Have you ever added a little clarifier into your hot tub to clear cloudy spa water, only to find that cloudiness returns almost immediately? That is because clarifier handles the immediate symptom, but you still need to remedy the underlying cause of the cloudy water.
Unbalanced water, too high a concentration of metals, sunscreen, and detergent, and even (we hate to say it) urine and faeces residue can be the root cause. Wait! Do not slap on the biohazard tape and call it a lost cause, yet. We can help! No matter what is causing cloudy spa water, you can correct the problem in just a few simple steps.
Check the Filter
Checking your filter should be your first step. If it is dirty or not seated properly, it will not be able to pick up small particles, and cloudy water will be inevitable. Remove the filter and give it a deep clean using AquaSPArkle Spa Instant Filter Cleaner. With each cleaning, a filter loses a bit of its filtering power, so if you have already cleaned it many times, it may be time for a new one which you can purchase a new replacement filter online at Penguin Spas. Also, remember this rule about hot tub filters: the more use, the more often the filter needs to be cleaned. Maybe you recently cleaned your filter, but if you have had a hot tub party or the hot tub has been used more frequently than normal, the filter will need a deep cleaning sooner.
Balance the Water
High alkalinity, high pH, and high calcium hardness are all likely causes of cloudy water. Test your water and adjust accordingly. Don’t forget we offer free professional water testing. If you need some advice to get your water balanced, make an appointment and we are happy to help!
Shock the Water
Leaves from surrounding trees that make it into your hot tub when the cover is off, sunscreen, makeup, and other contaminants can work a number on your water quality, but a good quality hot tub and spa shock will stop the spread of bacteria. Penguin Spas recommend using AquaSPArkle Hot Tub Non-Chlorine free shock granule which is available from our online store.
Clarify the Water
The tiniest particles of dirt, dust, and the like are small enough to pass right through the filter and remain in the water. A clarifier works like a magnet to pull the particles into a larger clump that will get caught in the filter. Now that you have checked, cleaned, and/or changed the filter, add a hot tub clarifier (AquaSPArkle - Spa Sparkle) which will make your hot tub look crystal clear.
Flush the Circulation System & Drain the hot tub
If none of the above works, your best bet is to flush the circulation system and drain the hot tub. Before you drain your hot tub, add Aquasparkle Hot Tub Flush to the water and let it circulate. Leave the treated hot tub for a minimum of 12 hours (i.e. overnight) prior to draining down and replacing hot tub water.
Be Proactive
The easiest step you can take to remedy cloudy spa water is to prevent it in the first place!
Do not forget these fundamentals:
Do not leave your spa uncovered. Falling leaves, insects, and other debris that land in your hot tub will begin to break down and alter your water chemistry quickly. Meaning, you will be spending more time and money maintaining it.
Use a hose filter. If your hot water seems cloudy almost from the start, it could be that the issue is not with your hot tub, but with the water itself. Add a filter to your garden hose to catch contaminants before they ever enter your hot tub.
Ask users to shower before entering. While lotions, creams, and sunscreens are good and necessary for us, the truth is all the products we slather ourselves with, as well as the contaminants we pick up throughout the day, are terrible for our water. If you hop into your hot tub without showering first, perfumes, detergents, lotions, and everything else you have encountered that day is washed into the water and then your hot tub starts working hard to clear it out. Save your hot tub the trouble (and prolong the life of your water chemicals and filter) by making sure everyone who enters the hot tub takes a quick shower first.
How to get rid of cloudy water is one of our most asked hot tub maintenance questions. You are bound to encounter it at some point, but when you do, do not let that murky water intimidate you. Simply follow these 6 steps and you will be relaxing in crystal clear water again in no time!
No time to deal with the issue yourself. Have a look at our hot tub cleaning services here and we will get you back into your hot tub quickly and safely.
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