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Cloudy water is a common problem for hot tub owners. Still, because the experience isn't new, you don't want to take off your hot tub cover to find that the water is cloudy. You want to soak in water that feels and looks good. When the water in your hot tub becomes cloudy, it indicates a problem that needs to be resolved.
Here is what you can do to clear up cloudy hot tub water, from our over 15 years of expertise in hot tub maintenance:
One of the most common causes of cloudy, hot tub water is improper chemical levels. PH is essential in keeping your hot tub water clear and tested daily. The ideal range for pH is 7.2 to 7.8.
If your pH is too low, your water will be acidic and corrosive, damaging your hot tub equipment. If your pH is too high, your water will be alkaline, causing scale buildup in your hot tub.
You'll also need to test for total alkalinity and calcium hardness. Total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness should be between 150 and 250 ppm. If either of these levels is too high or too low, it can make hot tub water cloudy.
After you've adjusted the pH levels, it's a good idea to do a partial water change to remove the chemicals from the water. This will help keep your hot tub water clear and prevent cloudy water.
Bad water balance can occur when:
When your tub has the proper pH levels, the water is less likely to become cloudy. If the ideal concentrations change, you will need to adjust the pH.
To raise the pH level, you can add soda ash (sodium carbonate) to the water. To lower the pH level, add muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) or dry acid (sodium bisulfate).
Use a test kit to check the pH and alkalinity levels of your hot tub water. Test the water before you get in and adjust the levels as needed.
If you need to add a lot of chemicals to the water to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels, it's a good idea to do a partial water change. Drain some of the water from the tub and add fresh water.
If you've recently added a lot of chemicals to the water, don't neglect the hot tub filters. It's also a good idea to run the filter for 12 hours or more to help remove the chemicals from the water.
Low sanitizing chemical levels can cause cloudy water. The ideal chlorine level for a hot tub is 3 ppm, and the CDC recommends at least 4 ppm for bromine.
When sanitization levels drop below 1.0 ppm, foreign substances in the air can increase, and organic substances can grow without destruction. A sanitizer must kill particles causing cloudiness. To improve sanitization, use spa water alternatingly.
When you don't have enough chlorine or bromine to sanitize your spa water, bacteria, algae, sunscreen, and even fecal matter can linger in the water, causing a cloudy appearance.
After you test the water and detect low sanitizer levels, add chlorine or bromine tablets to the water to raise the chlorine or bromine levels. Perform a partial water change if a lot of chemicals are required. Don't forget to run the filter, as we have mentioned in the case of pH adjuster use.
If you've tried all the above and your hot tub water is still cloudy, you may need to call a professional. A professional can help you to identify the problem and find a solution.
Use test strips or a digital water tester to test the water. If pH and alkalinity are low, add products that can increase alkalinity by increasing pH or lowering it.
If your tub is new, the buildup of oils and minerals from the manufacturing process may cause water cloudiness. Check the acidity before adding any chemical shock or disinfectant in the solution. This prevents sanding or sanitization. Keep hot tub chemicals inside the hot bath, with the receptacle closed.
Some people are convinced that chlorine is harmful to their health, so they avoid going to spas. Other disinfectant products, such as ozonators and mineral cartridges, can be used as long as the water is pH-balanced.
O-Care offers a natural and effective solution for combating cloudy hot tub water. By utilizing high-quality mineral salts, O-Care not only clarifies the water. It also enhances its softness and reduces chemical odors without the harsh effects of traditional treatments.
This mineral-based approach prevents sediment buildup, ensuring your hot tub remains clean and clear. With O-Care, you benefit from a maintenance routine that's safer for your skin and the environment, while also extending the lifespan of your hot tub components.
Experience the clarity and comfort of O-Care and enjoy a healthier hot tub environment.
Your hot tub water chemicals can cause scaling or calcium hardness. To fix this, get a complete assessment of calcium hardness, acidity, and pH. Hard water quickly releases calcium, which can cloud the water at spas.
If calcium content exceeds 200 ppm, use a chemical balance to reduce the pH, calcium, and alkaline content of any bath or spa. The filtration system can help keep your bath water fresh.
If your testing results for total alkalinity are above 150 ppm, excess carbonate is absorbed from the solution. This is making the solution cloudy in the long run. High concentrations can cause you trouble controlling and maintaining the pH level.
Watch our video about Calcium buildup in your hot tub here.
If you've tested your pH and your alkalinity levels, and they're both in the excellent range, but you're still dealing with cloudy water, shocking your hot tub is the next step. This will kill any bacteria that may be causing your water to be muddy.
