Hot Tub Water Care - Hot Tub Water Maintenance

Although hot tubs take a lot of maintenance and upkeep, they are well worth the effort in the long run. However, there may come a time when the water in your spa or Jacuzzi is not looking quite as clear and sparkling as it used to.

This may come as a surprise especially if you have followed the manufacturers instructions and done all of the routine maintenance on a regular basis. If you feel that your hot tub is not quite what it used to be, you may need look at some other problems which can come about over time.

Cloudy Hot Tub Water

• Dirty or Clogged Filter - Clean the filter to remove any built up dirt or debris.
• Build up of Total Dissolved Solids or TDS - If this is the problem, it is advisable to completely drain the hot tub and refill it.
• Incorrect pH Level - If the pH is not at the correct level, use some pH solution to bring it back to the recommended level.
• High Calcium Level - Best cure for this problem is drain about half of the hot tub water and then refill it with clean water.
• Dissolved solids matter in the water - Add some clarifier solution to the water.
• High Bacteria Level - It is very important that hot tub water is well sanitized. If the bacteria levels are higher than they should be, you need to add some further sanitizer to the water.

Discolored Hot Tub Water

Hot tub water that starts to get a discolored or dingy look may be indicative of one of several problems.

• High Mineral Level - If the mineral count is too high, you will need to add a stain and scale preventative.
• Alkaline levels too High or too Low - Test the alkaline level and add pH solution or Alkalinity Up to the hot tub water to clarify it. If the water has gone a yellowish color, this normally indicates a low pH level, in which case pH or Alkalinity Up should be added.
• Sanitizer level too low - If the water has taken on a green color, this normally indicates algae growth. To prevent this growth add additional sanitizer to the water.

Excessive Hot Tub Water Foaming

Excessive foaming can happen for several reasons.

• Water is very soft
• Water is contaminated
• Water has a high Total Dissolved Solids or TDS level

Foaming can be cured by adding a stain and scale preventative, pH or Alkalinity Up and/or sanitizers to the hot tub water.

Ring or tide mark around the Hot Tub

• Filtration problems - This is the most common reason and the cure is to check and clean the filters thoroughly.
• High oil levels in the water - To clear up the ring and neutralize oils in the water, add a chemical cleanser such as Natural and Clear or Scum Bug.

Skin Irritations after Hot Tub session

• Sanitizer level too Low - Test the level of sanitizer and if necessary, add some more. If your skin is sensitive to sanitizer you should always wait at least twenty minutes before getting into the hot tub.
• Staying in the hot tub too long or soaking in the hot tub at temperatures that are too high - Check the manufacturers guidelines, your hot tub dealer or even a doctor for the recommended duration of use and temperature.

White scaly deposits indicate a low sanitizer level in the water and can be improved by adding some more.

When handling spa chemicals and cleaning filters, always wear the proper protective gear and do wait the recommended time after the addition of chemical or cleansers. This will enable them to do their job properly and also prevent any skin irritations.

Now that you have brought your Hot Tub waters back to their original clear and sparkling glory, it is time for you to enjoy the benefits of your labors.