Wondering why your spa water is cloudy? This quick guide will help you identify what is causing the cloudy water and provide some tips to help fix it.
This article covers:
Please note: This guide is for general reference only. Always follow the directions on your chemical container label.
Cloudy spa water can be caused by a few different reasons. Most likely it is one of the following:
Read on to learn more about cloudy spa water and what to do about it.
No. We do not recommend using your spa if the water is cloudy. The lack of clarity indicates that your water is not balanced correctly which will mean that your sanitiser is not working properly and there may be bacteria present in your water.
Cloudy spa water should clear up within a few days of following the steps outlined below.
If you have followed all these steps described in this article and your water is still cloudy and unclear after a week, you will need to change the water in your spa or swim spa.
Your spa filters are designed to collect tiny particles and organic matter from your spa water. This helps keep your spa water clear and free from cloudiness. Make sure you check your daily filtration settings on your controller and ensure your spa is set to at least 8 hours of filtration per day for a portable spa and at least 16 hours of filtration for a swim spa.
This will ensure all the water in your spa is circulated through your filters so dirt, grime and tiny particles are filtered out of your water.
Make sure you are changing your filters regularly and in line with your spa manufacturer's recommendations. We recommend changing your filters every 3-4 months.
Your spa filters are often neglected though they are the best way to keep your water crystal clear.
Oils, grime and bacteria can build up in your spa filters if they are not cleaned regularly. We recommend removing and rinsing your filters every week or 2, and soaking them thoroughly in a filter cleaning solution at least once a month. If your spa has high usage, you may want to clean your filters more regularly.
We suggest a filter wand as the most effective way of doing this without damaging the filter material.
On a monthly basis, you need to soak your filter in an approved filter cleaner solution to eliminate body fats and other organic matter that are not removed by simple rinsing.
Most people rotate 2 sets of Spa filters so that they can soak one set while the other is in use. Adhere to the guidelines of your filter cartridge cleaner label.
Do not use products like bleach, detergent, nappy cleaners as most of them can upset the chemical balance in your spa and reduces the life of your spa filters.
Your spa water pH should be within the range of 7.2 to 7.8. Total Alkalinity should be within 80-120 PPM. Use water test strips to check your pH and Total Alkalinity.
If your water is not in these recommended ranges, modify up or down using an approved pH decreaser or Alkalinity increaser until it is appropriate. Make sure to follow the instructions on your chemical labels and give the substances a chance to work before examining again.
If your water chemistry is within the correct range, but you are still having trouble with cloudy spa water, there are still some more tools and techniques you can try!
You can try shocking your spa to burn off excess organic matter, checking your sanitiser dosage is correct and using a water clarifier product to help gather small particles in your water together so your filters can collect them more easily.
Lastly, you can try an algaecide to kill off algae that may be forming in your water.
You need to use an approved oxidiser (spa shock) at least once a week or after heavy use (say a party in the weekend with lots of guests in your spa!). Spa shock oxidises the organic matter that makes the water cloudy.
Important: If you are using a chlorine-free sanitising system you will need to shock the water with a Chlorine-free shock (Poppits Quick Fix).
Make sure you are dosing your spa water with enough Sanitiser. Underdosing your Sanitiser can cause cloudiness. Ensure you follow the recommended dosage on the sanitiser label.
If you are using bore or rainfall water and have followed the recommendations above but your water is still cloudy you may use a water clarifier or flock. Study the guidelines on the label for dosage rates.
Essentially the water clarifier works by grabbing microscopic particles of organic matter and combining them into larger particles where they can quickly be captured in the filter media
If you are using Poppits sanitiser or another brand of Hydrogen Peroxide you might have an algae issue. You may use an Algicide product to help clear algae.
Follow the dosing instructions so that you do not prematurely plug your filter. Spa chemicals take time to work. Be patient.
Important: Purezone filters can be gently rinsed as needed. They cannot be soaked in a filter cleaning solution. Purezone filters must be replaced at least every three months depending on bather load.
Cloudy water is often caused by plugged filters, including Vortex™ Purezone™ filters or pleated filters. Plugged filters can make your spa water cloudy because they become clogged with debris, dirt, and other contaminants.
When a filter is blocked, it can't effectively trap particles and impurities. As a result, these substances remain in the water, leading to a hazy or cloudy appearance. Regularly cleaning or replacing your spa filters will help maintain clear, inviting water.
Click the button below to learn more about how to clean your spa filters.
Talk to us or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!
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