You’re looking for a relaxing dip but right before step in you notice that the water’s cloudy. That totally ruins the mood and puts you off from your hot tub or swim spa. What gives, right? You don’t necessarily need to call a Sacramento hot tub dealer to come and fix it. Some of the causes of cloudy water are simple to fix, and a few simple precautions can keep your water crystal clear. to explain what causes cloudy water in a hot tub or swim spa. Some of the reasons for such an off-putting and possibly unsanitary event include:
Clogged Filters
How long has it been since you’ve last rinsed or replaced your filters? Clogged or worn out filters don’t trap contaminants as effectively, and they put a strain on spa pumps. This could be why the water has turned cloudy. To avoid clogged or worn out filters, you can:
- Rinse your filters every two to four weeks.
- Pre-rinse your filters and soak them overnight in non-foaming filter-cleaning compounds during every water-change (approximately every three to four months). Make sure to rinse the filters again and let them dry before reinstalling them.
- Change the filters annually or whenever significant wear or damage has occurred.
Excessive Contaminants
Was the water clear before you went in? Hair products, skin products, as well as actual hair and skin, and detergents, can all contribute to cloudy water. Here are some steps you can take to prevent clouding up the water.
- Rinse off any lotions, hair sprays, makeup, cosmetics and such before entering the hot tub or swim spa.
- Keep long hair out of the water as much as possible, or wear a swim cap in your swim spa.
- Rinse your swimwear after washing it and using detergent.
These simple steps should help keep your hot tub or swim spa water clear and help prolong the life of your filters as well!
Improper Sanitizer Levels
Sanitizers kill bacteria, so if there’s insufficient sanitizer in your spa, the bacteria could be having a pool party of their own! If the chemicals in the water are out of balance, the water also turns cloudy and it can take several days for them to clear. Use test strips to determine the water’s sanitizer level.
- Let the spa or tub circulate for a couple of minutes
- Follow the test strip’s directions for dipping and comparing results with the color chart
- Add the necessary amount of chemicals as indicated
Old Water
What if your filters are fine, there’s sufficient sanitizer and you’ve rinsed up, but the water is still cloudy? It’s probably old water with so much accumulated contaminants in it that no amount of sanitizer or filtration can remove. This is referred to as elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels. It happens when the water isn’t replaced for more than three to four months. If you want your water clean and clear, you’ll have to flush, drain and refill your hot tub or swim spa.
Still, if you don’t replace your filters, the new water can become cloudy. So, remember:
- Flush the old water and remove any residues and deposits from within the hot tub or swim spa’s plumbing system
- Check that the filters are fine; not clogged or worn out
Contact a Hot Tub Dealer in Fair Oaks
Those are some of the causes behind cloudy water in a hot tub or swim spa. Knowing these can help you keep your hot tub or swim spa’s water nice and clean. If these steps don’t work and you are worried your system might need repairs, contact Blue Lagoon Spas and Swim Spas today!
