Hot tubs are great for relaxation after a tiring day at work. You can enjoy your bathtub with the view of the setting sun and completely immerse yourself in your backyard. However, what most people tend to forget is that hot tubs can get dirty as well. One particular substance that gets left behind is known as biofilm, which is that oily slimy substance that coats the top layer of the water. You might not see the biofilm but it is there in your filtration system for the hot tub. Not to worry about all of that because I have tested and reviewed 10 of the best biofilm cleaners for hot tubs on the market for you to check out!
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
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Best Overall Hot Tub Serum an EPA Registered Weekly Maintenance Bio-Cleaner |
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Best Water Clarity Hot Tub Cleaner Leisure Time A Bright and Clear Cleanser for Spas and Hot Tubs |
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Best Oil Removing Tub Cleaner Leisure Time 12X1QT Enzyme Simple Care for Spas and Hot Tubs |
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Best Effective Hot Tub Cleaner Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner |
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Best Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner Bio Ouster 3in1 Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner |
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Best Bio-Engineered Hot Tub Cleaner Ahh-Some Premium Hot Tub Cleaner |
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Best Instant Hot Tub Cleaner Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Hot Tub Filter Cleaner Fast-Acting Spray |
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Best Jet Clean Tub Cleaner Leisure Time 45450 Jet Clean Spa and Hot Tub Cleaner |
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Best Easy Hot Tub Cleaner MAV AquaDoc Professional Filter Clean |
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Best Less Expensive Hot Tub Cleaner Spaking Chlorine Granules for Hot Tub |
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1. Best Overall – Hot Tub Serum an EPA Registered Weekly Maintenance Bio-Cleaner
Specification
- Brand: Hot Tub Serum
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 67.6 fl oz. (2000ml or 2 liters)
Description
Get one of the best biofilm cleaners for your hot tub in the Hot Tub Serum an EPA Registered Weekly Maintenance Bio-Cleaner!
Features
- 24 weekly doses: helps clean and maintain your hot tub
- Effective biocide: gets rid of biofilm
- Super clarifier: helps to keep your water crystal clear
How to use
For a full cleaning of your tub, you might need to do a shock for your hot tub. It simply means that you need to chlorine to the water to effectively clean it. With the Total Cleanser gel, you can do that. Simply add the gel (1 tablespoon per 100 gallons of water) near the water inlet and let it sit and circulate for about 30 minutes. Then drain the water and refill it again.
After the shock/cleanse is done, take a capful of the cleaner per 100 gallons of water and pour it and let it sit there for 30 minutes while your hot tub jets are running. After 30 minutes, the biofilm in your hot tub is completely removed! Then all you have to do is drain the water and clean the surface of the hot tub. After that, you are free to enjoy your cleaned, biofilm-free hot tub!
Expert Verdict
When you have a biofilm cleaner as good as the Hot Tub Serum an EPA Registered Weekly Maintenance Bio-Cleaner, you don’t have to worry about maintaining your hot tub! It helps to clean very effectively even if you don’t see the results all that well. It helps to clear your filters of any microorganisms and keeps your water line intact. In fact, I would say that the water in my hot tub was clearer after using this biofilm cleaner. Overall, it does everything with exceptional results. The only thing that I could nitpick about the product is the fact that the product is very expensive. But for the price, it is completely worth it to have your hot tub cleaned on the regular if you end up using it more and more. It does all that the other products on this list do combined which is why I would consider this to be the best biofilm cleaner on the list!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Clears biofilm | Very expensive; but worth it |
| Cleans the filters | |
| Keeps the water line intact | |
| Crystal clear water |
2. Best Water Clarity Hot Tub Cleaner – Leisure Time A Bright and Clear Cleanser for Hot Tubs
Specification
- Brand: LEISURE TIME
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 32 fl oz. (950ml)
Description
Get one of the best water clarity with the Leisure Time A Bright and Clear Cleanser for Spas and Hot Tubs and keep your water clean and safe to use!
Features
- Compatibility: with most sanitizers on the market like bromine and chlorine
- Scale prevention: prevents the formation of white substance on your water
- Polymer action: removes suspended particles from your water surface
How to use
First, do a purge of your hot tub with chlorine tablets. You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again.
