The 5 Best Hot Tub Scum Absorbers of 2025 (The Ultimate Scum Busters)

You’ve perfected your hot tub setup. The water is balanced, the temperature is just right, and you’re ready to relax. But then you see it: that ugly, greasy ring around the waterline. Or maybe it’s a layer of foam that just won’t go away. This is the dreaded hot tub scum, and it’s the bane of every spa owner’s existence. Caused by a combination of body oils, lotions, cosmetics, and other contaminants, scum doesn’t just look gross; it can clog your filters, throw off your water chemistry, and make your relaxing oasis feel… well, dirty.

The good news is that there’s an incredibly simple, passive, and affordable solution: a hot tub scum absorber. These unassuming little sponges and floaters are specifically designed to be oleophilic—meaning they love and absorb oils—effectively pulling that nasty gunk out of your water before it can cause problems. But which ones actually work, and which are just novelty toys? We dove in, conducted our own oily tests, and evaluated the top scum absorbers on the market to bring you the definitive guide. Stop scrubbing and start soaking—let’s find your perfect scum buster.

What Exactly IS Hot Tub Scum (And Why You Should Hate It)

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s critical to understand the enemy. Hot tub scum is a complex biofilm, but it’s primarily composed of:

• Body Oils & Sweat: The number one contributor. Every person who enters the tub leaves behind natural oils.
• Personal Care Products: Sunscreen, moisturizers, lotions, deodorants, makeup, and hair products all wash off in the hot water.
• Dead Skin Cells: It’s a natural process, and the hot water accelerates it.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Over time, minerals and chemical byproducts build up in the water, contributing to the problem.

This oily mixture floats to the surface and is attracted to the vinyl or acrylic walls of your spa, forming that notorious “bathtub ring.” It also gets sucked into your filtration system, where it can quickly clog the fine pores of your filter cartridge, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. A good scum absorber is your first line of defense in your overall inflatable hot tub maintenance routine.

How We Tested: The “Salad Dressing” Test

To go beyond simple observation, we created a controlled test to measure the absorption power of each product. For each test, we used a large bucket of hot water treated with a standard dose of chlorine to simulate a spa environment. We then created a “scum cocktail” using 1 tablespoon of olive oil (to simulate body oils) and 1 teaspoon of a common skin lotion. We vigorously mixed this into the water, creating a greasy, cloudy mess.

Our Evaluation Criteria:

• Absorption Speed & Efficiency (50% of score): We placed a fresh scum absorber in the bucket and timed how long it took for the oily sheen on the water’s surface to disappear. We then visually inspected the clarity of the water after one hour.
• Durability (30% of score): After the initial test, each absorber was left in a chemically treated hot tub for one week. We checked for any signs of degradation, fraying, or disintegration. A scum absorber is useless if it just adds more debris to your tub.
• Capacity & Longevity (20% of score): We evaluated how saturated the absorber was after the test and its overall size and material density to project its long-term performance. For reusable models, we tested how well they cleaned up for a second round.

This hands-on, objective approach allowed us to see which products were truly effective at their job, helping us separate the super-soakers from the simple floaters.

The 5 Best Hot Tub Scum Absorbers of 2025

1. Zorbie Hot Tub Water Bobble

   🏆 Best Overall

   The Zorbie Water Bobble doesn’t look like a typical sponge, and it doesn’t perform like one either. This unassuming floating disc was, by a significant margin, the most powerful and effective scum absorber we tested. It’s our decisive pick for “Best Overall” because it excels at the one thing that matters most: pulling an incredible amount of gunk out of your water and keeping it locked away.

   In our “Salad Dressing Test,” the Zorbie was the clear winner. The oily sheen on the water’s surface was visibly gone in under 15 minutes, far faster than any other product. After an hour, the water was noticeably clearer. The secret is its proprietary absorbent material, which feels dense and substantial. It can reportedly absorb up to 20 times its own weight in oils and lotions. While we couldn’t verify that exact number, its performance speaks for itself. It’s designed to last for 30-90 days depending on your bather load, and a small floating “bobble” on top gradually sinks as the Zorbie becomes saturated, giving you a clear visual indicator that it’s time for a replacement. It’s more expensive than a simple sponge, but its immense capacity and longevity make it a fantastic investment for anyone serious about pristine water, especially in a heavily used 4-person inflatable hot tub.

   

   Zorbie Hot Tub Water Bobble

   A high-capacity, long-lasting scum absorber that outperforms the competition. The visual “time to replace” indicator is a brilliant feature.

