The Most Common Reasons for Foamy Hot Tub Water and How to Fix It

Crystal-clear water is what you usually expect to see when you get into your hot tub, but what if you see lots of bubbles instead? This could mean that your hot tub water has turned foamy. Below, we’ll take a closer look at why this happens and what you can do to bring the water back to its healthy state.

When Does Foamy Hot Tub Water Become a Problem?

While a little bit of foam is a normal part of using a hot tub, it’s important to know when it becomes a problem. If there’s too much of it, or if it doesn’t go away on its own after a while, it could be a sign that the water in your hot tub is not as clean as it should be. Excessive foam might mean there are too many impurities in the water, like bacteria or algae. These impurities can build up over time and cause foam to form. If you ignore it, soaking in your hot tub would be a lot less enjoyable. You can contact your local hot tub dealer if you want to learn more about common hot tub water issues.

4 Reasons Why Hot Tub Water Turns Foamy

Knowing what’s causing foam in your hot tub is the first step to making the water clear again. It can help you decide what the best approach is, so you can fix the issue and get back to enjoying a worry-free soak. On top of that, understanding the different reasons for foam can help you prevent it from happening again in the future. Here are the key causes you should be aware of:

1. The chemical balance is off

One of the main reasons hot tub water turns foamy is an imbalance in the water chemistry. When the pH, alkalinity, or sanitizer levels are not within the ideal range, they can cause body oils, lotions and other similar products to react with the water. Bubbles can start to form because of this reaction, which eventually creates foam once they make their way to the water’s surface.

2. Your filters are dirty or clogged

Another ways hot tub water becomes foamy is when the filters get dirty or blocked. When the filters are not working as they should, they can’t clean the water effectively. On top of that, the water doesn’t circulate properly, so dirt and other contaminants can build up eventually.

3. There’s some product buildup

Foamy hot tub water can also happen due to the buildup of body oils and personal care products. When lotions, soap residue and other similar substances build up in the water over time, they can contribute to foam formation.

4. You might have an algae problem

Foamy hot tub water can also be a sign of algae growth. If that’s the case, you’d also notice other changes in the water, like greenish discoloration or cloudiness.

Easy Fixes and Prevention for Foamy Hot Tub Water

When foam shows up in your hot tub, it can put a damper on your relaxation. The good news is, you can easily deal with it. Here are a few simple solutions:

• Keep the water chemistry in check. Test the pH and sanitizer levels regularly and adjust them if necessary.
• Make sure your hot tub’s filters are clean and in good shape. This will allow the water to circulate properly and prevent contaminants from building up.
• Shower before soaking. This helps wash away any oils or lotions on your body, which can contribute to foam formation.
• Shock the water with a sanitizer. Doing this from time to time can help you get rid of contaminants that cause foam.
• Drain and replace the water in your hot tub every 3-4 months. This is a guaranteed way to completely refresh the water and stop foam.

Foamy hot tub water happens, but it doesn’t need to get in the way of your relaxation. When you know why it happens, you can try simple solutions to get rid of the foam. And once you do, you can go back to enjoying clear, soothing water in your backyard oasis. You can also download our free buyer’s guide to learn more about choosing a hot tub that perfectly fits your home and lifestyle.