What Is Hot Tub Scum and How Do You Get Rid of It?

If you’ve ever noticed a sticky ring around your hot tub’s waterline or cloudy buildup on the shell, you’re dealing with hot tub scum— a common issue for spa owners, especially during frequent use.

What Causes Hot Tub Scum?

A buildup of causes hot tub scum:

• Body oils and lotions
• Sunscreen and cosmetics
• Detergents from swimsuits
• Sweat and natural skin oils

When these contaminants mix with warm water and sanitizer, they can stick to the waterline, pillows, and shell, creating an unpleasant film and reducing water quality.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Leaving scum untreated can lead to:

• Cloudy or dull water
• Reduced sanitizer effectiveness
• Dirty filters and clogged circulation
• Shortened equipment life

The good news? It’s easy to prevent and remove with the right products and routine maintenance.

How to Remove Hot Tub Scum

The most effective way to remove scum is to use specialty scum-absorbing products that pull oils and residue from the water’s surface before they stick to your spa.

Scum removers float in your hot tub and:

• Absorb oils, lotions, and residue
• Prevent waterline buildup
• Help keep filters cleaner longer
• Improve overall water clarity

Pairing a scum remover with proper water balance and regular filter cleaning makes a huge difference.

Preventing Scum in Your Hot Tub

To keep your spa clean and inviting, follow these tips to stay scum free:

• Shower before soaking to remove lotions and oils
• Rinse swimsuits thoroughly (avoid detergent residue)
• Maintain proper sanitizer and pH levels
• Use a scum absorber consistently
• Clean or replace filters regularly

Shop Hot Tub Scum Products & Chemicals

At All American Recreation, we carry trusted hot tub scum removers, enzyme treatments, scum sponges, specialty cleaners, and professional-grade hot tub chemicals to help keep your spa water clean, clear, and comfortable. These products work together to break down oils, lotions, and residue while preventing scum buildup before it sticks to your spa.

Shop In-Store

Visit one of our Minnesota locations to get expert advice and the right water-care solutions for your hot tub:

• Knowledgeable, experienced staff
• Professional-grade water care products
• Solutions for nearly every spa brand and model

Shop Online Anytime

Prefer to shop online? You can find scum removers, enzyme treatments, scum sponges, hot tub chemicals, and accessories at our online store.

Need More Help With Water Care?

Not sure which scum remover, enzyme product, or chemical is best for your hot tub? Stop into one of our stores or contact our team! We’re happy to help you choose the right products to keep your spa looking and running its best.

Clean water = better soaking. Let All American Recreation help you enjoy your hot tub worry-free all year long. 💦♨️