Troubleshooting Your Spa Water Problems

Spa Water Isn’t Clear
Many times we get calls regarding water clarity problems. The following is a list of common problems you should check before calling for service since it is very rare that your spa is not functioning or filtering properly.

1. Your spa should be drained, cleaned, and refilled with fresh water at least every 4 months, sooner under heavy bather loads. We recommend changing your spa’s water more frequently versus continuing to add chemicals to cure a bad water condition.
2. Check to be sure your filter is clean. Be sure you are following the Filter Maintenance steps below. Commonly, the filter is not being cleaned properly or completely; be sure to soak the filter in Liquid Filter Cartridge Cleaner.
3. Add 2 ounces of Spa Clarifier and run the filter or jets for 2 hours. If your spa has an Air Venturi or blower, then turn it on. Spa Clarifier coagulates particles together that may be too small to be trapped by your filter. Scum will most likely form around the water line of your spa after several minutes. This indicates that the Spa Clarifier is doing its job. It is much easier to wipe the scum line off with a sponge shortly after if forms versus trying to get it off after it has set for several hours.
4. Your spa filter timer should be set to run a minimum of 2 hours twice daily for minimal bather use. For average use, set your filter timer for 4 hours twice daily. If you are experiencing water clarity problems, set your filter timer to run continuously for the next 24 hours.
5. Be sure your pH and sanitization levels are correct. See the Spa Water Maintenance steps below.
6. Shock your spa water with the proper oxidizer for your chemical system, which will help eliminate dull- or hazy-looking water in addition to reducing the “chlorine smell.” Shocking your spa’s water will oxidize the dissolved organic impurities and restore water clarity. Oxidation is a supplement to filtration. Filters remove the dirt and debris suspended in the water, but no filter can remove dissolved impurities that are not physically separate from the water.
7. When all else fails, drain and refill your spa.

Water Smells of Chlorine/Bromine

1. Test your water to be sure that the chlorine or bromine level is within the desired range using your test kit or test strips. If your chlorine/bromine is too high, then that is most likely the problem. The sanitization level will gradually disappear over time (shorter with chlorine).
2. If your sanitization level is within the desired range, then shock your spa’s water using with the proper oxidizer for your chemical system, which will help eliminate dull- or hazy-looking water in addition to reducing the “chlorine smell.” Shocking your spa’s water will oxidize the dissolved organic impurities and restore water clarity. Oxidation is a supplement to filtration. Filters remove the dirt and debris suspended in the water, but no filter can remove dissolved impurities that are not physically separate from the water.

After reading and following the above instructions, if you are still having problems with your spa’s water condition, please feel free to bring in a water sample and let our trained staff help.