Then, remove the spa filter and take the biofilm cleaner and add a capful or 2 ounces per 100 gallons of water and let the hot tub run for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After that is done, drain the water and clean any scum lines left on the hot tub surface. After that refill the water on your hot tub and enjoy!
Expert Verdict
Sometimes, your hot tub can have cloudy water due to build-up forming on your water line and filter. Well, look no further than the Leisure Time A Bright and Clear Cleanser for Spas and Hot Tubs and its brilliant water clarifying solution! It works with most if not all the sanitizers for hot tubs and helps to get rid of biofilm from the water. It also prevents the formation of scales in your water which is a white substance that stays suspended in water. It helps to clear up the water and the scum lines from within with just one draining of water with the product added. The only thing I would say is a problem for the biofilm cleaner is that it produces water bubbles and bubble scum lines on the hot tub that needs to be cleaned again after a week or two.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Clear water | Forms bubbles |
| Nice fragrance | |
| Prevents scaling |
3. Best Oil Removing Tub Cleaner – Leisure Time 12X1QT Enzyme Simple Care for Hot Tubs
Specification
- Brand: LEISURE TIME
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 32 fl oz. (946ml)
Description
Remove all the oil from your hot tub with the Leisure Time 12X1QT Enzyme Simple Care for Spas and Hot Tubs and its effective algaecide!
Features
- Algaecide: helps to keep clean algae and prevent algae formation in your hot tub
- Enzyme-based cleaner: helps to breakdown oil and scum lines from your hot tub
- Great fragrance: leaves behind a pleasant smell on your hot tub water
How to use
First, do a purge of your hot tub with chlorine tablets or granules. You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again.
Then, remove the spa filter and take the biofilm cleaner and add a capful or 2 ounces per 100 gallons of water and let the hot tub run for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After that is done, drain the water and clean any scum lines left on the hot tub surface. After that refill the water on your hot tub and enjoy!
Expert Verdict
Your hot tub is home to a lot of oil when you are a regular user of it. That is where you will need a product like the Leisure Time 12X1QT Enzyme Simple Care for Spas and Hot Tubs to help break down the oil from your hot tub! The enzymes used in the biofilm cleaner help to reduce and get rid of oil scum lines from your hot tub so it does not make your hot tub water cloudy. It also has algaecide which is useful to clear microorganisms that form algae in your hot tub. However, since this has enzymes, you will need to be careful about storage because under certain conditions the enzymes might get destroyed and the product becomes a glorified fragrance for your hot tub without much cleaning at all!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Removes oil from your hot tub | Difficult storage |
| Prevents algae formation | |
| Takes care of scum lines |
4. Best Effective Hot Tub Cleaner – Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner
Specification
- Brand: Oh Yuk
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 16 fl oz. (473ml)
Description
Clean your hot tub for an all-purpose effective cleaning with the Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner for Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tubs and Spas!
Features
- Plumbing cleaner: helps to clear unseen dirt from your plumbing and gives clearer water
- Improves filtration: helps to give clean the filtration grid
- Foaming reduction: reduce the amount of foam produced by your hot tub
How to use
First, do a purge of your hot tub with chlorine tablets or granules. You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again.
Then, remove the spa filter and take the biofilm cleaner and add a capful or 2 ounces per 100 gallons of water and let the hot tub run for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After that is done, drain the water and clean any scum lines left on the hot tub surface. After that refill the water on your hot tub and enjoy!
Expert Verdict
When you need a deep clean for your hot tub, then the Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner for Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tubs and Spas is the perfect biofilm cleaner you need! It helps to clean not only the biofilm from your hot tub water but also helps to clean the scum lines and refresh the filtration system for your hot tub. The only problem is that you need to remove the filters to clean the hot tub so that it does not clog it while cleaning the pipes. A small inconvenience to get an effective cleaning for your hot tub!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Clears biofilm | Have to remove the filters to use it |
| Cleans scum lines | |
| Cleans the pipes from within |
5. Best Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner – Bio Ouster 3in1 Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner
Specification
- Brand: Bio Ouster
- Item Form: Gel
- Volume: 8 oz. (240ml) total, 2 oz. (60ml) each
Description
Do a weekly clean of your hot tub with the individual packets included in the Bio Ouster 3in1 Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner, Conditioner, Clarifier which helps prolong your hot tub usage!
