How to Fix Cloudy, Milky or Foamy Hot Tub Water

How to Fix Cloudy, Milky or Foamy Hot Tub Water

Cloudy, murky and foamy hot tub water can be troublesome problems that most hot tub owners are bound to experience. While hot tub chemicals may help to prevent this issue, there are some problems that a tablet cannot fix. In this article, we will be discussing how to identify cloudy, murky and foamy hot tub water and the best way to get that crystal clear water back.

What is Cloudy Hot Tub Water?

Cloudy hot tub water is commonly described as water that appears to be filled with tiny particles that do not dissipate after being filtered. You may experience this issue even if you feel like you're on top of your hot tub chlorine or chlorine alternative. 

Potential Causes of Cloudy Hot Tub Water

There are a couple of potential causes of cloudy hot tub water:

• Algae - while we usually associate algae and bacteria with the tub turning green, it can cause cloudy water if your chlorine is having to work overtime to protect the hot tub.
• People - when a person enters a hot tub, organic matter will fall off them and stay within the water. Additionally, most people will have a variety of oils on them, including shampoo and body oils.
• Broken filter - a faulty filter will not filter out debris, dirt and dust.

Unfortunately, hot tubs are the perfect breeding ground for all manner of bacteria, more so than pools, due to their size and high temperature. As a result, even being slightly off on your chemical balancing can cause problems.

Now, let's take a look at how to return your hot tub to a crystal clear lake of relaxation.

How to Fix a Cloudy Hot Tub

If your water has turned cloudy, there are a couple of fixes that clear up the cloudiness within the hot tub:

1. Shock dosing - we recommend using our non-chlorine shock granules to destroy the particles and clear the water.
2. Fix the filter - if you are having problems filtering water, we recommend checking the filter for potential debris or getting a replacement if it is faulty. Read our guide to learn more about how to clean your hot tub filter. 
3. Read water balance levels - take a look at your water balance levels and make sure they’re within the correct pH levels.

How to Prevent Cloudy Spa Water

Of course, prevention is often better than cure – however, in this case, it’s very tricky to avoid cloudy water entirely. There are some things you can do, though:

• Maintain a good chemical balance in your hot tub.
• Shower before entering the hot tub.
• Clean your filters regularly.

Using Water Clarifiers

Water clarifying products and hot tub foam removers can also be helpful in achieveing sparkling clear water. Products like this are added after you've cleaned and sanitised your tub to improve the general quality and feel of your water, making it more inviting.

We hope this guide will help you avoid the most common problem to plague hot tub owners, or at least make solving the issue easier! For more hot tub advice, be sure to check out our blog, which is full of helpful guides! You may find our article on how to close a hot tub for winter particularly handy.