Inflatable hot tubs are especially prone to slime because they typically use smaller filters, hold less water, and require a consistent chemical balance. This means that even small mistakes can quickly cause slime to appear.
As disgusting as it can be, however, the slime is usually a sign that there is something wrong with the water chemistry, or you need to rethink your maintenance routine. If you leave it untreated, slime can lead to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and even damage to your inflatable hot tub over time.
Top Reasons For Inflatable Hot Tub Slime
1. Not Enough Sanitizer
Insufficient sanitizer is the top reason why inflatable hot tubs get slimy. This usually happens for three reasons:
- You don't add sanitizer often enough
- The hot tub is being used more frequently than it should be
- The hot tub is exposed, and sunlight is burning off the chlorine
Limited sanitizer means your chlorine or bromine levels drop too low, bacteria and algae start multiplying fast, especially when the water in the hot tub is warm. Eventually, the bacteria and algae get established and form a slimy biofilm that sticks to the walls and floor.
2. Biofilm Buildup in the Plumbing of the Inflatable Hot Tub
If the water looks okay, but the hot tub water is still slimy, that is likely because the bacteria are not in the floor of the hot tub itself, but in its pipes and pump lines. Bacteria can live inside the pipes and pump lines, and over time, they start releasing slime back into the tub.
The following signs indicate that bacteria in the plumbing are causing the sliminess in your inflatable bathtub:
- The slime is concentrated on the walls and tends to come back quickly after you clean.
- Your inflatable bathtub has a musty or “dirty sock” smell
- The water starts getting cloudy fast
This problem is very common in inflatable spas because the plumbing is small and warm all the time.
3. The Filters Are Not Getting Cleaned Frequently or Properly Enough
Inflatable hot tub filter inevitably traps oils, skin cells, dirt, and bacteria over time. If it’s dirty or clogged, it becomes a breeding ground for slime instead of stopping it. Therefore, knowing how to clean your inflatable hot tub filter is pivotal for keeping slime out of your bathtub. Here are some mistakes to avoid
- Rinsing the filters but never doing a deep soak clean
- Waiting too long between cleanings
- Using the same filter for months past its useful life
4. High Bather Load (Body Oils, Sweat, Lotions)
Inflatable hot tubs have a small water volume compared to larger hot tubs. So, it is important to shower before getting in.
A little sweat, sunscreen, or body oil goes a long way help feed bacteria and help slime form faster, especially if the hot tub is not being maintained properly. Even 1–2 people using it frequently can overwhelm the water chemistry and cause the water to get slimy.
5. Poor Water Balance (pH and Alkalinity)
Another common reason for inflatable hot tub water getting slimy is poor water balance. The pH balance of an inflatable hot tub being off almost always results in the water getting slimy, even if you are adding chlorine.
Thats becasue when pH is off:
- Sanitizer becomes much less effective
- Bacteria survive more easily
Knowing how to raise and lower pH in your inflatable hot tub is absolutely crucial. Ideally, you want to keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and the total alkalinity in the range of 80–120 ppm.
6. The Water Is Just Too Old
Sometimes the slime builds up in your inflatable hot tub simply because the water is too old. This is especially common because it takes just about 3-5 weeks (depending on use) for water to get old in an inflatable hot tub.
Also, this happens naturally. Over time, hot tub water builds up dissolved solids, organic waste, and dead sanitizer byproducts. Eventually, the water becomes so dirty that sanitizer can’t keep up anymore, and slime shows up.
What Exactly is the “Slime” In an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Slime is usually a mix of biofilm (bacterial colonies), early-stage algae, and the result of body oils mixed with bacteria. Once it starts, it’s much harder to kill than free-floating bacteria.
How to Clean a Slimy Inflatable Hot Tub
If you have noticed slime in your inflatable hot tub, don’t panic. You can clean it and continue using your inflatable hot tub as usual. Proper cleaning will also reduce the risk of slime appearing again, so here is how to do it:
- First, drain the hot tub completely. Once that is done, remove the filter and set it aside for separate cleaning or replacement.
- Next, spray the interior surfaces with a non-abrasive spa-safe cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the slime.
- Scrub the walls, floor, and seams with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Avoid stiff brushes or abrasive pads, which can weaken the material.
- Clean the filter thoroughly by soaking it in a filter cleaner or a vinegar-water mix. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry.
- Rinse the tub with fresh water and drain again to remove any remaining residue.
- Refill the tub with clean water. Use pre-balanced water, or treat distilled or very soft water with a calcium hardness increaser.
- After refilling, test and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels before using the hot tub.
Preventing Inflatable Hot Tub Slime: Top Tips
The best way to deal with inflatable hot tub slime is to prevent it. After all, it is much easier than having to clean it. Maintain balanced water chemistry all the time, consistently using the right sanitizer, cleaning and rinsing every couple of days are some steps you can use to prevent your inflatable hot tub from slime.
- Maintain balanced water chemistry. Test your water regularly to catch small imbalances before they can turn into bigger issues.
- Use the right sanitizer consistently. You can choose between chlorine or bromine, but try to maintain recommended levels and avoid letting them drop to zero. Shock the water weekly to break down organic contaminants and prevent biofilm buildup.
- Clean or rinse the filter every few days, especially during heavy use. Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Shower before entering the hot tub. Body oils, lotions, sweat, and cosmetics feed slime-causing bacteria.
- Keep the hot tub covered when you aren’t using it. This prevents debris, insects, and other contaminants from entering the water and contributing to organic buildup. Drain and deep-clean your inflatable hot tub every one to three months.
Why the Quality of Your Inflatable Hot Tub Matters
Another thing that can affect whether you have to deal with slime or not is the quality of your inflatable hot tub.
- High-quality inflatable hot tubs use thicker, smoother materials that resist bacteria buildup and make surfaces easier to clean.
- They also have better filtration and circulation systems, and this helps sanitizers work more effectively.
As a result, high-quality inflatable hot tubs are far less likely to develop slime.
Choose a Top Quality Inflatable Hot Tub From CO-Z Palace
If you don’t know where to find high-quality inflatable hot tubs, we can help you narrow your search. Take a look at our recommendations:
1. CO-Z 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Cover
This 4-person inflatable hot tub features 120 powerful bubbling jets, can heat up to 104°F, and has enough space for 2–4 adults to relax comfortably. It is made of a durable PVC construction and comes with included filters and a cover.
This square mini pool includes everything you need for a true-to-spa experience: an intuitive control panel for easy operation, a detachable locking cover to keep your tub clean between uses, 2 fresh filter cartridges to keep the water fresh, and a sturdy valve for fast drainage.
2. CO-Z 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Cover
If you need an inflatable hot tub that is more spacious and can fit up to six adults, take a look at this CO-Z 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub. It comes with 130 powerful jets, a 265-gallon capacity, and it can heat up to 104°F.
It includes everything you need for a true-to-spa experience: an intuitive control panel for easy operation, a detachable locking cover to keep your tub clean between uses, 2 fresh filter cartridges to keep the water fresh, and a sturdy valve for fast drainage.
Conclusion
Inflatable hot tub slime can be a disgusting and frustrating issue, but the good news is that you can clean it and even prevent it from appearing altogether.
If you use distilled water for your inflatable hot tub, keep in mind that you might need to put in more effort into maintaining the water's chemical balance. Finally, investing in a high-quality inflatable hot tub could prevent many issues, including slime formation.
You may also be interested in how to insulate your hot tub, especially for the colder winter months.