Features
- Pump efficiency: helps to clear jets for improved performance
- Fast acting: get rid of scum lines within a matter of minutes
- Made in USA: formula and packaging all done in the US
How to use
For this one in particular, the method of use will be different from the rest of the biofilm cleaners. For this one, all you need to do is open one packet of the cleaner and pour it into the hot tub. Leave the hot tub running for about 15 minutes and then drain the water. After that, use a towel to clean any scum lines on your hot tub that remains after draining the water. And that is how easy it is to use this weekly biofilm cleaner!
Expert Verdict
The fast-acting Bio Ouster 3in1 Weekly Hot Tub Cleaner, Conditioner, Clarifier helps to clarify, clean, and also condition your hot tub jets all in one in a weekly bundle! From one packet, you get to clean your hot tub off of any scum lines that might make it cloudy while also cleaning the filters along with it. Not only that, but it also helps to improve the hot tub jets by cleaning them from the inside. All of this is done at probably the fastest rate possible without compromising the quality! The only downside is that it gets very expensive to do every week where you need one whole packet for a week’s worth of cleaning for only a 400-gallon hot tub. My advice for you is to use this if you are a heavy hot tub user and need the weekly cleaning.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Helps to clear out biofilm and scum lines | One packet is for a 400-gallon tub |
| Improves performance of hot tub jets | |
| Fast and easy to use |
6. Best Bio-Engineered Hot Tub Cleaner – Ahh-Some Premium Hot Tub Cleaner
Specification
- Brand: Ahh!Some
- Item Form: Granules
- Volume: 2 oz. (55g)
Description
Get the best bio-engineered hot tub cleaner with the Ahh-Some Premium Hot Tub Cleaner/Jetted Bath Plumbing and Jet Cleaner for Jetted Tub and its intense biofilm cleaning!
Features
- Complete clean: with the help of bio-engineered formula
- Cartridge cleaner: helps to clean your filter cartridge of any biofilm
- Organic material: biodegradable formula that does not harm the surface of the hot tub
How to use
First, do a purge of your hot tub with chlorine tablets or granules. You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again.
Then, remove the spa filter and take the biofilm cleaner and add 3 tablespoons of granules to your hot tub and let the hot tub run for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After that is done, drain the water and clean any scum lines left on the hot tub surface. After that refill the water on your hot tub and enjoy! Repeat the process if you still find scum lines on your hot tub.
Expert Verdict
The bio-engineered formula in Ahh-Some Premium Hot Tub Cleaner/Jetted Bath Plumbing and Jet Cleaner for Jetted Tub is a great biofilm cleaner that helps to clean off any organic material from your hot tub! It does all of that while being biodegradable as well and not harming the quality of water or the surface of your hot tub when cleaning. It helps to provide a deep clean from within however, you might need to repeat the cleaning process. I cleaned once and then had to clean again because I still saw the water was not fully clear. So just know that you might need to repeat the cleaning for your hot tub if it does not do the trick the first time around.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Organic material does not harm the hot tub | Might need to repeat the cleaning |
| Cleans from within | |
| Cleans all forms of oils and cosmetics from your hot tub |
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7. Best Instant Hot Tub Cleaner – Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Hot Tub Filter Cleaner Fast-Acting Spray
Specification
- Brand: Black Diamond Stoneworks
- Item Form: Spray
- Volume: 32 fl oz. (946ml)
Description
Help instantly clean your hot tub filters with the Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Spa Filter Cleaner Fast-Acting Spray for Hot Tub & Pool Filters!
Features
- Spray clean: convenient clean for your filters
- Filter efficiency: helps improves your filters’ lifespan
- Easy to use: no need for overnight cleaning
How to use
As this is a filter cleaner, you will need to take out the hot tub filter and spray the filter directly with this spray. Leave it there for 5 minutes, making sure that you have liberally covered all surfaces of the filter. Then use a hard stream of water from a water hose to clean the filter effectively. Reinstall the filter and enjoy your hot tub! Make sure that you clean your filters every week or so.
