4 Common Indoor Hot Tub Issues

woman sitting in a hot tub

If you decide to install an indoor hot tub, keep in mind there are a number of common problems associated with them. Perhaps the most serious is the implication that frequent use of an indoor hot tub can cause lung problems. This is due to bacteria cultures present in the moist room becoming very fine and airborne. While this is hardly a common problem, it should be considered from the onset so you can take the steps to prevent bacteria buildup. Most of the common problems have to do with the presence of excess water which can lead to molding and ventilation issues. An indoor hot tub gives you the most privacy, but watch out for these four frequently occurring issues.

1. Mold and Mildew

Where there is standing hot water, there will be mold and mildew. Chlorine and other chemicals are used in the hot tub itself to ensure that bacteria do not fester in the water, but that does not prevent live cultures from growing in the droplets and small puddles of water that tend to accumulate outside of the hot tub. Each time you step out of the hot tub you take a little bit of water with you. In an indoor hot tub room, the water does not simply evaporate. Even with proper ventilation, water still stands. The best thing to do is to frequently wipe up standing water. If this means every time you use the hot tub then so be it. Not to do so means you have bacteria-laden mold and mildew growing in no time.

2. Ventilation

assortment of wall and ceiling vents

Another common problem is the lack of proper ventilation for your indoor hot tub. A lot of steam rises from the hot tub, and if the indoor space does not adequately vent it, not only will the interior windows and walls moisten up quickly, but it will give rise to mold and mildew in areas high up in the room. Consult with a professional hot tub installation outfit for the exact number of vents needed. It will vary depending on the size and volume of the hot tub. A motorized fan might be necessary to complement several passive vents installed towards the ceiling level.

3. Slippery Floors

This common problem is directly related to moisture and the growth of mold and mildew, although the danger is different. Standing water on and around the hot tub is a slipping hazard. Indoor hot tubs are often surrounded with decorative tile or other flooring. In order to prevent accidents, the water on the floor around the tub needs to be soaked up often, preferably after every use. The last thing you want is to relax in the hot tub and then slip on the floor after you get out.

4. Insulation and Drywall

walls covered in greenboard

The room needs to be adequately vented, but the walls should be insulated as well so the room itself is not chilly. A fine balance must be struck between the two, insulating and ventilating. The insulation should be moisture resistant as should the drywall of any finished walls. Make sure you use Greenboard or other moisture-proof drywall. Otherwise it will rot out after a very short time.

Taking the necessary precautions, your indoor hot tub room will be well ventilated, have walls and insulation protected from moisture rot and not present any slippage or mold and mildew problems due to standing water.