What Is Hot Tub Scum and Why You Should Eliminate It

What's That in the Hot Tub?

You might have glanced into your hot tub and noticed something floating on the surface. Perhaps it is slimy, foamy, or even a brown or white ring at the perimeter. That nasty substance is referred to as hot tub scum—and nobody wishes to soak in it!

Hot tub scum is sort of like the ring you notice in your bathtub after a bubble bath. It accumulates over time and makes your hot tub appear and feel grimy. But is it only unattractive? Or is it actually harmful to you?

Let's discover what hot tub scum is, how it's formed, and why it pays to clean it out!

What Is Hot Tub Scum?

Suppose you and your friends are spending a nice day in the hot tub. You're splashing around, relaxing, and laughing. But although you don't realize it at first, stuff from your skin, hair, and swimsuits is finding its way into the water.

Hot tub scum is formed from all those small things that blend together in the warm water. Here's what can be in that slimy goo:

Body oils: Even clean skin has oil. It comes off in the hot tub.

Lotion and sunscreen: If you’ve used any, it washes off in the water.

Hair products: Gels and sprays from your hair also come off.

Soap and detergent: Leftover soap on your skin or swimsuits mixes in.

Dirt and dust: From your feet, the air, or nearby trees.

All of these come together to form a foamy or tacky layer that rises to the surface or clings to the sides. That's hot tub scum!

Is Hot Tub Scum Just Gross… or Is It Bad for You?

Hot tub scum isn't just disgusting—it can be bad for your health and your hot tub, too.

1. It Can Make You Itchy

Scum is loaded with things that don't belong in sparkling clean water. Some of that muck can be a source of food for bacteria. Bacteria are microscopic living organisms. Some are good, but others can make you sick or cause a hot tub rash. This can itch or bump your skin after soaking. Yuck!

2. It Can Make the Water Cloudy and Odor-emitting ko

Your hot tub requires special chemicals—such as chlorine or bromine—to remain clean. These are like superheroes, combatting yucky germs. But with too much hot tub scum, the chemicals get used up quicker. That means they can't work, and your water gets cloudy, dirty, or even stinky—like old stinky socks!

3. It Can Hurt Your Hot Tub

Your hot tub contains a filter that purifies the water. It traps dirt and trash. But excessive hot tub scum can clog up the filter. When this occurs, water doesn't circulate properly, and hot tub pieces crack. Repairs are very pricey!

How to Remove Hot Tub Scum

Good news: You don't need to live with grimy water! There are plenty of simple ways to bid farewell to hot tub scum.

1. Shower Before Getting In

This is the simplest way to prevent scum from happening in the first place. If you take a brief shower, it washes away lotion, oils, dirt, and sweat. That equals less material making it into the hot tub water.

Do this always! It's a really easy habit that makes the water so much cleaner.

2. Skim the Water

Use a skimmer net (a little pool net) to remove leaves, insects, or scum from the surface of the water.

Tip: Do this before and after every use for optimum results.

3. Wipe the Waterline

Scum tends to cling where water meets the sides of the tub. Wipe around the rim with a soft sponge or cloth.

How often? Every week or whenever you notice build-up.

4. Clean Your Filters

The filter does a good job of trapping scum and dirt. But if it's dirty, it can't do its job.

Grown-up alert! Have your adult rinse the filter with a hose every week. Every month, it might require a special cleaner for the filter.

5. Add a "Scum Bug"

These are neat little floating sponges in turtle, animal, or blob shapes. They absorb oils before they become hot tub scum.

Just throw one in and let it swim around. Replace or rinse when it gets dirty.

6. Balance the Water

Hot tub water must be balanced. That is to say, it contains the correct levels of chemicals. Otherwise, hot tub scum and bacteria may multiply more quickly.

Adults use test strips to see what is wrong with the water. If water is not in balance, they add additional chlorine or other spa products.

7. Rinse Swimsuits

Even your swimsuit will introduce soap or detergent into the hot tub. After you wash it, give it an additional rinse with fresh water to get rid of excess soap.

8. Change the Water Occasionally

Even if you wash it constantly, eventually your hot tub will require fresh water. A complete water change provides your spa with a new beginning.

How often? Typically every 3–4 months. Your adult can assist with that.

Let's Keep That Hot Tub Clean!

You now understand that hot tub scum is not just yucky—it can be harmful to your skin, your water, and your hot tub!

But with these bright ideas, you can keep your spa shining:

• Shower before you soak
• Use a scum bug
• Wipe the sides
• Clean the filter
• Test the water
• Rinse swimsuits
• Use a skimmer
• Change the water regularly

Maintaining your hot tub is as simple as brushing teeth—do it every day and it's clean and healthy. And when your hot tub is healthy, everyone has more fun!

Next time you leap into your frothy spa, there won't be any gunk floating on top or slimy material. Just hot, clear water—and wide grins all the way!