Expert Verdict
When you need an instant clean of your hot tub filters and large cartridges, then the Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Spa Filter Cleaner Fast-Acting Spray for Hot Tub & Pool Filters is perfect! The spray-on formula is very easy to use and then clean off instantly to help prolong your filter’s lifespan. It removes all the biofilm that accumulates on your filters with an organic substance that does not ruin your filters either. The only downside is that it works only for filters and not the surface of the hot tub all that well. For that, you need a more specific biofilm cleaner. But for your filters, it works instantly without much problem!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Improves filter efficiency | Does not clean the whole hot tub |
| Cleans off biofilm in filters | |
| Easy to use and works instantly |
8. Best Jet Clean Tub Cleaner – Leisure Time 45450 Jet Clean Spa and Hot Tub Cleaner
Specification
- Brand: LEISURE TIME
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 16 fl oz. (473ml)
Description
Help clean your hot tub jets with the Leisure Time 45450 Jet Clean Spa and Hot Tub Cleaner for a better hot tub experience!
Features
- Mineral build-up remover: especially from your hot tub jets
- Low foaming: does not create forms for your hot tubs
- Sanitizer-friendly: works with all types of sanitizers
How to use
First, do a purge of your hot tub with chlorine tablets. You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again.
Then, take the biofilm cleaner and add a capful or 2 ounces per 100 gallons of water and let the hot tub run for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. After that is done, drain the water and refill the hot tub to enjoy your newly cleaned hot tub!
Expert Verdict
Remember that your hot tub jets also need some cleaning once in a while to help remove any mineral buildup. For that, the Leisure Time 45450 Jet Clean Spa and Hot Tub Cleaner provides the perfect solution to clear your jets and make them last a longer time! It helps to remove any mineral or biofilm build-up from your hot tub jets while also helping give an effective cleaning for your hot tub surface as well. It does all of this with little to no foaming so you don’t have to worry about clogging your pipes at all! The only downside is that it does not clean the filtration system all that well.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cleans build-up in your hot tub jets | Does not effectively clean the hot tub filters |
| Cleans biofilm from the surface of the hot tub | |
| Little to no foaming |
9. Best Easy Hot Tub Cleaner – MAV AquaDoc Professional Filter Clean
Specification
- Brand: MAV AquaDoc
- Item Form: Liquid
- Volume: 32 oz.
Description
Clean your hot tub filters easily in less than an hour with the MAV AquaDoc Professional Filter Clean Spa & Pool Care
Features
- 1-quart size: deep clean your filters with one bottle
- Large particle cleaner: keep your filters clean from larger particle build-up
- Professional grade: formulation and packaging done in the USA
How to use
As this is a cartridge cleaner, it will be different to use. Firstly, turn off the filter and remove the grid cartridge, and then soak the cartridge in a solution of 5 gallons of water and the whole bottle worth. Leave it there for an hour and then take out the cartridge and clean it with a high-pressure water nozzle. Replace the cartridge back into the filter, turn it on, and start using your hot tub again, it is that easy!
Expert Verdict
The only downside of the MAV AquaDoc Professional Filter Clean Spa & Pool Care is it is a one-time cleaning solution. But the deep clean that you get for your hot tub filter is good for a couple of months of constant use! I really liked how easy it was to use the product as it only needed water, the biofilm cleaner, and a high-pressure nozzle! It cleaned the filter within an hour and cleaned off larger particles like sand very easily while also cleaning biofilm from your filters.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting cleaning | Only one use |
| Cleans large particles | |
| Easy to use |
10. Best Less Expensive Hot Tub Cleaner – Spaking Chlorine Granules for Hot Tub
Specification
- Brand: SpaKing
- Item Form: Granular
- Volume: 48 oz. (3lbs or 1.36kg)
Description
Get value for your money with the large tub of Spaking Chlorine Granules for Hot Tub and Spa and its easy-to-use instruction that will last you a long time!
