Owning a hot tub is a relaxing luxury, but maintaining clean, clear water can sometimes feel like a science experiment. If your spa water looks or feels off, don’t worry! Here are five of the most common hot tub water problems and simple solutions to get your spa back to sparkling perfection.
1. Cloudy Water
Cloudy spa water is one of the most common issues, but the good news is it’s usually easy to fix. Causes often include body oils, lotions, calcium buildup, or unbalanced water chemistry.
How to fix it:
- Rebalance your water chemistry.
- Shock the spa with a sanitiser.
- Use a hot tub water clarifier.
- If all else fails, drain, clean, and refill the tub.
Pro Tip: Following all these steps in sequence usually clears up cloudy water quickly.
2. Green-Tinted Water
A green tint in your spa is often caused by algae growth or high levels of metals like copper or iron.
How to fix it:
- Test and balance your water chemistry.
- Shock the spa to kill algae.
- Use an algaecide or metal sequestrant as needed.
- For persistent issues, a full drain, clean, and refill may be necessary.
Remember: Consistent water maintenance prevents green water before it starts.
3. Biofilm Build-Up
Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria and other microorganisms that forms on your spa surfaces and in the plumbing. It can reduce sanitiser effectiveness and lead to cloudy, discoloured, or foul-smelling water.
How to fix it:
- Clean spa surfaces thoroughly.
- Flush plumbing lines with a specialised cleaner like Spa Flush.
- Shock the water.
- Maintain proper sanitiser levels to prevent future buildup.
Regular maintenance is your best defence against biofilm.
4. Foamy Water
Foam in your hot tub often comes from soaps, body oils, lotions, or detergents entering the water. Organic material buildup or unbalanced water chemistry can also cause it.
How to fix it:
- Adjust water chemistry.
- Use a defoamer if needed like Foam Away.
- Clean or replace filters.
- Encourage all users to shower before entering the spa.
Prevention is easier than removal—keeping water balanced and clean helps avoid foam altogether.
5. Scaly Water
Scale appears as white, chalky deposits on your hot tub surfaces, heater, or plumbing. It’s usually caused by high calcium or mineral levels, high water temperature, or pH imbalance.
How to fix it:
- Balance the water chemistry.
- Use a descaler if necessary, like Scale Away.
- Scrub visible deposits.
- For severe buildup, draining and cleaning the spa may be required.
Tip: Regular water testing and maintenance can prevent scale from forming and protect your hot tub equipment.
Keeping your hot tub water clear, clean, and safe doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular maintenance and quick action when issues arise, your spa will stay inviting and relaxing all year long.