Start by cleaning and balancing the water. Use a hot tub cleaner to break down biofilms and sanitize the tub. Regularly change the water and maintain chemical balance. If the smell lingers, try a shock treatment and run the jets on high. Enjoy a fresh hot tub experience!
Removing the musty smell from a hot tub can be a tough task, especially when it keeps coming back despite your best efforts. This unpleasant odor can quickly turn your relaxing soak into an unpleasant experience.
Don’t worry; this in-depth guide will help you find the causes behind this musty smell and guide you to remove it.
Identify The Source Of The Musty Smell
You must identify the source of a musty smell in your hot tub to resolve the issue. The smell can arise due to several reasons, such as poor maintenance practices and bacterial growth.
You should first check your hot tub’s chemicals because if there is an imbalance in pH or sanitizer levels, it can result in an unpleasant odor.
An old, water-clogged spa cover is another common cause of hot tub odors. This type of spa cover becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold to form.
Clogged or dirty filters can also be the reason for foul-smelling water. You must understand the cause of the odor because it is the first step towards effectively removing and replacing it.
How to Remove Musty Smell From Hot Tub
If you’re dealing with a musty smell coming from your hot tub, you need to identify the source and reason for the smell. After identifying, you can follow these simple steps to remove the unpleasant odor:
1. Drain And Clean The Hot Tub
You can drain and clean your hot tub regularly as it is essential to get rid of musty smells and keep your hot tub in the best working order.
When you drain your hot tub, make sure to let it dry in the air completely. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria and mold inside the tub.
Once you fully drain the tub, use a mild cleaner to scrub the inside and outside of the tub. Make sure to clean the jets and other hard-to-reach areas as well.
Now, rinse everything thoroughly with a hose and refill the hot tub with fresh water. You’ll be surprised to see your tub as it will smell good and look so clean.
2. Treating The Filter And Filter Housing
You should treat the filter and filter housing because it is an important step in removing the musty smell from your hot tub.
Over time, the filters of your hot tub can become clogged with oils, minerals, and contaminants. Because of this, bacteria and mold can pass through the filter, and cause a foul odor.
You can stop this from happening, just make sure to clean your filters regularly and replace them annually. You can also apply some natural ways to treat your filters, such as using vinegar or baking soda.
3. Take Steps Against Biofilm And Algae Growth
You can take a few simple steps to prevent biofilm and algae growth in your hot tub. One important step is to regularly clean and sanitize your hot tub filter and filter housing to prevent buildup.
You should also use a hot tub biofilm remover every time you change the water. It’s important to cleanse the spa’s plumbing and prevent biofilm from forming.
You can also encourage the users to practice good hygiene which reduces the risk of bathers adding bacteria to the water. For example, ask bathers to rinse off before getting into the hot tub and avoid wearing lotions or oils.
4. Remove Mildew And Mold
If you want to enjoy a nice hot tub experience, you must remove mildew and mold in hot tubs, though it may seem like a daunting task. You can use vinegar to remove these pesky growths, it’s natural too.
You just have to mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray the affected areas. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then scrub it with a soft brush or sponge. Now, rinse thoroughly with clean water and repeat if necessary.
You can also use tea tree oil, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray on the affected areas, then follow the same process as with the vinegar solution.
5. Clean The Cover And Pipes
Cleaning the cover and pipes of your hot tub regularly can also eliminate a musty smell. The spa cover is designed to drain water properly, but over time, bacteria and mold can make it their breeding and living place.
You can check if the tub or tub cover is the source of that smell, just take off the cover and move it away from the spa. If the cover becomes too old, you can consider changing it.
If it’s still new, clean both the inside and outside of the cover with a cover cleaner and dry it in the sun completely before reinstalling it. You can also clean the pipes to remove any bacteria build-up, which is crucial in eliminating the foul smell.
10 Natural Ingredients To Eliminate Musty Smell From Your Hot Tub
Besides the above methods, there are some natural ingredients that you can also use to eliminate the musty smell from your hot tub. Here they are:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oil
- Lemon juice
- Activated charcoal
- Tea tree oil
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Citric acid
- Natural fresh air
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a musty smell in hot tubs?
Various factors like bacteria, algae, and dirt buildup can cause a musty smell in hot tubs. Low sanitizer levels, inadequate pH management, and a dirty spa filter can also cause the water to smell bad.
How often should I clean my hot tub to prevent musty smells?
You should clean your hot tub every few months, even when there’s no odor or apparent issue. If you clean regularly and do proper maintenance, you can prevent the buildup of bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can cause foul odors.
Final Thought
Removing the musty smell from your hot tub requires a thorough examination of various factors. You should examine the pH level, sanitizer levels, hot tub cover, filter, and housing treatment.
You should make a regular maintenance routine to keep your hot tub in optimal working condition and prevent odors from arising. Hot tub cleaning products and bleach solutions can help you remove mildew and mold.
Just keep these tips in mind, and apply them to have a fresh and enjoyable hot tub experience every time.
