Hot Tub Troubleshooting

Cloudy or Murky Water

Contaminates

If you find that the spa water is cloudy and smelly, it can often be due to various reasons, each with a different solution.

If you suspect the water is murky due to too many contaminates, try shocking with Granular Dichlor and adding Sea Klear clarifying agent.

Blocked spa filters can cause cloudy water

Sometimes a blocked or worn out filter can be the cause of cloudy water. In this case, cit is best to clean or replace the spa filter cartridge. If you have 'out of balance' water, you will need to test and adjust the pH level. By encouraging children to use the restroom and shower before entering the hot tub, you can prevent cloudy water caused by urine interaction with water chemicals. And if the water has a low sanitizer level, you have to check and adjust the sanitizer level.

Excessive foaming in the water indicates high contaminates and soap residues. You will have to add a defoamer and scum digester like Scum Buster or scum absorber like Zorbo to remedy this.

If the water turns milky white because of small bubbles and the jets are running, it usually indicates a buildup in the spa plumbing system, which can be rectified by using Spa System Flush before each draining.

Sometimes low calcium water hardness is the cause; in this case, you need to add Hardness Increasor to the water. And if out of balance water is the cause, you will have to test and adjust pH level and clean or replace the filter cartridge.

Foul spa water can lead to skin rashes

If you experience skin irritation, rashes, strong fumes or burning of the eyes while in the hot tub, this could very well indicate a condition called hot tub folliculitis is present. The cause for this condition could be an incorrect sanitizer level, which can be rectified by testing and adjusting the spa sanitizer level. If excessive chloramines are the cause, you have to superchlorinate using Granular Dichlor so that chloramines are eliminated.

Test and adjust the pH level if out of balance water is the cause. The buildup up of gases in spa covers can be treated by opening the spa cover and running the jets at full speed to allow the spa to aerate for a few minutes before use. Sometimes overdose of non-stick shock is the cause; in this case, it is best to check the non-chlorine shock level using MPS Test Strips.

Use scum digesters to remove scum and oil films

The scum, oil films and tub ring that form on the spa can be due to body oils, lotion residues and cosmetics. This can be treated using Scum Buster scum digester or ZorbO oil scum absorber. If a clogged or worn out filter is the reason, you have to clean or replace the filter cartridge and use CleanAll non-foaming all-surface cleaner to clean the water line.

The formation of algae in the hot tub can be due to low sanitizer levels, which can be treated using Spa Algaecide and by shock-treating the water using OxySpa. If excessive contaminates is the cause, then you have to use an ozonator and test and adjust the sanitizer level.

Many people find the water in their tub discolored, where the water may turn brown, green, blue or even black. There are numerous causes for this such as excessive mineral content, which can be rectified by adding Stain, Scale, Metal control and by testing and adjusting the pH level.

Change water frequently as part of regular maintenance

If metal parts of hot tub equipment start eroding, you should run your filter to remove material. Settled material can be removed from the spa bottom using Shake-a-Vac. Low sanitizer levels, excessive contaminates and mold formation on the underside of the spa cover may lead to a foul, musty and sour odor.

All this can be treated by testing and adjusting the sanitizer level, shock treating water using OxySpa, cleaning the inside of the spa cover and application of 303 Protectant, use of an Ozonator and of course, changing the water and using Spa System Flush before draining.

Excessive usage of the spa can lead to fluctuating pH levels

If there is excessive fluctuation of pH levels in the spa water, it may be due to improper total alkalinity levels and excessive usage. This can be treated by testing and adjusting total alkaline of the water and adding pH Proper pH holding agents so that lock-in pH is held in place.

The mineral content of the water may lead to stains and scales on the spa surface. Treat this with a surface stain remover like GLB and use Stain, Scale, Metal Control to prevent anymore problems. The sunlight and use of products with silicone oil can lead to fading and cracking of the spa cover. Rectify this using a spa cover protectant like 303 Protectant that is effective in increasing the life of the cover.

Scratches you find on the spa shell may be due to abrasion from dirt and girt. Treat this with a scratch removal kit like Novus. Normal wear and tear and the sun may lead to fading or dulling of the shell surface. Prevent this by cleaning all surfaces using Clean All non-foaming spray cleaner and adding Gell Gloss polish to both seal and restore the luster to the hot tubs and spas.