Are you noticing unsightly white flakes forming on your hot tub’s surface? The residue you’re seeing is caused by a buildup of calcium and other minerals, which can occur when your spa water’s pH level or mineral content is off balance. Not only does it look bad, but the flaky deposit can make it difficult to keep your hot tub clean.
Even worse- if allowed to accumulate over time- these flakes could cause damage to surfaces, rusting fixtures and grates, clogged filters, reduced circulation, and even respiratory irritation. Don’t despair just yet, though- there are some tried and true ways to rid your hot tub of this annoying problem that doesn’t require breaking the bank!
Read on for helpful tips on how to get rid of calcium flakes in hot tub and for all so that you have a perfectly pristine spa experience from start to finish!
What Will You Need?
Before you begin cleaning your hot tub, gather together the following items:
- A test kit to determine how much and what type of calcium is in your spa water (or bring a sample of the water to your local pool store for testing)
- A soft-bristled brush or sponge
- Non-abrasive cleaners such as hot tub cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda
- A hose and bucket to rinse the area with water;
- Chlorine tablets or granules.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to get down to business!
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of Calcium Flakes in Hot Tub
Step 1: Check pH Levels:
Check the pH levels and mineral content of your hot tub water. If the calcium buildup is severe, you may need to adjust the pH levels with chemicals such as muriatic acid or alkaline buffers. If there’s too much calcium in the spa water, you’ll want to reduce it by using a descaler like citric acid or an enzyme cleaner.
Step 2: Clean the Shell:
Using a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or cloth, scrub away at any calcium flakes on the hot tub’s surface. Don’t use an abrasive cleaner, as this could damage the spa shell. Because the hot tub is usually wet, it’s best to use a non-abrasive cleaner like vinegar or baking soda.
Step 3: Apply Non-Abrasive Cleaner:
Apply a non-abrasive cleaner such as hot tub cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice to remove calcium flakes and buildup from your hot tub surfaces. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing it with your brush or sponge. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue.
Step 4: Rinse the Area With Water:
Once you’ve finished scrubbing and cleaning, rinse the area with water from a hose or bucket. This will help remove any leftover debris from the cleaning process. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to remove any remaining calcium flakes.
Step 5: Check pH Levels Again:
After cleaning, check your hot tub’s pH levels and mineral content to ensure they are still balanced. If necessary, add additional chemicals or a hot tub descaler to reduce the amount of calcium in the spa water. Be careful not to overdo it, as this could disrupt the balance of your hot tub’s water chemistry.
Step 6: Use Chlorine Tablets or Granules:
Chlorine tablets or granules can be added to help keep your spa clean and free from calcium buildup by controlling bacteria and algae growth. Follow product instructions for how much and how often to use these products for optimal results. Remember to turn off the hot tub pump first before adding chlorine.
Step 7: Vacuum Your Hot Tub Regularly:
Vacuuming your hot tub regularly helps remove calcium flakes and other debris that accumulates. Use a cleaner with a vacuum attachment, or purchase an automated robotic pool cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. It will help minimize calcium buildup by drawing out dirt and debris from the spa water.
Step 8: Maintain Proper pH Levels:
Regularly monitor the pH levels of your hot tub water to ensure it is balanced, as this will help reduce calcium buildup over time. If needed, adjust pH levels using buffers or muriatic acid. Change the spa water regularly to help reduce the amount of calcium in your hot tub.
Step 9: Clean Hot Tub Filters:
Make sure you clean your hot tub filters at least every three months to remove any dirt, oils, and minerals clogging them. This will also make them more effective in filtering out unwanted particles like calcium flakes. If your hot tub has a removable filter, remove it and rinse it with a garden hose before putting it back in.
Step 10: Check Calcium Levels Regularly:
Perform regular check-ups on your hot tub’s calcium levels to ensure it stays between 150-300 ppm. If it goes above this, consider using a descaler such as citric acid or an enzyme cleaner and adjust pH levels accordingly. Additionally, ensure your hot tub is used properly and not overfilled.
Following these steps will help you eliminate calcium flakes in your hot tub and keep it clean and free from buildup. Removing calcium flakes can be time consuming, but the result is well worth the effort! With regular maintenance and proper care, you can enjoy a sparkling clean hot tub for years to come.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Adding a water softener can help reduce calcium flakes. This will dissolve the calcium and allow it to be filtered out easier.
- Regularly shocking your hot tub is one of the best ways to prevent calcium buildup. Shock treatments will help break down any existing scale and keep it from re-forming.
- Regular maintenance such as brushing, vacuuming, and skimming is important for preventing calcium buildup in the first place. Cleaning the filters regularly and replacing them when needed will also help keep the water clean and free of flakes.
- If you cannot get rid of all of the calcium flake in one go, try using a clarifying agent or chelating agent that can help break down the calcium and allow it to be filtered out more easily.
- If all else fails, consider replacing your hot tub’s entire system with a softer water one that is designed specifically to reduce calcium flake buildup. This may require professional installation, but it will guarantee you won’t have to worry about dealing with this issue again in the future.
With these tips and tricks, you should be able to get rid of calcium flakes in your hot tub easily. By following these steps and maintaining good water care habits, you can keep your hot tub running clean and clear for years to come.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean up the calcium flakes. This can cause damage to your hot tub surfaces and water quality.
- Don’t let anyone else use your hot tub while there are still calcium flakes, as this will spread them further.
- Avoid adding too much chlorine or other chemical product into the water in an attempt to clean it – this can cause issues with how well your hot tub works.
- Don’t leave calcium flakes in the bottom of the hot tub when you drain it, as they may settle back in once you fill it again.
- Don’t ignore scale build-up altogether and wait until it becomes a real problem before doing something about it; it’s best to address it as soon as you see a problem.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you get rid of calcium flakes in your hot tub quickly and easily. Maintaining your hot tub regularly is key to keeping it running well and free of calcium buildup. If you’re ever unsure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
What Causes High Calcium in Hot Tubs?
High calcium levels in hot tubs occur when the water is not properly maintained. Calcium buildup can happen if the pH and alkalinity levels of the hot tub are out of balance or if there is too much chlorine in the water.
Additionally, hard water that contains high amounts of minerals like calcium (which is common in many areas) can cause calcium to build up on surfaces and filters within a hot tub over time.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to ensure you’re regularly monitoring and adjusting your hot tub’s pH and alkalinity levels and chemical balance. This will help keep calcium flakes from forming.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some tips on how to get rid of calcium flakes in hot tub. Whether you use one method or a combination of methods, the main thing is to be patient and consistent with your efforts. After all, getting rid of calcium build-up is not an overnight process. But if you stick with it, those pesky calcium flakes will eventually be gone for good!
While you may not be able to get rid of all the calcium flakes in your hot tub, using a soft brush on a regular basis can help. If the problem persists, you may need to call in a professional.
Hopefully, this article helped you better understand how to get rid of calcium flakes in your hot tub. To ensure your hot tub remains free from calcium build-up, remember to test and adjust the pH and alkalinity levels on a regular basis. Good luck!