Dealing with Odor Issues in Your Inflatable Hot Tub

If you notice a foul smell coming from your inflatable hot tub, don’t panic. It’s a common problem that can be easily solved with some simple steps. Learn what causes odor issues in your inflatable hot tub and how to prevent and eliminate them with our helpful guide.

In this informative blog post, we’ll address the potential causes of this issue and provide practical solutions to help you enjoy your hot tub to the fullest.

What Causes Odor Issues in Your Inflatable Hot Tub?

There are 4 possible causes of odor but the most common ones are:

1. Bacteria and algae growth: These microorganisms can thrive in warm and moist environments, such as your hot tub water. They can produce foul-smelling substances, such as hydrogen sulfide (like rotten eggs) or geosmin (like fish or earth). Bacteria and algae can also cause skin irritations, infections, and other health problems.
2. Chloramines: These compounds form when chlorine (the most common sanitizer for hot tubs) reacts with ammonia (which comes from sweat, urine, cosmetics, and other organic matter). Chloramines can cause a strong chemical smell and irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. They can also lower the effectiveness of chlorine as a sanitizer.
3. Low pH: This measures how acidic or alkaline your water is. The ideal pH range for hot tub water is 7.2 to 7.8. If your pH is too low (below 7.2), it can cause a sour or metallic smell and corrode the metal parts of your hot tub. It can also harm your skin and hair.
4. Dirty filters: The filters in your hot tub are designed to trap dirt, debris, and contaminants from the water. However, they can become clogged and harbor bacteria and algae if not cleaned or replaced regularly. This can cause a musty or moldy smell and reduce water circulation and filtration.

How to Treat Odor Issues in Your Inflatable Hot Tub?

Identify the cause of the odor in your hot tub and take the necessary steps to eliminate it. Here are some common treatments for different types of odors:

Bacteria and algae growth: 

• The most effective way to kill bacteria and algae is to shock your hot tub with a chlorine-based shock product1.
• It will raise the chlorine level in your water to a high enough level to destroy microorganisms. You should shock your hot tub at least once a week or more often if you use it frequently or have a lot of bathers.
• You should also clean the interior surfaces of your hot tub with mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt or biofilm that could harbor bacteria and algae. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Chloramines: 

• The best way to eliminate chloramines is to break them down with a non-chlorine shock product.
• It will oxidize the chloramines and release them as gas.
• You should use a non-chlorine shock product at least once a week or more often if you have a high bather load or use a lot of cosmetics or lotions.
• You should also maintain a proper sanitizer level in your water by adding chlorine or bromine regularly.
• For chlorine sanitizers, the ideal level is 1-3 ppm (parts per million).
• For bromine sanitizers, the ideal level is 3-5 ppm2.

Low pH: 

• The best way to raise the pH of your water is to add a pH increaser product1. It will neutralize the acidity and make your water more alkaline.
• You should test your water regularly with a test kit or test strips to monitor the pH level and adjust it as needed.
• You should also avoid adding too much chlorine or bromine to your water, which can lower the pH over time.

Dirty filters: 

• The best way to clean your filters is to rinse them with a hose every week and soak them in a filter cleaner solution1 every month.
• It will remove dirt, debris, oil, and scale from the filter fibers and improve their performance.
• You should also replace your filters yearly or sooner if they are damaged or worn out.

How to Prevent Odor Issues in Your Inflatable Hot Tub?

