My hot tub is cloudy! Find solutions here.
A cloudy hot-tub could really ruin a beautiful day. It's a common issue that many owners know well. Where does it come from? And how do you get rid of it? Today, we go over what you need to know about gray and hazy water in your hot tub.
What are the causes?
Algae and debris
The warm water in your hot-tub is a breeding ground for algae. Debris and contaminants like dead leaves and insects could also cause green algae growth.
Plus, debris could clog your circulation system and prevent it from working correctly. And when this happens, you could end up with cloudy spa water.
Heavy use
The more you use your spa, the higher the chance it will turn hazy. Indeed, body oils, sunscreen, and hair products dissolve and contaminate your water.
Imbalanced pool chemistry
Sometimes your water's chemistry gets thrown off balance—it happens to the best of us. And one of the critical signs of imbalanced chemistry is clouding.
However, not all issues with water chemistry cause cloudy water. So what should you check for:
- High pH: Spa water with a pH higher than 7.6 could cause cloudiness;
- High alkalinity: Your water should have alkalinity no higher than 150 ppm;
- High calcium hardness: Your spa's calcium hardness should be between 175 to 250 ppm. If your levels get too high, you'll notice cloudy water.
Treatments
If you’ve got hazy water in your hot tub, don’t panic. You can correct the problem by following the steps listed below.
Check your filter(s)
This should be your first step when addressing your water's quality issues. You can't achieve clear water if your filter can't pick up debris and contaminants. To ensure your filters are doing their job, rinse them and soak them in a filter cleaner at least once a month. And fit a new filter every 6 to 12 months.
Shock your hot-tub water
If the mineral build-up is responsible for your cloudy spa, you may need to shock it. With a non-chlorine powder shock, you can clear your water without having to increase your sanitizer level too much. We generally recommend using bromine in the spa because it is more effective than chlorine in high-temperature water (more info). Be careful if you are transitioning from chlorine to bromine treatments as there are risks involved.
Balance your water chemistry
Your second call is to check your water's chemistry levels. Also, ensure that your spa's sanitizer levels are not too high or too low. Too little sanitizer won't disinfect your spa, and too much could cause cloudiness.
Empty your hot-tub (last resort)
If all else fails, you may need to drain your spa. After you empty it, clean it, and refill it with fresh water.
Get clear spa water with iopool
Cloudy water is common issue spa owners face. But the good news is that it's a simple fix—especially if you have the right supplies. The even better news? We provide everything you need to maintain a clear hot tub or pool.
