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Biofilm growth can cause a hot tub to feel slimy. Hot tub biofilm is a slimy substance that’s typically due to natural contaminants like makeup, soaps, skin oils, deodorants, or lotions. A hot tub can also have a slimy interior or slimy water if the tub’s filters are old or damaged, or if the hot tub isn’t properly cleaned. You should drain your hot tub, wipe away any slimy residue, then refill the water and use a spa purge product that prevents the buildup of biofilm.

It’s easy to keep your hot tub clean and safe for all to enjoy by following a few simple tips:

• Make sure anyone who uses the hot tub rinses themselves and their swimsuits off, perhaps in an outdoor shower near the hot tub. 

• Don’t add anything to your hot tub’s water. Bath oils and bubble bath liquids might seem like a fun addition to your hot tub experience, but these substances will turn the water in your tub foamy and its surfaces hard to clean. 

• Restrict eating in the tub to light snacks that you can easily clean out if there’s any spillage. Crumbs from crackers and chips can be difficult to pick up. 

• Make it a no-pet zone. Pet fur and dander can pose a cleaning issue, but it’s also not a great idea for your pet’s health and safety. 

Whether you can repair a hot tub depends on the severity of the problem and the location. With the right tools and knowledge, you can fix problems like small leaks or switching out a dirty filter. However, electrical and plumbing issues require a licensed professional due to the inherent risk, particularly when mixing water with electricity.

Hot tub repairs cost between $200 and $500 on average. You can minimize those costs by maintaining your hot tub and keeping necessary supplies on hand. An elevated shelf in the garage is a great place to store your water care chemicals so that kids and pets will stay safe and you’ll always have them around. 

Your hot tub should be drained of existing water, cleaned, and refilled every three to four months at a minimum. Follow your tub manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, and rinse thoroughly when finished to eliminate any residue from the cleaning products. This is also a good time to inspect your tub’s cover in good lighting for any leaks, tears, or other damage that might cause problems. 

Using your hot tub manufacturer’s suggested cleaners and methods, keep your hot tub filters clean to avoid a loss of water heat. This will help extend the filter’s useful life and efficiency. If the filter is more than two to three years old, replace it with a new one and buy a second filter to keep around as a spare.