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   Pros

   • Massive absorption capacity
   • Works quickly to clear surface oils
   • Lasts significantly longer than sponges
   • Built-in saturation indicator
   • Durable and doesn’t fall apart

   Cons

   • Higher upfront cost than other options
   • Not reusable

2. HOICATED Spa Sponges

   ♻️ Best Reusable Option

   For the eco-conscious and budget-savvy hot tub owner, a reusable sponge is an ideal choice. The HOICATED Spa Sponges are our top pick in this category due to their excellent durability and cleaning performance. These dense, turtle-shaped sponges are made from a high-quality material that is specifically designed to be washed and reused multiple times, offering fantastic long-term value.

   In our tests, the HOICATED performed admirably, absorbing the oil slick effectively, albeit a bit slower than the Zorbie. Its real strength became apparent after the test. We simply washed the saturated sponge with a mild dish soap and warm water, squeezed it out, and let it dry. It returned to its original shape and texture, ready for another round. The material is far more robust than the cheap, disposable sponges, and it showed no signs of wear after a full week in our test spa. While the cute turtle shape is a fun novelty, the underlying product is a serious workhorse. If you don’t mind the extra step of occasionally washing your sponge, this 2-pack can last you an entire season, making it a smart and sustainable choice.

   

   HOICATED Reusable Spa Sponges (2-Pack)

   These durable, washable sponges are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep your spa free of scum. A great performer that’s built to last.

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   Pros

   • Washable and reusable for great value
   • Durable material that doesn’t fall apart
   • Good absorption performance
   • Fun shape adds a bit of character

   Cons

   • Requires periodic cleaning
   • Lower single-use capacity than the Zorbie

3. Hot Tub Things Oil Absorbing Sponges

   📦 Best Value Pack

   If you prefer a simple, disposable “toss and forget” solution, buying in bulk is the most economical way to go. This 20-pack of Oil Absorbing Sponges from Hot Tub Things offers an unbeatable combination of quantity, quality, and price. These are your everyday workhorses, perfect for keeping your water clean without requiring any maintenance or a large upfront investment.

   These flower-shaped sponges performed exactly as expected in our tests. They are made from a standard, effective oil-absorbing foam that reliably soaked up the scum in our test bucket. While a single sponge doesn’t have the massive capacity of the Zorbie, they work very well, and the strategy here is to replace them more frequently—typically every 1-2 weeks. With a 20-pack, you’re potentially set for an entire year of clean water for less than the cost of two Zorbies. They held up well in our one-week durability test, showing no signs of disintegrating. For the vast majority of hot tub owners, especially those with smaller tubs like the Bestway SaluSpa Miami, this bulk pack is the most practical and cost-effective solution for long-term scum control.

   

   Hot Tub Things Oil Absorbing Sponges (20-Pack)

   A massive pack of effective, disposable sponges that provides a year’s supply of scum-fighting power for an incredibly low price.

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   Pros

   • Incredible value with 20 sponges per pack
   • Effective and reliable performance
   • Completely disposable—no cleaning required
   • Durable enough to not fall apart in the spa

   Cons

   • Lower individual capacity, requires more frequent changes
   • Creates more waste than reusable options

4. Scumbug Oil Absorbing Sponge

   ⭐ The Original & Most Trusted

   The Scumbug is the OG of the scum absorbing world. It’s one of the first and most recognizable brands, and it has built a loyal following for a reason: it works, and it’s reliable. This little bug-shaped sponge has been keeping hot tubs and pools clean for years, and its classic design and effective material continue to make it a top contender.

   The Scumbug’s performance in our test was solid and dependable. It absorbed the oil and lotion efficiently, leaving the water surface clean. The material is dense and can absorb a significant amount of oil before it needs to be replaced. It’s known for its longevity, with many users reporting a single Scumbug lasting for a full month or more in their spa. While it’s a disposable product, you can extend its life by flipping it over when one side becomes saturated. It’s a slightly more expensive option than the bulk packs, but you’re paying for a trusted brand name and a product with a long history of proven performance. If you want a product you know you can count on, the Scumbug is a fantastic and reliable choice.

   

   Scumbug Oil Absorbing Sponge

   The original and most trusted name in scum absorption. The Scumbug offers proven, reliable performance and excellent longevity.

