from the air, from nature, and so on and mix and react with the hot tub water. The total dissolved substances, if high, contributes to foaming. |
How to get rid of foam in hot tub
As a long-term fix you can remove hot tub foam by replacing the water with clean, clear water. You can also use temporary chemical fixes to remove hot tub foam.
Test your hot tub water
Get the water tested. You need to know if the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels are in optimal condition or not. The test should also let you know about the total dissolved solids level, aka the surfactants, of your hot tub water.
You can get the water tested by taking a sample of it to a pool and hot tub store or use test strips.
Knowing the chemistry of your hot tub water will give you key insight into what specifically is causing your hot tub to foam.
Drain and refill your hot tub
The best way to remove the total dissolved substance is by draining your hot tub and refilling it again with clean water. If there is a very high amount of surfactants, then you should do a line flush too and get the filters replaced.
When your hot tub is completely drained, it is the perfect time to do a deep clean. You can wipe the hot tub interior down with a hot tub cleaner or a homemade vinegar-water mixture. Then wipe away all traces of the cleanser entirely, any residues left will cause future foam again.
Use anti-foam chemicals
You can purchase anti-foam products such as Pool & Spa Defoamer. This is a kind of chemical that gets rid of the foamy water quickly. This is a great fast option, especially if you want to use the hot tub soon and not go through the hassle of draining and refilling.
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Pool & Spa Anti Foam Defoamer Concentrate
Innovative water-based silicone formula, designed to maintain water chemistry without any disruption. It leaves no oily residue or cloudiness in the water.
This anti-foam method should not be a substitute for draining and refilling. However, these chemicals do not address the root of the problem they merely keep foams away for up to 24 hours.
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How to prevent hot tub foam
They say prevention is the best cure, and it applies to your hot tub too. They might seem extreme, but now that you know just what hot tub foam is, it’s worth going the extra mile to prevent hot tub foam from occurring in the first place.
Here are some common rules or guidelines to follow to stop a hot tub foaming.
- Everyone should shower beforehand
You and anyone else who goes into the hot tub should shower beforehand. This is to wash off makeup, body oils, soap residue or cream residue, and other chemicals from the body. - Pre-rinse bathing suits
The bathing suits of anyone entering the hot tub, if worn, should be well cleaned and well rinsed with fresh water. This will make sure any extra chemicals such as bleach, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and so forth are washed out and do not enter the hot tub. - Do not let your head go underwater
This is especially important for those who have long hair. Additionally, those with long hair should tie their hair up in a high bun. It is even better if you wear a cap or hat to keep the hair out of the water. Beards, especially long beards, should also not be dipped into the water. - Invest in quality hot tub chemicals
Only purchase and use good quality chemicals. Ideally, buy hot tub chemicals from trusted brands. - No eating or drinking in hot tubs
Try not to eat and drink in the hot tub. Eating and drinking always come with the chance of spilling, which is not good for the hot tub. - Regularly clean your hot tub
Proper and timely maintenance is very important to prevent hot tub foam. Regularly drain out and clean your hot tub. You should change hot tub water at least once every few months. - Clean hot tub filters
Make sure you clean your hot tub filter or filters if you have more than one regularly. They will be less effective if dirty. Although you can give them just a quick rinse with a garden hose you should give them a thorough clean at least once a month. Read How to clean hot tub filters.
Is hot tub foam dangerous?
It is not the end of the world if your hot tub has foam in it. However, a foamy hot tub can mean it is not sanitized properly.
In some rare cases, hot tub foam can be pathogenic. To avoid any risks, only enter your hot tub when it is clear of foam.
Foam in your hot tub
Milky-colored water and foam in a hot tub is a clear indication that the chemical balance of the water is not right. This will only get worse with time unless you treat it. This is not only bad for you, but with time this is also bad for the hot tub itself. The walls will corrode and discolor.
Sometimes the water foam is also caused by bacteria build-up. This is called a biofilm which can be detrimental to both you and your hot tub. That is why you should test your hot tub water regularly and add whatever chemicals such as chlorine or bromine to keep it balanced.
Foam in public hot tubs
Public hot tubs and spas are more likely to have high levels of foam in them. Commercialized hot tubs, even with foam, might look cozy at first, but you should be wary because it probably indicates unsanitized water.
It is probably a better idea to skip foamy public spas, or at least take a good shower straight afterward.
Hot Tub Foam FAQs
What causes foam in a hot tub?
Foam in a hot tub is primarily caused by residue from body oils, lotions, detergents, and other organic matter that accumulates in the water. These substances create bubbles when agitated by the hot tub’s jets or air circulation.
How can I remove foam from my hot tub?
To remove foam, use a quality hot tub defoamer or anti-foam product specifically designed for spa use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the recommended amount to the water. The foam will dissipate, and the water will become clear.
How can I prevent foam from returning in my hot tub?
To prevent foam buildup, maintain proper water chemistry by regularly testing and balancing the pH and sanitizer levels. Also, shower before using the hot tub to reduce the introduction of oils and lotions into the water. Additionally, clean the hot tub’s filter regularly to remove contaminants.
Can using the wrong chemicals cause foam in my hot tub?
Yes, using low-quality or inappropriate chemicals may contribute to foam formation. Always use spa-specific chemicals and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dosages and applications to avoid foaming issues.
Are there any natural ways to prevent foam in a hot tub?
Yes, you can use natural alternatives like enzyme-based clarifiers or essential oils, like lavender or tea tree oil, to minimize foam in your hot tub. However, be cautious with essential oils, as excessive use can cause foaming. Always use them in moderation.
Conclusion
You want your soaks in the hot tub to take away your worries, not add to them!
Now you know what causes foam in hot tubs. After reading this, you should know what to do next time your hot tub starts to foam. Remember that prevention is key, so do your best to prevent any contaminants from going into your hot tub.
Happy soaking.
I have had hot tubs for over 20 years and a pool for the last 10 years. I had to learn how to clean, maintain and fix them the hard way. Since then I have helped many friends and neighbors with their pools and now I want to share everything I have learned with you. About Me
