People who own outdoor spas and hot tubs often enjoy the warm bathing experience, relaxing and refreshing. However, many users sometimes notice a strange and unpleasant phenomenon while bathing: the surface or water of the outdoor spa and hot tub feels sticky. This situation may greatly reduce the bathing experience and even make people worry about the hygiene of outdoor spas and hot tubs. What exactly causes the water or surface of the tub in outdoor spas and hot tubs to feel sticky? The following will analyze this issue and explore the various factors that cause the sticky feeling in the tub.
The source of the sticky feeling: water quality problems or improper cleaning?
The sticky feeling of outdoor spa and hot tubs can generally be traced back to two main reasons: water quality problems and improper cleaning. Together, these two affect the experience of using the tub.
1.1 Water quality problems in outdoor spas and hot tubs
Water quality is an important aspect that cannot be ignored when using outdoor spas and hot tubs. Outdoor spas and hot tubs are exposed to the open environment for a long time and are easily affected by various external impurities and chemicals. Poor water quality may cause the water in the bathtub to become sticky. Common factors affecting water quality include:
● Mineral accumulation: Minerals in the water (such as calcium and magnesium) will precipitate under high temperature and adhere to the inner wall of the bathtub, gradually forming scale deposits that are difficult to clean, giving people a sticky touch.
● Unbalanced pH value: The pH value of water is too high or too low, which can easily destroy the chemical balance in the water and produce a sticky feeling. Especially when the pH value is high, minerals and dissolved chemicals are easy to precipitate and adhere to the surface of the bathtub.
● Ineffective or excessive disinfectant: Disinfectants are necessary to keep water clean, but improper use may have the opposite effect. Disinfectants with too low concentrations cannot kill bacteria, while those with too high concentrations may react with other substances, causing water quality to deteriorate.
● Organic matter accumulation: In the outdoor spas and hot tubs, human sweat, skin care products, cosmetics, shampoo and other organic matter will enter the water with the bath. Over time, these organic substances will form a sticky film on the surface of the bathtub, which will cause discomfort.
1.2 Improper cleaning of outdoor spa and hot tubs
In addition to water quality problems, improper cleaning is also an important factor causing the stickiness of outdoor spas and hot tubs. Outdoor spas and hot tubs need to be cleaned regularly, especially key parts such as filters, bathtub walls and water flow nozzles.
● Filter blockage: The filter is the core equipment for removing impurities from the water. If the filter is blocked, the dirt in the water cannot be removed, resulting in the accumulation of harmful substances, deteriorating the water quality and producing a sticky feeling.
● Inadequate cleaning of the inner wall: If the inner wall of the outdoor spas and hot tubs is not thoroughly cleaned, sticky substances will accumulate more and more, eventually forming a sticky layer that is difficult to remove.
● Excessive use of detergent: Sometimes, users may use too much detergent or foaming agent, and these chemicals remain in the water or on the surface of the bathtub. After mixing with the substances in the water, they may cause a sticky feeling.
Analysis of the specific causes of stickiness
In order to analyze the stickiness of outdoor spas and hot tubs more specifically, we can divide the causes into several aspects, such as chemical residues, bacterial and microbial growth, and organic matter accumulation.
2.1 Chemical residues in outdoor spa and hot tubs
Disinfectants, detergents, descaling agents and other chemicals are often added to outdoor spas and hot tubs. Although these substances can keep the water clean to a certain extent, if they are added improperly or remain too much, chemical accumulation will form in the bathtub, making the water or the surface of the bathtub sticky. Specific manifestations include:
● Disinfectant accumulation: When the concentration of disinfectant is too high, the chemicals remaining in the water will gradually deposit and adhere to the inner wall of the bathtub and the water surface. These residual substances combine with other impurities to form a sticky film.
● Improper use of descaling agent: Descaling agent can effectively remove scale, but the amount needs to be strictly controlled. Excessive descaling agent will remain in the outdoor spas and hot tubs during the cleaning process, making the surface feel rough.
● Detergent residue: If excessive detergent is used when cleaning outdoor spas and hot tubs, the chemical components may remain on the surface of the tub, forming a slimy texture after contact with water.
