- Category:
- Spa •
- Spa Maintenance •
Owning a hot tub or spa can be a source of immense relaxation and enjoyment, but it also comes with routine maintenance. One piece of the pie is dealing with hot tub scale — a common issue that can tarnish the spa experience if not addressed properly. Scale in your hot tub appears as a chalky, white substance that builds up over time, often due to imbalanced water chemistry.
This stubborn buildup of hot tub scale not only detracts from the visual appeal of your spa but also threatens its functionality and longevity. Fortunately, with the right approach and use of products, you can prevent and remove these unsightly deposits, keeping your hot tub or spa a pristine oasis of relaxation. Keep reading to learn how to remove scale from a hot tub and how to prevent it in the first place using HTH spa™ products.
What Causes Hot Tub Scale?
Hot tub scale is characterized by the buildup of minerals on the hot tub’s surfaces. This scale primarily consists of mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium from hard water. When the water in your hot tub is heated, these minerals tend to crystallize and adhere to surfaces, including the walls, floor, jets, and other heating elements of the spa.
While hard water is a common cause of hot tub scale, the problem can also stem from imbalanced water chemistry. Factors such as imbalanced pH levels and total alkalinity play a significant role in scale formation. Contaminants like body oils, shower gels, and soaps can also contribute to the build-up of hot tub scale.
In terms of appearance, hot tub scale typically manifests as a white, chalky, or crusty residue. This buildup can vary in thickness and texture, ranging from a thin, barely noticeable film to thicker, more stubborn deposits. It can give the surfaces of your hot tub a rough, unsightly look, detracting from the spa’s overall aesthetic appeal. A good hot tub scale preventer routine stops deposits before they reach this point.
How to Prevent Hot Tub Scale
If you want to keep your hot tub in pristine condition, you need to understand the best hot tub scale preventer measures to embrace. Here are some steps you can integrate into your spa care routine to prevent scale from forming:
Keep Your Hot Tub Filter Clean
The filter in your hot tub plays an important role in removing impurities, including minerals that can contribute to scale. Over time, filters can become clogged with debris and mineral deposits, reducing efficiency and allowing scale-forming minerals to accumulate in the water.
Regularly cleaning the filter with a specialized cleaner keeps it effective at trapping contaminants that lead to scale buildup. HTH spa™ Care Filter Cleaner is a hot tub filter cleaner designed to keep your filters functioning optimally, so minerals and other impurities are efficiently removed from the water. Use it every 90 days as part of your regular spa care routine for best results.
Test Your Spa Water Regularly and Keep It Balanced
Regular testing and balancing of your hot tub water are crucial to preventing hot tub scale. The key factors to monitor are pH and alkalinity, as imbalances in these areas create the perfect conditions for scale to form. Test your water at least twice a week using HTH spa™ Care 5-Way Test Strips to stay ahead of any imbalances.
Pool pH
Maintain the pH level of your spa water between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high, it leads to scale formation; if it’s too low, it causes corrosion and other issues. If pH runs high, HTH spa™ Care pH Down will bring it back to the ideal range. If the level is too low, HTH spa™ Care pH Up raises it and prevents corrosion of your spa surfaces.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity refers to the water’s capacity to neutralize acids and stabilize pH levels. Keeping total alkalinity within the ideal range of 80 to 120 ppm is one of the most effective forms of scale control for hot tubs - a stable, balanced environment gives minerals nowhere to deposit.
To adjust and maintain ideal alkalinity levels, HTH spa™ Care Alkalinity Up is a reliable option. Test your spa water at least twice a week to monitor and maintain the ideal range.
Keep Your Hot Tub Clean
Debris, oils, and lotions disrupt water chemistry and lead to scale. HTH™’s range of spa care products gives your hot tub a comprehensive clean.
HTH spa™ Clarifier keeps water crystal clear by clumping small particles together, making them easier to filter out. HTH spa™ Care Defoamer eliminates unsightly foam caused by lotions and oils, while HTH spa™ Clear Chlorinating Sanitizer keeps water free from harmful bacteria. Consistent use of these products maintains a clean, balanced environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of spa stain and scale buildup.
How to Remove Scale from a Hot Tub
While prevention is always preferable, scale buildup can sometimes occur despite the best maintenance efforts. Here’s the systematic approach to removing it:
Drain and Scrub
If your tub has a heavy hot tub scale buildup, begin by draining it completely. Once drained, inspect for areas with scale buildup. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface of your hot tub.
Use a Descaling Agent
There are specialized descaling products designed to break down and dissolve scale deposits. For light scale buildup, HTH spa™ Scale Preventer works as a hot tub stain and scale control treatment — lower pH to 7.0–7.2, add Scale Preventer, and run the jets for several hours to help soften and dissolve deposits. For heavier buildup, apply a diluted white vinegar solution directly to the affected area with jets off, let sit 15–30 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive pad.
Refill, Balance, and Maintain
After thoroughly cleaning and rinsing the hot tub, refill it with fresh water. Balance water chemistry immediately, paying close attention to pH (7.2–7.8), alkalinity (80–120 ppm), and calcium hardness. Use HTH spa™ Care 5-Way Test Strips to confirm all levels are in range before your first soak.
Regular Maintenance
After dealing with scale, regular maintenance becomes even more important. Keep testing and balancing the water regularly and add HTH spa™ Scale Preventer weekly to minimize the risk of future hot tub scale formation.
Keep Your Hot Tub Scale-Free with HTH spa™ Care Products
Understanding how to remove scale from a hot tub and prevent its formation keeps your spa’s equipment running longer and your water looking better. HTH™ offers a full range of hot tub and spa chemicals — from Scale Preventer and spa filter cleaner to pH balancers and test strips — to keep your hot tub sparkling and scale-free all season.
Use our store locator to find the nearest retailer with HTH™ products and get started on keeping your hot tub sparkling and scale-free!
