When it comes to relaxing in your hot tub, few odours can be more unpleasant than those of rotting eggs. Even the slightest whiff can make your stomach turn, forcing you to climb out of the spa without giving it a second thought.
Rotten egg aroma in a hot tub can occur naturally, although its highly recommended that you address the issue quickly. This is due to the way our minds perceive the smell. Following initial detection, the messages relayed from the nose’s sensory neurons are no longer transmitted to the brain. This tricks us into thinking the problem has subsided when its most likely the opposite.
Discover what causes hot tub water to smell of rotten eggs, the impact this can have on both you and the spa, and how to treat the issue.
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What is the Rotting Egg Scent?
This revolting stench is caused by high levels of sulfur bacteria within your spa system. Under warm temperatures, this reacts to form Hydrogen Sulfide, a gas with similar odours to out of date eggs.
What Causes Hydrogen Sulfide in Hot Tubs?
The spa’s water heater. This provides the temperature that enables the sulphur to react. This is even more prominent in hot tubs that are heated but unused, as the lack of aeration produced through the use of air jets reduces oxygen levels in the water.
Is Hydroxide Sulfide harmful for hot tub users?
Bathing in a spa with Hydrogen sulfide gas is not considered dangerous, more of a nuisance due to the disgusting smell.
Does Hydrogen Sulfide damage a hot tub?
Yes. The gas can be corrosive to many metals, including copper. Copper is a commonly used component in hot tub plumbing due to its heat conducting properties.
How to Eradicate the Smell
The method outlined below can cure the odour issues.
Step 1 – Chlorine Shock
Firstly you must convert the Hydrogen Sulfide gas into a solid. Treating with liquid chlorine in a process referred to as ‘shocking’, this oxidises the Hydroxide Sulfide into insoluble sulphur or sulphate.
Step 2 – Filter the Sulphur
The sulphur and sulphate particles can now be isolated from the water using the hot tub’s filtration media. Operate the system allowing the jets to circulate the water through the filters. Filters trap the particles and remove them from the water. Note the efficiency of the filtering process is dependant on the quality and condition of the filters.
Step 3 – Clean the Filter
Once the sulphur is captured in the filters you’ll need to remove these and thoroughly clean to ensure that the water is no longer contaminated. Check this hot tub filter cleaning guide for the necessary steps. Depending on the condition of the filter it may be more effective to replace as opposed to clean.
Step 4 – Disinfect the Water Heater
Now is a great time to disinfect the water heater. Reducing the bacteria around the heater will enable it to function efficiently and last longer. Disinfection is carried out through the addition of specialist chemicals. Always read the labels and follow the guidance information provided.
There you have it, the best way to stop your hot tub from smelling like rotten eggs. If you’re having trouble or would like professional help with curing your hot tub issue, contact us today.
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