2.2 Bacteria and microbial growth in outdoor spas and hot tubs
In warm and humid environments, outdoor spas and hot tubs can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. Especially when the disinfectant concentration is insufficient or the water quality is improperly managed, microorganisms will multiply rapidly and form biofilms. This film-like bacterial aggregate usually has a slimy texture.
● Formation of biofilm: Biofilm is a sticky substance secreted by bacteria and microorganisms that adheres to the inner wall of the tub and pipes. Biofilm not only affects the water quality, but also causes a slimy touch.
● Accumulation of microbial metabolites: Microorganisms are constantly metabolizing in water, and their metabolites (such as organic acids and polysaccharides) will also form a sticky texture, which is especially obvious in improperly cleaned bathtubs.
2.3 Accumulation of organic matter in outdoor spas and hot tubs
During the use of outdoor spas and hot tubs, some human secretions and cosmetic residues will inevitably enter the water. Over time, these organic substances will gradually accumulate and react with other components in the water to form a sticky film.
● Human secretions: Under high temperatures, the human body will secrete a large amount of sebum and sweat. These secretions will gradually accumulate after mixing with water and adhere to the surface of the bathtub to form a sticky feeling.
● Skin care product residues: Many users may have skin care products and cosmetic residues when using the bathtub. These ingredients will dissolve and accumulate in hot water, causing the water to be sticky.
● Accumulation of environmental impurities: outdoor spas and hot tubs are often exposed to the air and are easily contaminated by impurities in the environment, such as dust, fallen leaves, etc. After these impurities are deposited in the water, they will accumulate over a long period of time and cause a sticky touch.
How to determine whether outdoor spas and hot tubs have a sticky problem?
It is not difficult to determine whether outdoor spas and hot tubs have a sticky problem. Users can make a preliminary judgment through the following methods:
3.1 Touch test
The easiest way is to touch the surface or water jet of the outdoor spas and hot tubs with your hand. If the surface feels slippery and not smooth, it indicates that there may be a sticky problem.
3.2 Visual inspection
Observe whether there is a floating film or foam on the surface of the outdoor spas and hot tubs, or whether there are smooth and shiny marks on the surface of the bathtub. These signs are often manifestations of organic matter accumulation or chemical residues.
3.3 Water quality testing
Use professional water quality testing tools to measure the pH value, alkalinity and disinfectant concentration in the water. Abnormal pH value or insufficient disinfectant may indicate that the water quality does not meet the standard and there is a risk of stickiness.
3.4 Filter inspection
The filter element can reflect the water quality. If there are a lot of impurities and sticky substances on the surface of the filter, it means that the water quality problem is serious and may cause a sticky feeling inside the outdoor spas and hot tubs.
How to effectively solve and prevent the sticky problem of outdoor spas and hot tubs?
4.1 Clean the bathtub and filter regularly
It is very important to clean the outdoor spas and hot tubs and filters regularly. Especially the filter, which can effectively remove suspended impurities and organic matter in the water. Regular cleaning and replacement of the filter can prevent the accumulation of impurities and avoid the sticky feeling.
4.2 Adjust the water balance
Keeping the pH value and alkalinity of outdoor spas and hot tubs within a reasonable range and using an appropriate amount of disinfectant and descaling agent can effectively prevent the sticky problem caused by chemical residues. The amount of disinfectant and detergent used should be appropriately adjusted according to the water quality test results to keep the water clean.
4.3 Avoid using oily skin care products before taking a bath
In order to reduce the pollution of water quality by human oils and skin care products, users should avoid using oily skin care products before taking a bath. At the same time, you can ask to rinse with clean water before taking a bath to reduce the impact of body secretions on outdoor spas and hot tubs.
What certifications do your outdoor spas and hot tubs have?
All our outdoor spas and hot tubs, and swim spas are certified with international standards, including CE, ETL, ISO9001, SAA, ROHS, and REACH. This ensures that our products meet high-quality manufacturing standards and are safe for use in various international markets. Guangzhou Huantong Industry Co., Ltd. is recognized as one of China's top 5 outdoor spa manufacturers and has been exporting globally since 2004 under the "Lovia Spa" brand.
