[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/spamarvel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Knowledge20base.webp” alt=”Knowledge Base” title_text=”Knowledge20base” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”The Water Wizard: The Full Guide” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”link to water wizard” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Prefer a guided diagnosis instead? Try the interactive Water Wizard tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”CLOUDY WATER” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why Is My Hot Tub Water Cloudy?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”cloudy water” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”Poppins||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”Open Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”@media (min-width: 981px) {|| .et_pb_gutters3 .et_pb_column_4_4 .et_pb_module, .et_pb_gutters3.et_pb_row .et_pb_column_4_4 .et_pb_module {|| margin-bottom: .75%;|| }||}||\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water has been cloudy since the day I filled the tub, and my alkalinity or pH reading is high” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Water with a high total alkalinity and\/or high pH reading will become cloudy.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Lower your alkalinity to between 80\u2013150 ppm and then ensure that your pH is 7.2\u20137.8, unless you are using Spa Marvel Water Treatment & Conditioner, in which case acceptable pH is from 7.2\u20138.2.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water has been cloudy since the day I filled the tub, but my alkalinity and pH are normal” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This is likely tannins or minerals in the water. This often occurs if the spa is filled with untreated water from lakes, from wells, and in various regions such as South Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Shock the water with granular chlorine or bromine at the ratio of 30 grams (1 ounce) per 1,000 litres (250 gallons) of water. You may also use spa shock as per the directions on the package. Wait 24 hours, repeat application if necessary. Multiple applications may be required.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water turned cloudy within 24 hours of bathers using the spa” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This is likely dirty filters and\/or bather overload. The introduction of hairspray, makeup, deodorant, human waste, body lotions, hair gel, cologne, and perfume are hard on the water and can clog filters, inhibiting filtration. Many of the contaminants introduced by bathers are so fine that they can also pass through the filter media, remaining in suspension and impairing water quality. Thoroughly showering before using the spa will help prevent this.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember: 4 people in your spa is the equivalent of 200 people in a swimming pool.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n A thorough filter rinse once a week, with a proper complete monthly cleaning, will suffice for most hot tub users. Keep in mind that the filter takes out whatever is put into the spa \u2014 it only takes one bather covered in body lotions to foul a clean filter.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water turned cloudy without heavy recent use, and my alkalinity or pH is high” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Same cause as above \u2014 water with a high total alkalinity and\/or high pH reading will become cloudy.<\/p>\n **Solution:** Lower your alkalinity to between 80\u2013150 ppm and then ensure that your pH is 7.2\u20137.8, unless you are using Spa Marvel Water Treatment & Conditioner, in which case acceptable pH is from 7.2\u20138.2.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water turned cloudy without heavy recent use, and my alkalinity\/pH are normal” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This is often the result of minerals naturally occurring in the water beginning to oxidize and create off-coloured water, though it’s more commonly associated with a filter or filtration problem \u2014 worn or dirty filters, or insufficient filtration. Your filters can never be too clean, nor can you ever have too much filtration.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My water is persistently cloudy no matter what I try” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If you’re struggling with recurring cloudy water despite trying the fixes above, check the following four things:<\/span><\/p>\n If you answered “no” to question 1, 2, or 3:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> that’s your cause \u2014 clean your filter, or lower your alkalinity\/pH, or increase your filtration time (matching fixes above), then shock the water: granular chlorine or bromine at 30 grams (1 ounce) per 1,000 litres (250 gallons). Wait 24 hours, repeat if necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n If you answered “yes” to all of questions 1\u20133, or “yes” to question 4:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> your spa is likely harbouring a contaminant \u2014 mould, algae, fungus, or bacteria. This requires a full decontamination \u2014 see How to Decontaminate a Hot Tub<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FOAMY WATER” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why Is My Hot Tub Foaming?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”foamy water” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_css_free_form=”\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My total alkalinity is below 80 ppm” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Low alkalinity causes foamy water.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Balance alkalinity to 80\u2013150 ppm.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My alkalinity is normal, but my total hardness is below 250 ppm” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Water that’s too soft can cause foaming.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Increase hardness to 250 ppm.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My alkalinity and hardness are normal, but my filters aren’t properly cleaned” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Dirty filters are a common cause of foam.