Have you ever taken a dip in your hot tub and noticed the water’s cloudy appearance? Thankfully, there are some best practices to keep in mind that will resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Below, we will provide some easy solutions to get your hot tub water looking crystal clear again in no time. Here’s what you need to know!
What Causes Cloudy Hot Tub Water?
Each time you use your hot tub, dirt, dust, body oils, and cosmetic substances can be left behind in the water. When these contaminants mix with sanitizer chemicals, they can form microscopic particles that make the water cloudy. These particles are too small to be filtered out and need to be removed from the water to get it back to its original clarity.
If you want to clear up cloudy hot tub water, you first need to identify the cause. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
- There might be problems with the filter: If the filtration system is not working properly, dirt and debris can accumulate fast. This will cause the water to become cloudy and murky. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced your filter recently, clogging could be the issue.
- The pH levels are too high or too low: Most hot tubs operate best when their pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Scaling and cloudiness could occur when it gets out of balance.
- There might be residue build-up: Lotions, oils, sunblock, and deodorant leave behind residue that can make the water cloudy. This is because these substances are not water soluble and can’t be easily filtered out.
- There might not be enough time in between uses: If your hot tub is being used too often without enough time in between, the filter will not be able to keep up with the amount of contaminants.
Steps You Can Take to Fix Cloudy Water
After you figure out the cause of cloudy water, you can start the process of fixing it. Here are some steps you can take to get crystal-clear hot tub water again:
Clean or replace the filter
If you’re having problems with your hot tub filter, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Cleaning a filter can be done by running it through a garden hose and giving it a good scrub. For best results, you should replace the filter at least once a year.
Balance the pH levels
If the pH levels in your hot tub are too high or too low, it can cause scaling and cloudiness. You can purchase test strips or a testing kit to check the pH level and then use hot tub chemicals to bring it back into balance. To learn more about all the chemicals you need to have at home to keep your hot tub clean, you can reach out to a hot tub dealer near you.
Try shocking the water
If there’s a lot of residue build-up, shocking the water can help. This involves adding an oxidizer like chlorine or bromine to the hot tub which will kill any bacteria and quickly remove organic contaminants from the water.
Change the water altogether
If all else fails, the best option can be to drain the water and start fresh. It may take some time and effort, but this will ensure that you get clean and sparkling hot tub water again.
Avoid over-using the hot tub
Many people don’t realize that not giving enough time in between uses can cause problems. Hot tubs need at least a few minutes of rest each day to allow the filter and chemicals to do their jobs effectively.
Reduce the chance of cloudy water
There are a few things you can do to prevent cloudiness in the first place. Take care to rinse off before getting into the hot tub, keep a regular cleaning schedule, cover the hot tub when not in use and always check the pH levels.
Cloudy water can be a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and proper care, you can get the water in your hot tub back to its original clarity. Identifying the root cause of cloudiness is key, as each one may require different solutions. By following the steps outlined above, restoring the water’s sparkle in your hot tub can be a breeze!
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