Hot Tub Water Troubleshooting – ThermoSpas
Most hot tub water chemistry problems can be diagnosed quickly with a simple test strip that is dipped into the water. The following trouble shooting guide will help you determine the cause of the more common hot tub water problems you will encounter, and offers recommended solutions.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Cloudy water | Dirty Filter | Clean filter with filter cleaner |
| High TDS levels | Drain and refill with fresh water | |
| High pH or alkalinity | Test and add pH/Alkalinity Down | |
| High calcium count | Test, drain halfway and refill | |
| Dissolved solids | Add clarifier to your water | |
| High bacteria level | Shock with sanitizer you currently use | |
| Brown water | High mineral count | Add Stain & Scale Preventer |
| Low alkalinity level | Test and add pH/Alkalinity Up | |
| Low sanitizer level | Test and add sanitizers | |
| Green water | Algae growth | Shock with sanitizer |
| Yellow water | Low pH | Test and add pH/Alkalinity Up |
| White scale deposits | Low sanitizer level | Test and add sanitizer |
| Excessive foaming |
Soft water | Test and add Liquid Calcium |
| High TDS level | Test, drain and refill the hot tub | |
| High contaminant level | Add one capful of Foam Away | |
| Waterline scum ring | Inadequate filtration | Check and clean filter(s) |
| High content of oils | Add Natural & Clear / Scum Bug | |
| Pitting of metal fixtures | Low alkalinity or pH | Test and add pH/Alkalinity Up |
| Erratic pH test results | Low alkalinity | Add pH/Alkalinity Up |
| Sanitizer level too high | Remove cover and turn on bubbling system | |
| Old pH indicator strip | Check expiration date and replace | |
| Musty odor | Bacteria/algae growth | Shock the water with sanitizer |
| Eye irritation | Low pH level | Test and add pH/Alkalinity Up |
| Low sanitizer level | Test and add sanitizer | |
| Skin irritation | Low sanitizer level | Test and add sanitizer |
| Sanitizer irritation | After adding sanitizer always wait 20 minutes before entering hot tub | |
| Water temp. too high | Reduce water temperature | |
| Soaking too long | Soak for shorter intervals |
Free Computerized Water Testing
If you have any doubts, Thermo Spas offers Free Computerized Water Testing. Just fill any clean plastic container with water directly from your spa and seal it well. Then, send it with your name and account phone number to:
ThermoSpas Customer Care Department
155 East Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
Your Customer Care representative will call you to discuss the results and walk you through the steps required to balance your water.
