Most sanitation and filtration systems do a fantastic job of maintaining water quality. But even with the best equipment, occasionally you may have to address water clarity. Here’s a cheat sheet of what to do when your water looks less than clear.
Clear Green Water
- High copper or iron content: Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
Cloudy Water
- Lack of sanitizer: Shock-treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.
- Chemical solids dissolved in water: Use a clarifying agent to help remove build-up of particles.
- Imbalance of pH or total alkalinity levels: Test levels and adjust as needed using appropriate solutions.
- Hard water: Use weekly treatment and drain/replace some water.
- Dirty filter: Clean and/or replace filter.
Cloudy Green Water
- Low alkalinity level: Use an agent that will raise the alkaline level in your spa.
- Low sanitizer level: Shock-treat, then check and adjust sanitizer levels.
Brown Water
- High iron or manganese content: Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
Scale Deposits
- High mineral content: Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
- Imbalanced water: Test water balance and make adjustments.
Waterline Deposits
- Natural buildup of oils and dirt from bathers: Clean spa surfaces with a cleaning solution and use a scum reducing agent. Consider the use of a spa pipe purging agent as well.
Odor
- Large amounts of organic contaminants: Shock treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.
Foaming
- Natural buildup of oils and dirt from bathers: Add a solution that will lower foam levels, then shock-treat. Consider a spa pipe purge.
- Soft water: Test the calcium level and add a calcium-enhancing product to the spa.
- Excessive dissolved solids: Drain hot tub and fill with fresh water.
Eye/Skin Irritants
- Chloramines or large amounts of organic contaminants: Shock-treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.
- Imbalance of pH or total alkalinity levels: Test levels and adjust as needed using appropriate solutions.