1. Check Water Balance and pH Levels: 
   • The first step in resolving the odour issue is to verify the water balance and pH levels. A high pH level can lead to several water-related problems, including forming odour-causing compounds. Use a reliable water test kit to measure your hot tub’s pH and alkalinity levels. The optimal pH range for your hot tub should be between 7.2 to 7.6, and the total alkalinity should ideally be 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
2. Adjusting pH with Spa Down: 
   • You mentioned that you’ve been using Spa Down to lower the pH. Continue using it as directed, but add the appropriate amount according to your tub’s water volume. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid overcompensating, which could lead to pH fluctuations.
3. Allowing Sufficient Time for Chemical Dispersion: 
   • Chemicals fully disperse throughout the water. After adding chemicals, especially Spa Down, allow the water to circulate and filter for several hours before retesting the pH. This will give the chemicals enough time to spread evenly, ensuring accurate pH readings.
4. Review Bromine Usage: 
   • Since you use Bromine as a sanitizer instead of Chlorine, it’s crucial to ensure you maintain the proper Bromine levels. Bromine should ideally be maintained between 3 to 5 ppm for a hot tub. High bromine levels or inadequate sanitation can contribute to odours in the water. Consider using a Bromine floater or a Bromine feeder to help maintain consistent levels.
5. Shocking the Hot Tub: 
   • Shocking your hot tub is essential to remove any accumulated contaminants that may cause odours. Use a non-chlorine shock, specifically designed for hot tubs, as Bromine is the sanitizer.
   • Shocking helps to oxidize and eliminate organic material, reducing the likelihood of odours and maintaining clear water.
6. Check the Hot Tub’s Filtration System: 
   • You mentioned no odor when the filter pump runs without activating the bubbles. This suggests that the filtration system is doing its job correctly. 

The best way to prevent odor issues in your inflatable hot tub is to follow a regular maintenance routine that includes the following:

• You change the water every 3-4 months or more often if you use your hot tub frequently or have a lot of bathers.
• I am keeping the water level above the minimum line and below the maximum line to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.
• You are covering your hot tub when not in use to keep out dirt, debris, insects, and animals.
• I cleaned the cover with a mild detergent and warm water every month to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Shower early and after using your hot tub to rinse off any sweat, urine, cosmetics, or other contaminants that could cause odor issues.
• Avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in your hot tub as these can introduce organic matter and chemicals that can cause odor issues.

For additional information, visit Hot Tub & Patio, or if you’re interested in more reading, see Guides and Reviews.

Closing Argument: 

Maintaining the right water chemistry is essential to keeping your inflatable hot tub clean and odour-free. By testing and adjusting pH levels, properly using Bromine as a sanitizer, allowing sufficient time for chemical dispersion, and routinely shocking and cleaning the tub’s filtration system, you can enjoy a pleasant and relaxing hot tub experience. 

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for chemicals and water treatment, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you encounter persistent issues.

NOTE: a well-maintained inflatable hot tub can provide countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.

Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about maintaining your inflatable hot tub and enhancing your hot tub experience, check out these informative articles:

1. Identifying Water Leaks in an Inflatable Hot Tub
   • Discover how to detect and address water leaks in your inflatable hot tub. Read our comprehensive guide on how to find a water leak in an inflatable hot tub to ensure your tub stays in optimal condition.
2. Exploring Inflatable Hot Tub Enclosures
   • Looking for ways to create a cozy and private space around your inflatable hot tub? Delve into the world of inflatable hot tub enclosures. Learn about different options and their benefits in our article on inflatable hot tub enclosures, and take your relaxation to the next level.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: How to remove odor from an inflatable hot tub? A: Identify the cause – bacteria, algae, chloramines, low pH, or dirty filters. Treat by shocking with chlorine or non-chlorine products, adjusting pH, and cleaning or replacing filters.

Q: How to get rid of the musty hot tub smell? A: Clean tub with mild detergent and rinse. Shock with chlorine-based product weekly or more if heavily used.

Q: How to keep hot tub water smelling pleasant? A: Maintain sanitizer (chlorine/bromine) levels, use non-chlorine shock weekly, and consider aromatherapy products.

Q: What to do about a chemical-smelling hot tub? A: Chloramines from chlorine + ammonia cause smell. Use non-chlorine shock weekly, especially with high usage.

Q: Hot tub smells like a dead animal? A: Hydrogen sulfide from bacteria/algae causes smell. Shock with chlorine-based product weekly or more if heavily used.

Q: Bromine hot tub stinks – solutions? A: Bromamines (bromine + ammonia) cause smell. Use non-chlorine shock weekly, especially with high usage.

The post will also include some helpful links to other resources on cleaning and maintaining an inflatable hot tub, such as this article. Following these steps, you can enjoy your inflatable hot tub without unpleasant smells.