Hot Tub Troubleshooting

Most water issues can be remedied by draining and refilling the hot tub but sometimes there are quick fixes you can try first.

Cloudy Water

Here’s how you can get rid of cloudy, hazy water. Here are some tips if the water is less than two months old.

Test the Water and Shock It

First, check the current chemical levels.

• pH is between 7.2 and 7.6
• Alkalinity is between 125 and 150 ppm (parts per million)

If you have a proper balance, you may shock the water. When adding chemicals, make sure the hot tub is running but be sure to turn off the air valves.

If you have a chlorine or mineral-sanitized hot tub, use granular chlorine or non-chlorine shock, letting it run for 20 minutes with the cover off.

If you have a bromine sanitized tub, use powdered bromine or non-chlorine shock, letting it run for 20 minutes with the cover off.

Use a Water Clarifier

When selecting the right water clarifier, the chemical should be specifically designed for hot tubs. Don’t use a water clarifier meant for swimming pools. Follow the directions on use.

Getting Rid of Foam

When the water is “thick,” foam results, caused by the air jets activating those tiny bubbles. Top causes of hot tub foam include:

• Lotions, deodorant, makeup, beverages, and hair products
• Cheap chemicals, the use of too many chemicals, or total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Laundry detergent or soap

How to Prevent Hot Tub Foam

You can prevent hot tub foam by doing the following:

• Shower before soaking in the hot tub to rinse off the soap residue, makeup, etc.
• Clean bathing suits with fresh water before using the hot tub.
• Do not go under the water. If you have long hair, tie it up or wear a hat.
• Don’t use cheap chemicals.
• Avoid drinking in the hot tub so you don’t spill it in the water.
• Drain and clean the hot tub every three to four months.

Getting Rid of Foam

The first step is to test the water, making sure the pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels are OK.

Check for TDS, as high levels can cause foaming. TDS arises from too many chemicals and other solids that to tend to build up over time. To address TDS, you will need to drain and refill the tub.

Use Anti-Foam Chemicals

One way to get rid of foam is to use an anti-foam chemical, but this will only relieve the problem, not solve it. Do this when you don’t have time to drain and refill.

Get Rid of Algae

The best way to get rid of algae is by draining and refilling your tub.

Sanitize

Add lots of bunch of chlorine or bromine in an effort to kill the algae. This is not the best method, as it can result in high TDS (total dissolved solids), which would require you to drain and refill anyway. Here are some more tips.

• Circulate the water continuously until you see no more algae.
• Clean your hot tub filters.
• Wipe down the interior of the shell to break up the algae.
• Make sure your pH is between 7.4 and 7.6.
• Increase your chlorine level or bromine level.

By doing any of the above, this can get rid of your algae problem. If not, you should either increase your sanitizer levels or drain and refill the tub.

Prevent Algae from Growing

Prevention is the best course of action, and it requires that you take good care of your hot tub water. Remember: water that is properly sanitized and balanced won’t grow algae.

• Keep the pH between 7.4 and 7.6
• Keep the alkalinity between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million)
• Ensure the correct range for your sanitizer level (RASH)

Hot Tub Folliculitis

Also known as hot tub rash, this can result from a poorly maintained hot tub. The high temperatures hasten the breakdown of chemical agents such as chlorine, which is why it’s so important to continually check the levels of chemicals.

Preventing Hot Tub Rash

Check sanitizer and pH levels every day. The CDC recommends:

• Chlorine levels of 3 ppm (parts per million)
• Bromine levels of 5 ppm
• pH between 7.2 and 7.8

However, even with proper chemical composition, you should change your hot tub water regularly, and then clean and scrub the surface. Replace and clean filtration systems regularly as well.

After using the tub, take off your swimsuit right away and shower with soap.

Treating Hot Tub Rash

If you get this rash on your chest, back, sides or stomach, you can help things along with:

• White vinegar compresses
• Iodine rinses
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Silver sulfadiazine 

Applying a Vinegar Compress

Mix one ounce of white vinegar with four ounces warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid, then wring it out. Apply the cloth to the rash for 20 minutes, up to four times daily.

Then, apply hydrocortisone cream or an oatmeal lotion. If your rash is itchy, apply a menthol lotion or an antihistamine. If none of these things work, see a dermatologist.