Nov
2025
24
What to Do When Your Hot Tub Has an Odour
Any well-maintained hot tub should have a very neutral, clean smell. Oftentimes, it may even smell of your sanitizers. Pungent or musty odours are not normal and may be an indication of a water chemistry issue or a lack of hot tub maintenance. Failing to address smelly hot tub water can impact the health and safety of your spa users. If you own a hot tub in Markham and are struggling with water care and maintenance, reach out to Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs for a hot tub service. Our team will ensure that your tub water is refreshed and safe for your next session.
Here are some tips for tackling odours coming from your hot tub.
Inspect the Tub
One of the first things you should do when you notice odours emanating from your hot tub is air it out. If the weather permits it, remove your hot tub cover. This will let excess humidity escape, reducing the buildup of mildew. If your water still smells after 30 minutes of airing, then there may be another issue at hand, especially if the water smells musty, eggy or like sewage.
Testing Your Hot Tub Water
Hot tub odours are often attributed to unbalanced or under-sanitized water. As a result, your first course of action should be to test your hot tub water. Testing strips should help you identify if your sanitizer levels are low or if the pH of your water is drastically off. If you notice any water chemistry issues, you can address these using the appropriate amount of sanitizer or balancers. Just ensure that you turn on the hot tub jets for better circulation.
Bacteria Build Up
If your water chemistry is fine, then the odours coming from your tub may be due to dirty, bacteria-ridden water. It is common for your hot tub water to become cloudy and dirty after long soaks with large groups of people. Bacteria from the skin enter the water and can reproduce quickly due to the moisture and heat. If your water is cloudy and smells like rotten eggs, then it is wise to apply a shock treatment. This will help break down odour-causing bacteria and other organic matter. Once again, just ensure you turn on the hot tub jets to promote the circulation of the product.
Deep Cleaning if the Smell Persists
If the smell persists even after treating your water, then it may be wise to deep-clean your hot tub to remove any kind of buildup. You should scrub down the shell and wipe down the hot tub cover to get rid of any scum or mildew. If you’ve been dealing with persistent odours for a while, you may even want to consider draining and refilling your hot tub water. This will guarantee that your water is fresh and clean. Just make sure that you balance and sanitize your water before you use the tub.
Tackle Odours with Hot Tub Maintenance
Odours are a common issue that many hot tub owners face while owning their spa. With regular hot tub maintenance and watercare, odours can usually be neutralized. However, if you are still struggling with odours even after maintenance, contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs for a service appointment. Call now to restore your hot tub in Markham.
