Bubble baths are fun and relaxing but not what you’re looking for in your hot tub. Foam keeps us from our goal of having crystal clear water. It can happen from time to time and is something that can be easily managed.  What causes foaming? How can you get rid of it? And more importantly, how do you prevent it?  Follow these Waters Choice tips to enjoy a stress-free soak in crystal clear and foam-free water.

Causes of Foaming

As a matter of fact, foamy spa water occurs in spas for many reasons; NATURALLY and ACCIDENTLY.  Let’s start with naturally…

Ever heard of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?  They are a measure of combined tiny inorganic and organic substances that are introduced to your spa water.  

Everything; meaning from minerals, salts and metals to dead skin, body oils, deodorant and lotions all contribute to your spa’s TDS count.   These Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) will cause the water to be “full” or “old”.  

Furthermore, turning the jets of your hot tub on when the water is like this, will cause foam to appear on the water’s surface.  It’s also important to note that most microscopic TDS may get trapped in your filters which is another great reason to rinse your filters often.

Click HERE for an informative blog post about the importance of cleaning your hot tub filters.

Low calcium levels (water hardness) can decrease the water surface tension in your hot tub water and allow for excessive foaming. Normally calcium (hardness) levels are fine and rarely need adjusting. Notably, foamy spa water also occurs accidentally:

• Froth from beverages can lead to hot tub foam.  
• Alcohol and sugary kid’s drinks both encourage foam formation if they’re spilled into spa water.  
• Surfactants from laundry detergents and health care products can also cause foam.  The most obvious is soap residue from bathing suits or T-shirts.  
• Makeup, creams, lotions and hair products-including shampoo, conditioner, gels and sprays are all foam formers.  Even something as simple as long hair reaching spa water surface can cause foam.

Rid Your Spa of Foam

Generally, foam in your spa water is not harmful but you probably would prefer it out of your spa.  We suggest using something to scoop it out.  You can simply use your hands or a skimmer net.

Prevent Excessive Hot Tub Foaming

Maintain your pH levels by testing weekly and making adjustments using Waters Choice pH Up or pH Down.  pH levels should be 7.2 to 7.6.  With this in mind, too high of pH or too low of pH can result in foaming as well. Here is a list of other things you can do to prevent foaming in your spa water:

1. Test Calcium Hardness if all other options are not working
2. Rinse your filters more often if you notice foaming Increase your filtration cycle
3. Designate a hot-tub only bathing suit that can be rinsed after each instead of washed in regular laundry. Skip the bathing suit (wink wink)
4. Drain and clean your spa using Waters Choice Clean & Drain

PLEASE NOTE that adding defoamer chemicals are NOT suggested.  This adds harsh chemicals and in our opinion, really doesn’t solve the problem of why there’s foam in the first place.

So, with the goal of having crystal clear hot tub water in mind, follow these simple steps and you'll be well on your way.

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