If you’re wondering how to clean mold out of an inflatable hot tub, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
Unfortunately, inflatable hot tubs are susceptible to mold growth due to their humid environment. If you can see black, white or even pink mold growing in your tub, then it’s time for some cleaning! In this blog post, I’m going to share with you my tips and tricks for cleaning mold out of an inflatable hot tub. Let’s get started!
Blog Overview
What is Mold?
Why is Mold Growing in My Inflatable Hot Tub?
Step 1: Check the pH balance
Step 2: Shock the Water
Step 3: Clean the Mold out of the Hot Tub Jets and Pipes
Step 4: Empty the Inflatable Hot Tub
Step 5: Clean or Change the Hot Tub Filters
Step 6: Scrub the Inflatable Hot Tub
Step 7: Fill Your Inflatable Hot Tub and Add Chemicals
Step 8: Keep Your Inflatable Hot Tub Clean
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in dark, damp environments with a lot of moisture, and an inflatable hot tub is the perfect place for it to thrive. Typically, it shows up in inflatable hot tubs in three different forms, black, white or pink mold.
Black Mold
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of toxic mold that is commonly found in damp, wet environments. It typically grows on inflatable hot tubs or other surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as the walls of poorly ventilated basements or bathrooms. Due to its ability to produce mycotoxins, which can lead to serious health problems if ingested or inhaled, black mold should be avoided at all costs.
White Mold
White mold is a common problem in inflatable hot tubs, typically occurring on the surface of the water or in patches along the sides. This type of mold yields a small, velvety pile of fluffy growth, and it can be difficult to get rid of once it has taken hold. White mold can cause allergic reactions, respiratory infections, eye irritations and more.
Pink Mold
If you’ve ever found pink mold in your inflatable hot tub, you’re not alone. This slimy, pinkish-gray fungus is often found growing on the surface of inflatable hot tubs and can be difficult to remove. Pink mold can cause urinary tract infection, skin irritation and respiratory problems in some people.
Algae
Algae, although not a type of mold, is a common concern for inflatable hot tub owners. It is a plant-like organism that grows in water. It can be found in ponds, lakes, and even inflatable hot tubs!
While some algae are harmless, other types can release toxins into the water and cause problems for people and animals. In hot tubs, algae can make the water murky and cause the inflatable walls to become slimy. If you find algae in your hot tub, it’s important to remove it right away. The best way to do this is to shock the hot tub with chlorine or other chemicals. You can also try using a pool brush to scrub the algae off of the inflatable walls.
Why is Mold Growing in My Inflatable Hot Tub?
Mold tends to grow in hot tubs for a number of different reasons. First, hot tubs are often inflatable and made out of materials that are porous and easily absorb moisture, providing the perfect conditions for mold spores to settle and thrive. Additionally, many hot tubs have been poorly maintained or improperly cleaned, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.
Inflatable hot tubs are typically kept at a high temperature, which creates a warm and damp environment where mold can flourish. So, if you want to avoid dealing with mold in your hot tub, it’s essential to keep your inflatable hot tub well-maintained and regularly disinfected using appropriate cleaning products. With the right care, your inflatable hot tub will be free from any pesky mold growth!
Often people find mold in their inflatable hot tubs after pulling them out of storage. In order to avoid this check out our article, How to pack up an inflatable hot tub for storage.
How to Clean Mold Out of an Inflatable Hot Tub?
Step 1: Check the pH Balance
Firstly, you must check the pH level is between 7.2-7.8 to ensure the following steps are effective. You can check the pH level using testing strips or a digital electronic meter.
Simply follow the instructions on the test kit or meter to determine whether your inflatable hot tub has low, neutral, or high pH levels. Depending on what you find, you may need to add some chemicals or other solutions to adjust the balance in your inflatable hot tub accordingly.
A reading below 7.2 means the water is too acidic while a reading above 7.8 means the water is too alkaline.
Step 2: Shock the Water
Shocking your hot tub water is fairly straightforward – all you need to do is carefully follow the directions on your inflatable hot tubs manual. Some hot tubs will recommend adding chlorine shock granules or liquid directly to the water, while others may recommend infusing them with a special inflatable hot tub shocker stick.
