Hot Tub Water Issues (and How to Fix Them!)

Without a doubt, hot tub owners should expect to see milky, cloudy, or even foamy water in their tub from some point or another. However, this is usually a simple problem that can be fixed easily. In this guide, we will take you through these basic hot tub water issues and how to best fix them for further enjoyment of your hot tub.

​Milky Water
Cause

There are a variety of causes that can cause your hot tub to develop milky water. This includes dead algae, dirty filters, excess debris, etc. This can often make it difficult to diagnose the problem and make your hot tub usable again. 


Solution

- Start by checking your filters. Usually, a dirty filter can lead to poor water quality aka milky water. You can do this by taking your filters out and cleaning them overnight in a special solution sold by pool stores. However, it’s suggested that you repeat this process on a periodic basis to prevent milky water from affecting your hot tub again. 
- Use a non-chlorine shock to fully clean your hot tub. This solution will help clear up any problems with your hot tub, such as excess organic materials coating the surface of your tub. 
- Check your hot tub’s PH levels regularly. Make sure they are maintaining a proper balance and regulate it if need be. 
- The worst-case scenario in this situation is to totally empty your hot tub. Sometimes the best way is to start over when facing a problem you are having a hard time solving 


Cloudy Water
Cause

Cloudy water is mainly caused by dead algae, poor filtration systems, heavy hot tub usage, excess organic material, etc. 


Solution

- Check your hot tub’s PH and maintain its water levels. 
- Clean out your hot tub’s filters regularly. This can help prevent organic debris from clogging it or getting infected with bacteria. If possible, work on soaking the filters overnight with filter cleaning solution. However, worst comes to worst, it’s never a bad idea to get new filters if the problem persists. 
- Use a hot tub clarifier to help clear up your water.
- If none of these fix your hot tub, it may be time to empty it out and start all over. Especially if you recently heavily used it, draining and washing it is sometimes the most effective treatment. 


Foamy Water
Cause

The cause of foamy water is often easier to diagnose than cloudy or milky water. The majority of the time, foamy buildup is created by a chemical reaction between the alkalinity of the hot tub water and cosmetic and body oils. These oils include makeup, deodorant, and laundry detergent residue. 


Solution

- You can prevent the problem from happening in the first place by showering before you enter the tub. It might be a hassle but it will remove any excess oils and germs that can spread in the hot tub. 
- Simply use water, and no detergent, to clean your bathing suit. Then, hang it up to dry. Though this might seem gross, detergent is not necessary to clean your suit. 
- Use an anti-foam product. This is a short-term solution that will clear out any foam, but it will not prevent foam from forming in the first place.
- Try an enzyme product to control and remove foam. You should also stay away from soft water conditions. 
- Drain the hot tub and completely flush your system. Consider using a product that will help to flush the system and remove any non-living organic waste buildup. This could be anything including oils, cosmetics, lotions, hair products, and more. These substances can collect in the filter and circulation systems. As stated above, these are the substances that cause foam and foul odors. When you purge the hot tub, you can eliminate these contaminants.

Though water problems are fairly common when it comes to hot tub maintenance, they are still a hassle. With this guide, you will be able to determine the cause of your problem and fix it in no time at all.