How to Remove Hot Tub Stains

Have you ever removed your hot tub cover, only to notice unsightly stains on the shell or fixtures? These stains can not only put a damper on your plans for a relaxing soak, but they can cause damage to your hot tub over time. The good news is that most stains can be removed easily and there are measures you can take to help prevent them from forming again.

Common types of stains

• Calcium buildup: The combination of high pH levels and the warm water in your spa can cause an excess of calcium to form, which is also known as hard water. When this occurs, it can leave behind a buildup on the sides of your tub.
• Dirt: Regular use of your spa likely means that dirt and grime will accumulate in the hot tub over time.
• Foam buildup: Oil from your skin, perfume, make-up or lotion can cause foam to form in your water. Eventually, this will lead to a buildup similar to soap scum.
• Rust: Rust stains can be caused by improperly balanced water in the spa.

Stain removal

Although there are different types of stains, caused by a variety of factors, most stains can be cleaned using the same method. The first step is to turn off the power to your spa and completely drain the water.

Then, you can use a hot tub-specific cleaner with a soft rag or cloth and a little elbow grease to remove most stains. It’s important not to use an abrasive cloth, which could cause damage to the shell.

Or, if you prefer an all-natural cleaning solution, you can also use a damp cloth and baking soda to form a paste to gently remove the stains. Another alternative is to create a water and vinegar mixture to use in place of a cleaner. This solution can help deodorize your tub as well.

Stain prevention

The best way to prevent stains from forming again in the future is to maintain proper water chemistry. The keys to having properly balanced water in your spa are adding sanitizer, testing the alkalinity and pH levels and measuring the hardness of your water. We also recommend performing a full purge, drain and refill of your hot tub regularly.

If you have questions about hot tub maintenance, give us a call at 919-851-9700!