How to fix cloudy hot tub water

How to Fix Cloudy Water in Hot Tubs and Spas

How to Fix Cloudy Water in Hot Tubs and Spas

Symptom:

Spa and hot tub water is cloudy. It's not discolored but lacks the clarity it should have.

Common Underlying Issues

Cloudy water may be caused by:

  • Water imbalance
  • Sanitizer levels being too low
  • Dirty filter
  • Insufficient water circulation
  • High calcium hardness levels
  • Too many organic contaminants

Steps to Diagnose and Treat Cloudy Water

1. Test pH and Alkalinity Levels

  • Use test strips to check pH and Alkalinity levels.
  • If water is unbalanced, focus on fixing Alkalinity levels first before adjusting pH.

2. Balance Alkalinity Levels

  • If Alkalinity is low: Use an Alkalinity Increaser.
  • If Alkalinity is high: Use a pH Decreaser (no direct Alkalinity Decreaser exists).

3. Balance pH Levels

  • If pH is low: Use a pH Booster.
  • If pH is high: Use a pH Decreaser.

4. Analyze and Balance Sanitizer Levels

  • Bromine tablets or granules: Maintain levels between 4 and 6 ppm.
  • Bromine in-line or floaters: Maintain levels between 1 and 2 ppm.
  • Free Available Chlorine (FAC): Maintain levels between 3 and 5 ppm.

5. Clean the Spa Filter

  • Clean spa filters monthly and replace them quarterly.
  • Soak the cartridge in AquaDoc's Spa Filter Cleaner for 30–60 minutes for optimal cleaning.

6. Ensure Adequate Water Circulation

Spa water should circulate for 4–6 hours daily. If your water is not circulating enough, increase circulation time to 6 hours daily for several days.

7. Check and Balance Calcium Levels

  • Test calcium hardness using a home test kit or consult a local spa retailer.
  • Use a Spa Calcium Increaser to adjust levels:
    • Chlorine & Bromine systems: 75–150 ppm
    • Saltwater systems: 25–75 ppm

8. Remove Organic Contaminants

  • Add 2 oz of AquaDoc's Water Clarifier per 250 gallons of water to bind microparticles for filter removal.
  • Add 1 oz of AquaDoc's Natural Enzyme per 250 gallons of water to eliminate oils and cosmetics.

Preventing Cloudy Water

Responsible Hot Tub Usage

  • Shower before using the hot tub.
  • Avoid wearing makeup, lotions, and oils.
  • Rinse bathing suits before use.
  • Cover the hot tub when not in use.
  • Avoid using bath bombs or additives.

Responsible Hot Tub Maintenance

  • Check and balance alkalinity and sanitizer levels regularly.
  • Circulate water 4–6 hours daily.
  • Balance calcium levels frequently.
  • Soak filters monthly in a spa cleaning solution.
  • Add 1 oz of Natural Enzyme per 250 gallons weekly.
  • Add 2 oz of Spa Clarifier per 250 gallons twice a week.

Summary of Cloudy Water Treatment Products

  • Test Strips: Diagnose alkalinity, pH, and calcium levels.
  • Alkalinity Increaser: Increase low alkalinity levels.
  • pH Increaser: Raise low pH levels.
  • pH Decreaser: Lower high pH and alkalinity levels.
  • Calcium Increaser: Raise calcium hardness levels.
  • Filter Cleaner: Clean filters monthly to extend their life.
  • Water Clarifier: Capture microparticles for filtration.
  • Natural Enzyme: Remove algae and organic contaminants.

Check out our Cloudy Water Kit to resolve cloudy water issues effectively and maintain crystal-clear spa water.