Causes of Cloudy Spa Water

• High calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids and/or low sanitizer level. Make sure water is balanced.
• Bacterial or algae growth. If either exist, ask us for treatment recommendations.
• Build-up of oils, perspiration, or other insoluble compounds. Regular shocking will prevent this, but if excessive levels of undesirable compounds build up, perform regular shock applications until the water clears.
• Poor filtration. Make sure that all filtration equipment is clean and in working order. Cartridges should be chemically cleaned every few weeks to ensure proper operation.

Water should be balanced properly, filter should be clean, and spa should be shocked regularly.

Foaming
This condition is fairly common in spas due to the agitation of the water. It can be caused by:

• Poor water balance. If the calcium hardness level is less than 100 ppm, the water may foam.
• Insoluble compounds. Build-up of insoluble compounds, such as perspiration, cosmetics, etc., can cause foaming. Spas should be shocked frequently. They should also be drained periodically according to the formula below:
  VOLUME /3/AVERAGE DAILY BATHER LOAD = # OF DAYS BETWEEN DRAINS.
• Use of algaecide: Most algaecides foam unless they specifically state otherwise. If a foaming algaecide has been added to a spa, it may be necessary to drain.
• Foreign substance. Soaps, oils, and sometimes even vandalism can cause foaming. Investigate the possible source and act accordingly.

Metals
Metals Metals in spa water can discolor water or stain the surface. Metals can sometimes enter spas through fill water or, more often, through corrosion of the heater in the spa itself. Ask us how to best treat staining and prevent future stains. Staining on spa surfaces from metals can be removed by draining the spa and cleaning with a light acid bath or other acidic surface cleaner. Consult manufacturer recommendations for treatment of the spa surface. To prevent metal levels due to equipment corrosion, maintain proper water balance.