Spa Water Challenges and Solutions

Green Water: Though not very common in hot tubs Jacuzzi / Sundance engineers have identified these possible causes and solutions for the "touch of green":

1. pH imbalance and chemical incompatibility: The use of multiple chemicals in a spa may, in some cases, cause a chemical interaction that changes the water color. This may be exaggerated by either an excessive acid or base condition (low or high pH levels).
   Special note on high pH: A high pH, especially in a spa where bromine is used as the sanitizer, can result in green water.
   Corrective Measures:
   Checking the pH and making appropriate adjustments may correct the problem. If not, draining the spa and starting with the recommended chemicals may be necessary. Multiple drainings may be necessary in some situations.
2. An imbalance of pH, total alkalinity, and oxidizers (such as bromine) may cause a similar condition to #1 and the corrective measures are the same.
3. Algae: A spa that has a history of having low sanitizer levels may develop an algae bloom. This can be enhanced by the use of phosphates that are found in some cleaning and conditioning products. In this condition, the water is usually not clear.
   Corrective Measures:
   Use of an algaecide or chlorine shock and filtration will generally clear this up.
4. Excessive Metals in Source Water: Copper from the source water used to fill the
   spa can be a cause of green water. A test of the water for metals can detect this. Iron
   and manganese may discolor the water as well.
   Corrective Measures: Draining the spa and refilling with water that is treated to remove the minerals will resolve this.

Cloudy Water: A bit more common than the above green, cloudy water can be related to many different conditions found in a hot tub:

1. Incomplete or insufficient filtration: Proper water management requires that your hot tub water is circulated through your filters to the equivalent of the entire spa volume 100 or more times per day. Reduced filtration cycles will increase the chance of cloudy water.
   Corrective Measure:
   Increase your filtration cycles (number and length) Check your owners manual for directions or call Vintage Hot Tubs for assistance.
2. Dirty Filters:
   Corrective Measure:
   Filters need to be cleaned based spa usage, the filter size (sq footage) , and how dirty or what problems the water may be experiencing. The non disposable Hot Tub filters must be rinsed a minimum of once a month. Rinsing the filter cartridge with a hose fitted with a high pressure nozal (DO NOT clean filters using self serve wand car washes).
   
   Some Spas have incorporated a disposable element into their filter systems. This style of filtration will filter finer and should reduce chances of cloudy water conditions. However, disposable filters MUST be disposed of and replace based on manufacturers specification (usually every 3-6 months depending on style and size).
   
   Non disposable filters need also to be deep cleaned at least once a year (more often with heavy use) to remove oils and embedded debris. To perform this maintenance; turn of the hot tub; remove filter cartridges and soak over night in an approved filter cartridge cleaning solution (like SpaGuard Filter Brite). It is recommended by filter cartridge manufactures that the cartridge is allowed to dry before being returned to service. Some spa owners prefer to have a second set of filter cartridges on hand so that they can allow time to thoroughly clean, and dry the elements while not losing any "Spa Time".
   DO NOT use any cleaning products that are not specifically designed for cleaning filter cartridges.