How to Fix Your Hot Tub's Water Problems

How to Fix Your Hot Tub’s Water Problems

Your hot tub is a small body of water, and it’s important to take care of your water and test it regularly to avoid problems.

Yet, sometimes, you may run into issues with your spa water.

In this article, we look at how to fix your hot tub’s water problems. Remember that our expert service team is ready to help you any time!

The Problem You’re Noticing	The Likely Cause(s)	Troubleshooting Solutions	Do you need to call a professional technician?
Cloudy water	Filters are dirty Excessive buildup of oils and organic matter Improper sanitation Suspended particles or organic matter Overused or old water	Clean the filters Shock the spa water with sanitizer Add sanitizer as your owner’s manual recommends; adjust the pH and/or the alkalinity to the recommended range Run the jet pumps and clean the filters Drain and refill the spa	Contact us with any questions about proper water sanitation, and maintenance for your spa model, or to purchase new filters as needed
Water odor	Excessive buildup of organic matter Improper sanitation Low pH	Shock the spa water with sanitizer Add sanitizer in the appropriate quantity Adjust the pH to the recommended range	Contact us with any questions about proper water sanitation, and maintenance of your spa model
Chlorine odor	The chloramine level is too high Low pH	Shock the spa water with sanitizer Adjust pH to the recommended range	Contact us if you’re unsure about proper water sanitation and maintenance practices for your spa model
Musty odor	Bacteria or algae growth in the spa	Shock the spa with sanitizer; if the problem persists, drain, clean, and refill the spa	Contact us for tips on keeping this problem in check in your climate
A ring of scum around the spa	Organic buildup of oils and dirt	Wipe the scum off with a clean rag; if the layer of scum is heavy, drain the spa and use a spa surface and tile cleaner to remove the scum before refilling the spa	Contact us for cleaning recommendations and tips to prevent future buildup
Algae growth	High pH Low sanitizer level	Shock the water with sanitizer and adjust the pH to recommended levels Shock the water with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level	Contact us for advice on how to avoid the buildup of algae, mold, and mildew
Eye irritation	Low pH Low sanitizer level	Adjust the pH Shock the water with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level	Ask us about system options for reliably clear and gentle spa water, such as the FreshWater^® Salt Water System
Skin irritation or rash	Unsanitary water Free chlorine level is above 5 ppm	Shock the water with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level Allow the free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm before using the spa	Contact us for advice on managing your chlorine level or for alternatives to chlorine water care
Stains	Total alkalinity and/or pH are too low High iron or copper content in the water source	Adjust the total alkalinity and/or pH Use a metal deposit inhibitor	Contact us for advice on keeping your home spa looking like new
Scale	Water has high calcium content, and total alkalinity and pH are too high	Adjust the total alkalinity and pH. To remove the scale, drain the spa water, scrub off the scale, refill the spa, and balance the water	Contact us for tips on how to prevent future scale buildup

Remember to exercise caution when servicing your hot tub’s mechanical and electrical components. We recommend contacting an expert technician like Ultra Modern when repairs require professional attention, especially during the warranty period! You don’t want to risk voiding your warranty.

hot tub

Proactive Maintenance Tips

Your hot tub offers incredible benefits for stress and tension relief, hydrotherapy, and personal connections.

When you regularly and proactively care for your spa, it will keep giving back in valuable, healthy ways.

Hot Spring and Caldera spas are designed to make it easy for you to monitor water quality, clean the filters, and protect your spa from the elements. Follow these tips to keep your home spa in tip-top shape and to minimize the time and cost of repairs.

Rinse the underside of your hot tub cover frequently with a garden hose to keep algae, mold, and mildew at bay.
Rinse your filters every month to keep clear water flowing. (TRI-X® filters are dishwasher-safe.)
Use an instant filter cleaner spray each month to break up oil and other stubborn buildup.
Always keep your hot tub covered when not in use to keep debris out and to maintain water temperature more efficiently.
Keep detergents and soaps out of your spa by showering with water only before getting into the hot tub.
Drain and refill the hot tub as recommended in your owner’s manual to keep your water fresh.
Use only the chemicals and cleaners we recommend for your hot tub model. Pool chemicals and other products can throw off your water balance and lead to damage down the road.
Purchase authorized Hot Spring parts from Ultra Modern to ensure you outfit your spa with quality, lasting components.
Keep your spa’s serial number on hand in case you need to reference it for more troubleshooting advice or official parts and repairs.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to solve some of the common problems that arise with regular hot tub use. Just learn to be more proactive. This guide can help you get started, so you and your family can enjoy relaxing, therapeutic soaks for decades to come. For issues that require expert troubleshooting, we are always ready to step in.

Final Thoughts on Hot Tub Water Problems

The best time to start thinking about spa maintenance and repair options is before you even purchase your hot tub.

When you buy a hot tub from a reputable Hot Spring or Caldera dealer like us, your package includes access to a wealth of expert knowledge and certified technicians who can ensure the best possible outcome when your spa experiences problems.

So, plan a visit to our showroom today! We can’t wait to help!

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