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Clean your filter \u2014 see How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter<\/a> \u2014 and shock the spa water. After properly cleaning and reinstalling the filter, shock with granular chlorine or bromine at 30 grams (1 ounce) per 1,000 litres (250 gallons). Wait at least 24 hours. If foaming persists, rinse the filter with fresh water, shock again, and wait another 24 hours. Repeat as necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”My alkalinity, hardness, and filters are all fine, but I still have foam” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This is likely detergents or other foreign matter in the water. Foaming can be caused by detergents, makeup, and hair products introduced by bathers. Residual detergent in bathing suits, soap residue on skin, shampoo residue in hair, body lotions, and hair products all dissolve in the water \u2014 when the aerators turn on, a bubble bath is created.<\/span><\/p>\n Some filter cleaning agents can also cause foaming \u2014 always ensure all detergent is rinsed from the filter media after soaking. Spa Marvel Hot Tub Filter Cleaner does not cause foaming. Low-grade spa chemicals (typically from big-box stores), and some fragrances or essential oils, can also cause foam.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n Going forward:<\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”MUSTY ODOURS” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why Does My Hot Tub Smell Musty?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”musty odours” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_css_free_form=”\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The smell goes away within a few minutes of removing the spa cover” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is likely mould, algae, and fungus growth inside the spa cover. If the cover vinyl is cracked, ripped, or torn, water can enter and remain trapped. Similarly, a cover that’s become heavy over time is a sign it’s become water-logged. Water in the cover creates an environment hospitable to mould, algae, fungus, and even bacteria, causing musty odours that sit between the bottom of the cover and the water surface \u2014 and dissipate within a few minutes of removing the lid.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Clean the underside of your cover with a cover cleaner from your professional spa retailer. If the cover vinyl can be opened, clean inside of it too. Allow everything to dry completely before reinstalling. If the vinyl is torn, or the cover is heavy\/waterlogged, replace it.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The smell doesn’t go away when I remove the cover” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This is likely dirty filters. Filter media becomes saturated with human waste and other contaminants introduced to the spa water, which can cause foul odours.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Clean the filter \u2014 see How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter<\/a> \u2014 and shock the water: granular chlorine or bromine at 30 grams (1 ounce) per 1,000 litres (250 gallons).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”CAN’T LOWER pH OR ALKALINITY” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why Won’t My Alkalinity or pH Reading Go Down, No Matter How Much I Add?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”can’t lower pH or alkalinity” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_css_free_form=”\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I keep adding pH\/alkalinity reducer and the reading won’t budge” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Most test equipment shows 240 as the highest reading for total alkalinity, and 8.4 as the highest for pH. In many cases, your actual readings may be significantly higher than that. For example, if your actual readings were 400 and 9.0, you could add plenty of pH reducer and lower the true readings to 300 and 8.6 \u2014 but your test equipment will keep showing 240 and 8.4, because those are its display limits. You’ve made progress, but you can’t measure it while the true readings are still off the chart. This is more common in well water.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Persist. It may take a bottle or two of pH reducer and several days to see the reading finally start to move. Keep adding pH reducer until alkalinity reaches 150 ppm at most, then focus on lowering pH to at most 7.8 (8.2 if using Spa Marvel Water Treatment & Conditioner). If your readings are very high, consider using a small amount of muriatic acid instead of powdered pH reducer.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”BUILDUP ON SPA WALLS” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Why Is There a Sandpaper-Like Buildup on My Hot Tub Walls?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”build up on spa walls” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_css_free_form=”\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”There’s a rough, sandpaper-like or drywall-compound-like buildup on my spa walls” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is always a water-balance issue. When total alkalinity is greater than 150 ppm, or pH is greater than 8.4, calcium naturally occurring and dissolved in your spa water can come out of solution and stick to your spa walls, feeling like 80-grit sandpaper. Similarly, if your source water contains gypsum, it can come out of solution and stick to the walls, looking like drywall compound. Wiping it off will only cause it to reattach.<\/span><\/p>\n Solution:<\/span><\/strong><\/b> Lower alkalinity to at least 150, then, if necessary, lower pH to at least 7.8 (8.2 if using Spa Marvel Water Treatment). Once balanced, wipe the buildup off \u2014 it will be absorbed back into solution. To avoid manually wiping, you can lower alkalinity to zero, leave the water alone for 24 hours, and the buildup will come off on its own. Then bring alkalinity back up to 80\u2013150, or change the water and start over.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”FLAKES IN THE WATER” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What Are the White Flakes in My Hot Tub Water?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”flakes in water” module_class=”pa-add-accordion-icon” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”14px” body_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” custom_css_free_form=”\/* Change icon when the toggle\/accordion is open *\/||.pa-add-accordion-icon .et_pb_accordion_item.et_pb_toggle_open .et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| display: block;|| content: %22%92e04f%22;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I see flakes that look like pieces of skin or tissue paper in my water” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCLOUDY WATER<\/b><\/h3>\n
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FOAMY WATER<\/b><\/h3>\n
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MUSTY ODOURS<\/b><\/h3>\n
CAN’T LOWER pH OR ALKALINITY<\/b><\/h3>\n
BUILDUP ON SPA WALLS<\/b><\/h3>\n
FLAKES IN THE WATER<\/b><\/h3>\n