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   Pros

   • Trusted brand with a long history of success
   • Excellent absorption capacity
   • Very durable and long-lasting
   • Can be flipped to extend its life

   Cons

   • Higher price per unit than bulk options
   • Some may not like the “bug” design

5. MAQIHAN Hot Tub Sponge

   👾 Best for Heavy Use & Parties

   Do you frequently have guests over for a soak? Or perhaps you’re a family that uses your hot tub almost every night? A high bather load means a high scum load, and you need an absorber that can keep up. The Flow-Monstro is designed for exactly this scenario. It’s a significantly larger and denser sponge than most of the other disposable options, giving it a higher capacity to handle heavy-duty scum-fighting.

   In our tests, the MAQIHAN’s large surface area allowed it to clear the oil from the water very quickly. When we cut it open after the test, we could see that the oil had penetrated deep into the foam, indicating a large total capacity. This is the kind of sponge you want to throw in right after you’ve had a party or a lot of people in the tub. The adorable monster design is a fun bonus that kids will love. While it might be overkill for a single person using their tub occasionally, it’s the perfect choice for busy spas that see a lot of traffic. It’s a great tool to have on hand to quickly clean up the water after a big soak, and helps ensure you don’t run into issues that require Intex PureSpa troubleshooting down the line.

   

   MAQIHAN Hot Tub Sponge

   With its larger size and high-density foam, the MAQIHAN is built to tackle heavy scum loads, making it perfect for parties and frequently used spas.

   Check Price on Amazon

   Pros

   • Larger size for higher capacity
   • Ideal for heavy bather loads and parties
   • Absorbs oils quickly
   • Fun, family-friendly design

   Cons

   • Priced higher than standard disposable sponges
   • May be oversized for small spas

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Scum Absorber

All these products absorb oil, but the right one for you depends on your budget, usage habits, and maintenance preferences.

1. Disposable vs. Reusable

This is the first major decision.

• Disposable Absorbers (like Zorbie, Scumbug, Hot Tub Things): This is the most popular category. Pros: Zero maintenance; when it’s saturated, you just throw it away and add a new one. They are highly effective. Cons: Creates more waste, ongoing cost over the life of your spa.
• Reusable Sponges (like HOICATED): An eco-friendly and economical choice. Pros: Buy it once and use it for a whole season or longer. Reduces waste. Cons: Requires you to periodically wash it with soap and water, which some may find unpleasant.

2. Consider Your Bather Load

How you use your tub is a huge factor.

• Low Usage (A couple using it a few times a week): A standard disposable sponge from a bulk pack or a single reusable sponge will be perfectly adequate.
• High Usage (A family using it daily, frequent guests): You will be much better off with a high-capacity option like the Zorbie Water Bobble or a larger sponge like the Flow-Monstro. These will prevent you from having to change out a smaller sponge every few days. This is especially true if you have one of the best inflatable hot tubs, as their filtration systems can be less robust.

3. Material and Shape: Does it Matter?

While the cute shapes (turtles, flowers, monsters) are mostly for fun, they can have a minor effect. Shapes with more edges and surface area can sometimes begin absorbing slightly faster. However, the most important factor is the **quality of the material inside**. Look for dense, absorbent foam or fiber. All the products on this list use high-quality, oleophilic (oil-attracting) materials that are proven to work.

4. How to Use a Scum Absorber for Maximum Effect

Using a scum absorber is incredibly simple, but a few tips can boost its performance:

• Let it Float Free: The best place for an absorber is free-floating in the main body of the tub. This allows it to circulate and find the oils.
• Avoid the Filter Area: While some people put them in the filter bay or skimmer, this can restrict water flow and limit the absorber’s contact with the surface oils where scum congregates. Let it roam!
• Squeeze It (Gently): When you first get a sponge, you can give it a gentle squeeze underwater to help it get saturated with water, which can kickstart the absorption process.
• Flip and Rotate: For sponges and the Scumbug, flip them over every few days to expose a fresh surface to the water, extending their useful life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Final Verdict: The Easiest Way to Cleaner Water

A scum absorber is a small, inexpensive tool that delivers huge results. It is one of the most effective, passive maintenance items you can buy for your hot tub. By constantly working in the background to pull oils and lotions from your water, it protects your filter, keeps your shell clean, and makes your water more pleasant to be in. It’s an absolute must-have for every spa owner.

After our rigorous testing, the Zorbie Hot Tub Water Bobble emerged as the clear winner for overall performance, offering massive capacity and a long life. For those who prefer a sustainable and economical option, the reusable HOLICATED Spa Sponges are a fantastic choice. And for a simple, set-and-forget solution, the bulk pack of Hot Tub Things Sponges provides unbeatable value.

Stop wasting your precious relaxation time scrubbing scum lines. Toss one of these hard-working absorbers into your spa and let it do the dirty work for you. Your filter—and your free time—will thank you.