Features
- Large tub: good for cleaning your hot tub for almost a year
- pH neutral: does not change the pH levels of your water
- Multi-function: serves as a shock for your hot tub as well as cleaning
How to use
You will need about 1 tablespoon of chlorine granules the per 100 gallons of water. Add it near the hot tub water inlet and let it run for about 30 minutes. After that, drain the water and refill the hot tub again and your hot tub is good as new! What you are getting is a shock and a cleaning of your hot tub all in one drain!
Expert Verdict
The value for money with this less expensive biofilm cleaner is what I loved about the Spaking Chlorine Granules for Hot Tub and Spa. The granules are great and they are very to use for your hot tub cleaning. Not only will it help clean your hot tub, but it will give a shock and purge along with it to help clean your hot tub pipes from deep within! It is also very quick and needs less than an hour to completely clean and purge your hot tub all at once! Do be careful about the level of chlorine in your hot tub as it might give it a spike in chlorine in the hot tub water so measure the level before entering back into the hot tub.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Multi-function; cleans as well as purges your hot tub all at once | Need to check the level of your hot tub before reentering |
| Quick and easy | |
| pH neutral formula |
How Often Should Hot Tubs Be Cleaned?
How often you should be cleaning your hot tub will be determined by how much you are using it. If you use your hot tub on a regular basis (daily), then you might need to clean your hot tub as often as weekly clean to help keep it sanitized. If you use it less often, say about 2 times a week, then you will need to only clean it once every 4 months or so.
However, if you have not drained the water from your hot tub for a while and are thinking of getting back into it, then you might need to purge the whole system first and give it a clean before jumping into it. The water that has been left alone, even with a lid on top of it, will accumulate biofilm which will be a sanitation hazard!
You will need to do weekly sanitation if you are to keep the water in the hot tub to make sure that your hot tub water does not have biofilm in it. That way, you can safely use your hot tub without having to constantly worry about the biofilm with a weekly cleaning! Remember that adding a sanitization tablet will only clean the filter, you will need to drain the water once every few months and clean the scum lines to make sure that your water is crystal clear and free from biofilm!
How Do You Prevent Biofilm Formation In A Hot Tub?
Accumulation of biofilm is hazardous for your health if you frequently use your hot tub. That is why it is important to prevent a biofilm build-up in your hot tub. Here is how you can go about making sure you prevent biofilm formation in your hot tub:
- Change the water every 3 to 6 months (more often if you use it daily).
- Drain the water with a spa clean to help keep your hot tub clean.
- Sanitize your water weekly.
- Clean the filters every 3 months and change them within 24 months of use.
- Shock your hot tub every month.
- Clean the scum lines with a soft towel and sanitizer before refilling the water in your hot tub.
FAQs
1. Can you swim in biofilm?
Swimming in biofilm is possible but you should never do it! It can lead to serious health issues if the biofilm attracts harmful pathogens.
2. How often should you change hot tub water if not used?
If not in use, you should change the hot tub water every 3 months or so to make sure that there is no biofilm formation.
3. Does chlorine remove biofilm?
Chlorine is one of the most effective sanitizers that help to remove biofilm, even when the build-up is a lot!
4. Which form of chlorine is most effective against biofilms?
Chlorine dioxide is the most effective against biofilm where it can treat the water within 72 hours in the most severe cases.
5. Will bromine get rid of biofilm?
Yes, bromine can get rid of biofilm because it works very similarly to how chlorine works in rapidly breaking down biofilm.
Final Thoughts
Biofilm in your hot tub can be dangerous for your health which is why it is important to keep your hot tub clean. I have found that these biofilm cleaners work the best, where some work better for jets, filters, and the overall hot tub itself. Personally, I would choose the Spaking Chlorine Granules for Hot Tub and Spa for my hot tub because it does a shock and cleans at the same time while being relatively fast! I hope that one of the biofilm cleaners on the list has piqued your interest and I am glad if it did. Enjoy your hot tub while also being safe!
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I am Donald M. Beyer and I am backyard enthusiasts. I am a homeowner who has been doing DIY projects in and out of my house for many years. From simple backyard lunches to making an old-school pizza oven in my own backyard, I have a lot of experience in turning my backyard into my and my family’s personal playground.
