How to Get Rid of Algae, Mold & Mildew in your Hot Tub

Algae, mold, and mildew will not grow in a clean and properly sanitized tub. If they do occur, however, minor problems might be treatable simply by adjusting the pH levels to bring your spa water back to the proper balance, then shocking your tub water with sanitizer. To ensure that the problem is eradicated for good, however, it may be necessary to drain your tub after shocking it. After the tub is drained, clean the shell with a gentle cleanser, such as a mixture of baking soda and water or a product specifically designed for use on hot tub shells. Make sure to clean the jet nozzles as well, and either clean or replace the filters before refilling your spa. This video demonstrates the proper method for cleaning your hot tub filters:

In cases of extreme contamination, shock the water with sanitizer once more after refilling it, then drain, clean, and refill it again. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort to eradicate all traces of the contaminant and restore your spa water back to pristine condition.

If your hot tub cover is moldy, give it a thorough cleaning. Remove it from your hot tub, then spray it with a mixture of dish soap and water and wipe it down. Following up with a conditioner like Hot Spring Cover Shield™ will help keep your cover in good working condition for longer. It’s a good idea to clean your hot tub cover on a regular schedule, even if you don’t see visible signs of mildew or grime. If your cover has grown increasingly heavier over time with water saturation, it might be time to replace it. A waterlogged hot tub cover, in which water has permeated the vapor barrier and has soaked through to the foam core, can be a breeding ground for mold.

HOW TO PREVENT HOT TUB ALGAE, MOLD AND MILDEW

If you keep your tub covered when it’s not in use, make sure your filters are cleaned and replaced according to a regular schedule, and follow all the instructions of your water care system for testing and maintenance, you are unlikely to ever experience significant problems with water contaminants.

Problems generally arise when you aren’t in control of a hot tub’s level of sanitation. If you’ve recently brought home a used hot tub, for example, it may have a pre-established mold infestation, especially if its previous owners showed it insufficient care. If you purchase a used hot tub, it’s a good idea to fill it, shock the water, drain it, and clean it before refilling it, just to make sure you’re starting off with a clean and sanitary tub.

When you use an unfamiliar hot tub, such as one at a gym or hotel or even at a friend’s home, you have no control over the level of sanitation. One of the many advantages to owning your own home spa is peace of mind. At home, you can be certain no mold, mildew, algae, or any other unwanted contaminants are lingering in the water. As long as take good care of your spa, you know the water will be clean and inviting every time you use it.