Imagine stepping into a hot tub, expecting a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, only to find cloudy, milky, foamy, or even green water! Not quite the serene setting you had in mind, right?
Hot tub water can sometimes take on these undesirable characteristics, leaving you puzzled and wondering what went wrong. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind cloudy, milky, foamy, and green hot tub water and provide you with effective strategies to clear it up.
Cloudy Water
Imbalanced pH and Alkalinity Levels
When it comes to hot tub water, maintaining the proper pH and alkalinity levels is crucial for water clarity. In the event that the pH and alkalinity levels are off-balance, it can lead to cloudiness in the water. High pH levels can cause minerals to precipitate, forming visible particles that cloud the water. On the other hand, low alkalinity affects the water’s ability to resist pH fluctuations, making it more prone to cloudiness.
To address this issue and clear cloudy water, it is essential to test the water regularly using test strips or a testing kit. If the pH level is too high, use a pH decreaser/reducer to adjust the levels. Similarly, if the alkalinity level is low, it can be raised using an alkalinity increaser. Adjusting the pH and alkalinity levels within the recommended range will help restore clarity to the water.
Insufficient Filtration and Circulation
Proper filtration and circulation play a vital role in maintaining clear hot tub water. When filtration and circulation are inadequate, dirt, debris, and organic matter can accumulate in the water, leading to cloudiness. The filtration system helps remove impurities, while circulation ensures that the water is evenly distributed and properly filtered.
To clear cloudy water caused by insufficient filtration and circulation, it is important to regularly clean and maintain the hot tub’s filter. It is also recommended to run the filtration system for an adequate duration each day to ensure thorough water circulation and filtration.
Milky Water
Presence of Air Bubbles
One common cause of milky water is the presence of air bubbles. When air becomes trapped in the water, it can create a milky appearance. This is often observed after refilling the hot tub or due to inadequate water circulation. When the hot tub is refilled, air can enter the plumbing system, and as the water circulates, these trapped air bubbles mix with the water, giving it a milky or cloudy appearance.
To clear milky water caused by trapped air bubbles, it is recommended to run the jets at full power for an extended period. This vigorous jet action helps to agitate the water and release any trapped air bubbles. Allowing the hot tub to run with the jets on gives the air bubbles a chance to rise to the surface and escape, ultimately restoring clarity to the water.
Green Water
Insufficient Sanitisation
One of the leading causes of green water in a hot tub is insufficient sanitisation. When the sanitiser levels are not adequately maintained, it creates an environment where algae can thrive and multiply. Sanitisers, such as chlorine or bromine, kill bacteria whilst preventing the growth of algae and other microorganisms.
To address green water caused by insufficient sanitisation, it is important to test your water regularly. When sanitiser levels are low, they can be increased by adding the appropriate amount of sanitiser to the hot tub. Additionally, shocking the water with a a shock treatment will also kill the algae and are available in both chlorine and bromine form.
Poor Water Circulation
Another factor that can contribute to green water is poor water circulation. Inadequate circulation creates stagnant areas within the hot tub where algae can flourish, due to nutrients and debris settling in stagnant areas, providing an ideal environment for algae growth.
To clear green water caused by poor circulation, it is crucial to ensure proper water flow throughout the hot tub. Check that all jets and outlets are functioning correctly and adjust them if necessary to improve circulation. Running the jets at full power and redirecting their direction can help break up stagnant areas and distribute water evenly.
It is also worth noting that the cleanliness and age of your filters can heavily impact your water circulation. As a rule of thumb, remove and rinse your filters, deep clean them every quarter and replace them annually.
How Can We Help?
Maintaining clear and clean hot tub water requires diligence and regular maintenance. By understanding the causes behind cloudy/foamy or green water, you can take steps to prevent and treat the issue these issues. Remember to test and balance the water chemistry regularly, clean the filters, and ensure proper water circulation to enjoy a pristine and inviting hot tub experience.