Add a shock treatment to your spa to shock your hot tub. Be sure to follow the directions on the product, as too much shock can damage your hot tub equipment. You'll also want to avoid using your hot tub for at least 24 hours after shocking it.
If irritating chloramines are present in the water, shocking with chlorine-free shock also converts them back to active chlorine. Sanitizing your water and removing the strong chemical smell that chloramines create.
Use 100g (4 capfuls) of Spa Shock once or twice a week, depending on your hot tub's use. This will eradicate contaminates and keep your water looking great.
Using a Non-Chlorine shock will oxidize these non-organic products and dump the particles on your filters. Clean your filter thoroughly with a filter-cleaning solution.
Use anti-foam products if you have foamy hot tub water. " No Foam" is a product that should be used sparingly. It is more of a quick fix for the symptoms of foaming and does not prevent future foaming.
Hot tub filter problems are a common cause of cloudy bathwater. A spa filter cartridge can be placed improperly, preventing water from bypassing a filter cartridge.
Keep a cartridge seated to allow the water to pass over sprayed spa filters. Spa filter cartridges are not durable, and every cleaning decreases their effectiveness. After a 15-minute cleaning, change the filter of your spa.
You need to change the filter at least once a year or more.
If you've shocked your hot tub and still have cloudy water, it's time to give it a good cleaning. Start by draining your hot tub and giving it a thorough rinse with a garden hose.
Clean the interior of your hot tub with a hot tub cleaner. Pay special attention to areas where oils or lotions may have built up, such as the headrests.
Your hot tub filter requires regular cleaning. A blocked filter means it isn't doing its job correctly. Make sure filters are rinsed regularly and periodically treated with a filter cleaner to remove oils and grease. New filters need to be fitted every 6 – 12 months.
Your spa water needs to go through filtration for at least one hour, twice a day. Whether you run it manually or program automatic filter cycles, be sure you're doing so often enough to clear contaminants so your sanitizer can work.
Remember, more hot tub use requires more filtering and more sanitizer.
Read more on hot to clean your hot tub filter here.
You'll need to refill the hot tub if you have saturated water.
We recommend changing your hot tub water every three months because of water saturation. It's essential to keep your hot tub water clean.
When cyanuric acid levels get too high, it can make the water cloudy and cause scaling or staining on the hot tub's surfaces.
To deal with high cyanuric acid levels, try to lower them by adding fresh water to the hot tub and then running the filter for a few hours. You can also use a commercial pool or spa product that is specifically designed to lower cyanuric acid levels.
If these don't work, try using a shock treatment to remove some of the cyanuric acids from the water.
Once you've adjusted your pH levels, you'll want to add a clarifier to the water. Clarifiers help remove any particles that may be causing the cloudiness. You can find clarifiers at the most pool and hot tub stores.
A clarifier is a temporary solution to cloudy water and should only be used when necessary. If you use a clarifier too often, it can lead to dirty water that is difficult to clear.
If you've tried all the above and your hot tub water is still cloudy, you may need to use a flocculant. A flocculant is a chemical that helps to remove small particles from the water.
Add the flocculant to the water and run the filter for 12 hours. This chemical will help remove the particles from the water, and the filter will help remove the chemicals from the water.
After using a flocculant, do a partial water change to remove the chemicals from the water.
To prevent and resolve cloudy hot tub water, regular hot tub maintenance using the right products is essential. By balancing chemical levels, cleaning filters, and conducting shock treatments as needed, you ensure your spa remains a safe and inviting retreat.
If you're looking for an effective, eco-friendly solution for maintaining pristine hot tub water, consider O-Care's range of natural spa care products. Our products simplify your maintenance routine while keeping the water soft and clear.
Find the nearest retailer by visiting our store locator on the O-Care website and take the first step towards a clearer, more enjoyable hot tub experience today!
There are several possible causes of cloudy water in a hot tub, including an improper pH level that makes the water shady and dull very quickly, too much or not enough sanitizer in the water, dirty filters, and dead algae. It's essential to test your hot tub water regularly with a quality test kit to ensure the pH and chlorine levels are balanced.
Cloudy water in your hot tub is not bad for you, but it can signify that the water isn't clean. Cloudiness can be caused by a buildup of dirt, oils, and other debris in the water. If you notice your hot tub water is starting to get cloudy, it's good to give it a good cleaning.
Hot tub filters often struggle to capture very small particles, allowing water to bypass the filtration system. Most filters target particles between 5 and 10 microns, but suspended materials like dirt and sand can remain. Additionally, many systems do not fully cycle water through the filters, compounding the issue. If your hot tub remains cloudy, consider checking for unwanted materials or replacing the filter.