As a hot tub owner, are you looking for reasons and solutions on how to fix the sandpaper feel of your hot tub? Well, I am about to share with you a super-helpful guide that will turn your rough and bumpy hot tub into a smooth and enjoyable one.
I will uncover the reasons for the gritty sensation in your hot tub and explore some solutions to make it feel sandpaper-free. So, grab your swim trunks, and let’s jump into the hot tub maintenance like never before.
Say goodbye to sandpaper-like surfaces and hello to a silky, smooth soak! Get ready to soak up the knowledge and transform your hot tub in no time!
What Does Mean Sandpaper in Hot Tub?
Sandpaper is called scaling. Many people know it as calcium buildup. Grime, algae, and mineral deposits might build up on the walls and floor, making the tub less inviting. The main reason behind this roughness is the pH imbalance in the water caused by either warm water or high pH levels.
Also, grit and sand sediment can make their way into the tub from the feet of the bathers. Another cause of this rough texture is calcium scaling on the hot tub’s shell.
How to Fix Sandpaper Feel in a Hot Tub (5 Top Reasons With Solutions)
According to my hours of research on the topic, I have found many reasons, but below are the only reasons to build up a sandpaper feel in a hot tub. Along with the reasons, I have discussed the uncovered solution.
1. Drain and clean
To get a sandpaper feel in your hot tub, locate the tub’s drain valve, typically found at its base. Attach a garden hose to the valve, and run the other end to a safe draining area. Twist the valve open and watch the water flow! As it empties, say goodbye to the sandpaper feel.
Next, properly mix up a cleaning solution with one part white vinegar and three parts water. Grab a soft cloth and wipe down the hot tub’s surface. This solution will help remove any grime or residue that causes that scratchy sensation.
Now clean properly your hot tub filter and then rinse it with a hose. If you find any extra grimy, consider replacing the filter with a new one. After everything is clean, close the drain valve and refill the tub with clean and fresh water.
You can use a test strip to check the water’s pH and alkalinity. If find any comical imbalance, try to adjust with the proper chemicals.
Finally, turn on the jets and let them run for a few minutes to circulate the fresh water. Now, your hot tub is ready for a cozy, sandpaper-free soak!
2. Check for calcium buildup
Calcium is a natural mineral we mostly find in water. When it accumulates, it can cause an unpleasant experience in your hot tub.
So to fix this experience, you can test your hot tub’s water regularly. You can use a test strip or a digital tester to measure the calcium hardness level. Ideally, the reading must be between 150-250 ppm (parts per million). If it is higher, you will need to take action to prevent further buildup.
One way to reduce calcium levels is by using a calcium reducer or a sequestering agent. These products bind to the calcium in the water, making it easier to remove. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
You can also use a good scrub to remove any existing calcium deposits. You can use a gentle brush, sponge, or cloth and a specialized hot tub cleaner. Regular cleaning will help keep that sandpaper feel at bay.
3. Buff and smooth
To ride the sandpaper feel, grab a soft scrub brush and a gentle cleaner. You don’t need anything too strong; mild dish soap will do the trick. Gently try to remove dirt, grime, and algae from the rough surfaces. Make sure to reach every nook and cranny.
Next, it is time to use the vinegar in your hot tub. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz it all over those scratchy spots and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The vinegar will work its magic and dissolve any lingering roughness.
Now, rinse your hot tub with fresh water to wash away the vinegar solution. You can use a garden hose to make this step a breeze. With these simple steps, your hot tub will be back to its silky-smooth self in no time.
4. Fix damage, cracks, or chips
To fix things, such as cracks, and chips, damaging your hot tub, try to find all the problem areas. In this case, you must drain the hot tub properly and then scrub it with a good brush to remove dirt and debris. Now, you’re ready to take action!
For small cracks or chips, grab a repair kit from your local pool supply store. These handy kits typically include a filler, like epoxy or putty, to smooth out the damaged area. Follow the instructions on the package and let the filler dry for the recommended time.
Dealing with larger cracks? You might need some fiberglass cloth and resin. Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth slightly bigger than the crack and soak it in the resin. Carefully press the soaked cloth over the crack, smoothing it out to cover the entire area. Give it a few times to dry, and then sand it down gently with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish.
Apply a high-quality marine gel coat to seal everything up. This will not only protect your repair job but also make your hot tub look shiny and new. Once everything is dry, refill your hot tub and enjoy a relaxing soak in your now-smooth oasis!
5. Protect and seal
You already know that a rough surface is often caused by calcium deposits. These pesky buildups form over time, but you can remove them with a bit of elbow grease. Grab a soft cloth and some white vinegar, and then gently scrub away the deposits. Don’t forget to raise it clearly.
After rising, seal and protect your hot tub’s surface. To make this easier, you can use a product like hot tub sealants. Sealants will create a barrier to keep calcium deposits from coming back.
I highly recommend keeping your eye on your hot tub’s pH levels. A balanced pH helps prevent calcium deposits from forming in the first place. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.8, and use pH increasers or reducers as needed.
You can also clean the filter, which is the key to keeping your hot tub’s water crystal clear. Regularly rinse your filter with a hose and replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. So go on, follow these steps, and say goodbye to that sandpaper feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a gritty texture in the water is caused due to pH imbalance or incorrect water temperature. So, this can be cause a calcium buildup on your hot tub surfaces.
Yes, sand, like other debris, can quickly harm your hot tub if it stays for a longer period of time. It can cause damage to the hot tub’s pump, clog the filter, and scratch the surface.
The white sandy stuff is calcium or magnesium carbonate, which are common minerals that occur naturally in hard water. Read a guide to soften hard water naturally.
No, but the best solution is to use a water vacuum cleaner, which will help remove all the sand from hot tub surfaces.
Sand, a dense material, does not move around in the water despite the jets running at full power. Thus, it causes your hot tub to feel like sandpaper and is harmful if not cleaned properly.
The Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you fix the sandpaper feel in your hot tub. Remember, regular maintenance and proper chemical balance can prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us below.
Wait before you leave; you can read our guide on the top reasons why your hot tub is losing water continuously.
