In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, more and more families have begun to install hot tubs outdoors to enjoy their leisure time. However, what follows is a headache for many users – the generation of scale. Scale not only affects the appearance of the bathtub, but may also cause damage to the equipment and affect its service life. So, how to effectively treat and prevent scale in outdoor hot tubs? Let’s listen to the experts’ advice.
Causes of scale
Scale is mainly formed by the precipitation and deposition of calcium and magnesium ions in water under high temperature conditions. Outdoor hot bathtubs are more likely to form scale due to their long-term exposure to high temperatures. In addition, the hardness of the water source, frequency of use and maintenance of the bathtub will also affect the rate of scale formation.
How to deal with scale
For scale problems, experts have provided several effective methods to deal with them:
1. Use special cleaning agents
There are many cleaners on the market specifically designed to clean hot tub limescale. These cleaners contain acidic ingredients that effectively dissolve calcium and magnesium ions, thereby removing scale. When using it, you need to follow the product instructions. Generally, you add the detergent to the water, circulate it for a certain period of time, then drain the sewage, and then rinse it with clean water.
2. Manual cleaning
For some stubborn scale, you can use a soft brush or sponge for manual cleaning. It should be noted that avoid using hard brushes or metal tools to avoid scratching the surface of the bathtub. You can spray detergent on the scale first and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing to improve the cleaning effect.
3. Use citric acid
Citric acid is a natural weak acid that can effectively dissolve scale. Add an appropriate amount of citric acid solution to the bathtub, circulate it for a period of time, drain it, and then rinse it with clean water to achieve a good cleaning effect. Citric acid is not only environmentally friendly, but also harmless to the human body. It is an ideal cleaning agent.
4. Change water regularly
Regularly changing the water in the bathtub can effectively reduce the formation of scale. It is generally recommended to change the water every two to three months and perform a thorough cleaning when changing the water. In addition, using soft water as much as possible can also reduce the formation of scale.
Methods to prevent scale
Prevention is better than cure, here are some effective ways to prevent limescale:
1. Install a water softener
A water softener replaces calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions, thereby reducing scale formation. Installing a water softener at the water inlet of your outdoor hot bathtub can effectively extend the service life of the equipment and reduce the frequency of cleaning.
2. Control water temperature
Properly controlling the water temperature in your hot tub not only saves energy but also reduces the formation of scale. The higher the water temperature, the faster scale will form. It is recommended to control the water temperature between 37-40 degrees Celsius, which is both comfortable and can prevent scale.
3. Use descaling agent regularly
Even with a water softener, it is difficult to completely avoid the formation of scale. Regular use of descaling agent in the bathtub can effectively prevent the accumulation of scale. It is generally recommended to use it every one to two months.
4. Keep your bathtub clean
After each use of the hot tub, promptly remove debris and dirt to keep the inside of the tub clean. You can use a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the bathtub to prevent dirt from accumulating and becoming a matrix for scale.
Conclusion
Although the scale problem is difficult, it is not insurmountable. Through reasonable cleaning and maintenance methods, combined with effective preventive measures, the formation of scale can be greatly reduced and the service life of the outdoor hot tub can be extended. We hope that the above methods and suggestions can help users enjoy a more comfortable bathing experience.