We recommend SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock, a liquid multi-purpose shock that takes effect in 15mins. This will ensure the water in your inflatable hot tub has been purged of bacteria.
Step 3: Clean the Mold out of the Hot Tub Jets and Pipes
Many people miss this step thinking they can get away with not cleaning the jets and pipes in their inflatable hot tub. If you find that within 24hrs of refilling your hot tub with fresh water it’s dirty or slimy again, I’m almost certain it will be because of what is living in your hot tub jets.
We recommend a plumbing and jet cleaner such as ‘Oh Yuk – Jetted Bathtub Cleaner’. It’s quick and easy to use. All you need to do is pour in the cleaner and run the jets.
Step 4: Empty the Inflatable Hot Tub
This step is easy. First, remove any toys or objects from the tub and then disconnect the power supply. Then attach a hose to the outlet valve of your inflatable hot tub so you can direct the empty water where you want. The dirty water isn’t necessarily something you want to put anywhere. Ideally, you release the water into your stormwater drain, and avoid garden beds or veggie patches.
Step 5: Clean or Change the Hot Tub Filters
First, you’ll need to remove the filter from the hot tub. Most inflatable hot tubs have a built-in filter compartment that makes this easy to do. Once the filter is out, give it a good rinse with a hose. This will help to remove any loose debris that’s attached to the filter.
Next, fill up a bucket with warm water and add some mild dish soap. Submerge the filter in the soapy water and let it soak for 15 minutes or so. This will help to break down any tough dirt or grime that’s stubbornly clinging to the filter. After the filter has soaked, use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining dirt. Rinse the filter well with clean water when you’re finished.
It may also be a good idea to replace the filters, depending on how long they have been in use. We recommend replacing them to be on the safe side and ensure that there is absolutely no mold remaining in the hot tub after you complete this cleaning process.
Step 6: Scrub the Inflatable Hot Tub
First, you’ll need to get some cleaning supplies. You’ll want to grab a scrub brush or sponge, along with some hot tub cleaner which can simply be hot water and soap, or equal parts vinegar and water. Once you’ve got your supplies together, it’s time to start scrubbing! Begin by focusing on any visible mold or mildew build-up in the inflatable hot tub jets. We recommend you focus on the waterline as a lot of scum and mildew can build up on the water’s surface.
Soak the jets in warm water for a few minutes first, and then use your sponge or brush to get in there and clear away all of that unwanted gunk. Make sure to do this thoroughly, so that the jets are nice and clean. Finally, give the whole hot tub a good rinse with fresh water, and enjoy your sparkling clean inflatable hot tub jets!
Note!
Don’t forget to scrub the inflatable lid. Organisms can be living in the lid just as easily and you don’t want anything transferring from your lid to your nice and clean hot tub.
Step 7: Fill Your Inflatable Hot Tub and Add Chemicals
You may want to consider repeating the cleaning process one more time depending on how dirty your inflatable hot tub is. We also recommend filling your hot tub with clean water and run the jets to give it a final rinse before you’re done.
Once you’ve given it a good clean, fill it up, add sanitizers and enjoy!
Step 8: Keep Your Inflatable Hot Tub Clean
One of the most important things to focus on to keep your inflatable hot tub clean is changing the filters regularly. This will help to keep out any debris or dirt that could otherwise accumulate in the water and damage your tub over time. Additionally, you should also make sure that you regularly drain and refill your tub. This helps to remove any lingering bacteria or impurities from the water and keeps it looking fresh and clean.
Remember to always shower before using your inflatable hot tub. This will help to keep the water clean and prevent the build-up of toxins. You should also regularly check the pH levels and add sanitizers as needed. This will help to keep the water safe for use and prevent the growth of bacteria. For more information you may be interested in our article Quick Guide to Inflatable Hot Tub Set Up and Maintenance.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating inflatable hot tub experience for years to come!
Conclusion
Mold is a pesky problem that can be difficult to get rid of, but with these simple steps, you should be able to clean mold out of your inflatable hot tub and get it back in shape in no time. We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Thanks for reading!
