Cloudy water is a common problem for hot tub owners. But just because the experience isn’t new, you don’t want to take off your hot tub cover to find that the water is cloudy. You want to be able to soak safely in water that feels and looks good.
The water should clear enough so that you can see the bottom of the hot tub. It’s not just for aesthetic purposes. When your hot tub water is cloudy, it’s a sign that there’s an issue that needs fixed.
It’s important to know why your hot tub water is cloudy and how to fix it. More importantly, you want to know how to prevent cloudy hot tub water so your spa is ready when you are.
Causes of cloudy hot tub water
When it comes to cloudy water, it’s likely one of a few culprits — high pH, high alkalinity, and low sanitizer. Dirty filters, body care products, and old water can also be responsible for cloudy water.
Alkalinity and pH
Alkalinity refers to the substances in your hot tub water, such as hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates, that help maintain water stability. When alkalinity is at the correct levels, it prevents cloudy water and inhibits bacteria growth. For balanced water, the total alkalinity should fall between 80 – 150 parts per million (ppm).
A stable, neutral pH is essential for maintaining healthy hot tub water. If the pH level is too high, it can lead to cloudy water, skin or eye irritation, scale buildup, and reduced chlorine effectiveness. To keep your hot tub water clean and comfortable, aim for a pH level between 7.2 – 7.6.
Low sanitizer
Chlorine or bromine are added to hot tub water to prevent bacteria growth and kill other things that you don’t want in your water. Master Spas recommends that hot tub owners use chlorine, as it works in union with the EcoPur Charge mineral filtration system. When your sanitizer is low, it can cause cloudy water.
Body care products
When you get into your hot tub, anything on your body — like body lotions, conditioners, oils, or even sweat—can affect the water quality. These substances can cause a variety of issues, from reducing sanitizer effectiveness to creating cloudy or foamy hot tub water. If more people are using your hot tub, you may notice the water isn’t as clear as you’d like.
One of the easiest ways to prevent cloudy water is to rinse off or take a quick shower before using your hot tub. While it may feel like an extra step, it helps eliminate oils and other contaminants that can disrupt the balance of your water and cause common issues like cloudiness and foam. By rinsing off, you can maintain clean, clear water and enjoy a more relaxing hot tub experience.
Spa filter problems
Your hot tub filter is key to keeping your water clean and clear. It works by trapping particles like dust, dirt, algae, and other contaminants that constantly find their way into the water. But if your filter gets clogged or isn’t installed correctly, it won’t be able to do its job and can even contribute to cloudy water.
To keep your water looking its best, make sure your filter is clean, properly placed, and replaced when needed. Regular filter maintenance is an easy way to prevent cloudy hot tub water and ensure a great soaking experience.
Defoamer
If you notice foam building up on the surface of your hot tub water, you might be tempted to reach for a defoamer. While this product can help reduce foam quickly, using it too often can cause the water to become cloudy or milky.
To maintain clear water and avoid cloudy hot tub water, use defoamer sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s a quick fix, but regular maintenance and proper water care are key to keeping your hot tub water clean and clear.
How to fix cloudy hot tub water
For the most part, clearing up cloudy hot tub water is an easy fix. The first step is to make sure that your water is balanced before looking at some of the other solutions.
Balance the chemicals
Check your chemical levels using a test strip or another kit. If your pH or alkalinity are not in range, you will need to add the appropriate product, whether it’s pH down or an alkalinity increaser. You should balance the pH and total alkalinity before adding sanitizer or non-chlorine shock. Be sure to add the hot tub chemicals with the hot tub on, air valves off, and the cover off.
Shock the water
A proper sanitizer level will help destroy the particles that are causing the cloudy water. After balancing your hot tub chemicals, add a non-chlorine shock to the water. You should shock your water at least once a week or with increased use.
Rinse and clean filters
You should rinse off your filters at least on a regular with normal use. If you use your hot tub more than normal, the filters might need to be cleaned more often. Once a month, you should soak your filter elements in a designated cleaner. Master Spas hot tub owners should not soak the EcoPur® element in a filter cleaner. The EcoPur element should only be rinsed with fresh, clean water if necessary.
How often should you replace your hot tub filter? The standard filter will typically last a year with proper maintenance. The EcoPur core cartridge should be replaced every six months.
Hot tub clarifier
After balancing your water chemicals, using a clarifier can help eliminate cloudiness and restore clarity to your water. A clarifier works by causing small dirt particles to bind together, creating larger particles that are easier for your filter to remove. This process improves water clarity and helps keep your spa looking clean. When using a clarifier, it’s important to allow the product enough time to circulate through the water before rinsing your filters.
Drain and refill hot tub
If you are still struggling with cloudy hot tub water, it might be a good idea to drain and refill your hot tub water. Over time, evaporation can cause solids to become suspended in the water. These particles will build up, and it might be harder to keep the water clean and clear. Master Spas recommends draining your water every six months. When you refill the tub, be sure to use a pre-filter and sequestering agent.
Master Spas EcoPur
It should not be a project to keep your hot tub water clean and safe to use. The mineral filtration system from Master Spas, EcoPur, takes advantage of natural elements to purify your hot tub water. As an owner, you will spend less time balancing the water and more time soaking in the spa.
These natural elements — including copper and zinc — safely remove the things you don’t want in your water. The elements also work with your sanitizer and other hot tub chemicals to keep algae, fungus, and bacteria from growing.
In addition, the hot tub filter features a special fabric and spring core to control how the elements are released into the water. This process mimics the way water is filtered in nature.
A clear choice
Hot tubs take chemicals and maintenance. However, with a quality filtration system, you can enjoy the benefits of an at-home spa without stress. Learn more about how you can reduce maintenance when you choose a Master Spas hot tub. A Master Spas hot tub can turn your backyard into an oasis. Learn more about the benefits how you can reduce stress with a Master Spa. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. Wondering how much a Master Spas costs? You can request a quote here.