Most hot tub owners find their water cloudy despite having administered a hot tub shock treatment. Although shocking is necessary to kill bacteria, dissolve oils and keep the water clean, cloudiness may still occur due to other causes. Knowledge of these reasons would be beneficial in keeping the spa water clean, balanced, and safe.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Causes of turbid hot tubs
- How to fix cloudy water
- Prevention of water pollution
- Troubleshooting related solutions
This article is related to our main guide Hot Tub Shock Treatment: Complete Guide to Clean and Safe Spa Water.
Usual Causes of Murky Hot Tub Water
1. Poor Filtration
Even after shocking, when the filter is clogged or not working properly, the particles and contaminants will still be suspended in the water making the water cloudy.
Key Points:
- Wash and filter every week
- Replace filters if worn out
- Circulate jets to sufficient circulation
2. Unbalanced Water Chemistry
The problems in cloudy water are most likely to be a result of improper pH, alkalinity or sanitizer. The water after shocking may not be balanced.
Key Points:
- pH should be between 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity should be 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm; Bromine: 3–5 ppm
3. Excess Organic Matter
In the water, oils, lotions, sweat and other organic remains accumulate and may not be completely eliminated by shock treatment alone.
Key Points:
- Take a shower then get into the hot tub
- Restrict oils, creams and soaps in the spa
- Apply non-chlorine shock on a regular basis to oxidize organic matter
4. Hard Water or Minerals
Even after shocking, high levels of calcium and magnesium may make the water cloudy. This produces scaling and turbidity of water.
Key Points:
- Check the hardness of the test water
- Apply water softeners or spa chemicals that are made to work with hard water
- Run the spa dry and cool every now and then
5. Insufficient Circulation
Shock chemicals take time to blend and get dispersed in the water. Bad circulation may result in untreated regions resulting in permanent cloudiness.
Key Points:
- 10–30 minutes post-shock: run jets
- Take off and wipe spa cover so that gas can escape
- Jet and check pump are regular
6. Overuse of Chemicals
Excessive addition of shock, sanitizer or other chemicals may temporarily lead to the cloudy appearance as they interact with contaminants in water.
Key Points:
- Act as directed by the manufacturer
- Repeat water after waiting time
- Increase or decrease chemical levels slowly
Fixing the Cloudy Hot Tub Water
Step 1: Test and Balance Water
Check the pH, alkalinity and sanitizer. Normalize to advisable levels.
Step 2: Wipe or Wash Filters
Clean up, spray hose, or change.
Step 3: Shock the Water Again
Select correct shock type (chlorine or non-chlorine, or bromine) according to the state of water.
Step 4: Circulate Water
Run jets a minimum of 20–30 minutes to mix chemicals evenly.
Step 5: Wait and Retest
Allow sufficient waiting time based upon type of shock:
- Chlorine shock → 24 hours
- Non-chlorine shock → 15–30 minutes
- Bromine shock → 4–6 hours
Step 6: Eliminate Future Cloudiness
- Weekly non-chlorine shock maintenance
- Balance water 2–3 times per week
- Clean filters regularly
- Do not add unnecessary oils and debris
Additional Troubleshooting
Cloudy After Heavy Use
In case people share spa, chlorine shock is added in order to eliminate bacteria as fast as possible and get water clear.
Persistent Odor
Odors due to organic waste may be accompanied by cloudiness. Clean and use oxidizing shock to get rid of debris stuck in the filter.
Algae or Bacteria Growth
Green or slimy water means algae. Add 2 shocks of chlorine, rinse all the spa surfaces, including the cover.
Conclusion
Unbalanced water, inadequate filtration, organic debris or mineral build-up are the likely causes of cloudy hot tub water following shock treatment. Correct testing, filtering, circulation, and maintenance will bring back the clarity and avoid future troubles.
Maintaining your hot tub regularly by shocking, water balancing and cleaning up once a week will keep it clean, safe and clear so you can enjoy it.
FAQs
Can I get into the hot tub right after shock when water is not clear?
No, never start an experiment before the levels of chemicals are steady and the water is clear.
When should I wash the filter?
Cleaning every week is advisable; every 3–4 months or as necessary.
Does a non-chlorine shock work with cloudy water?
Yes, it dissolves organic matters and cleanses out the water slowly.
Is it possible to make clouds by mineral deposition?
Hard water may cause water turbidity, yes. Install hardness softeners and check hardness.
What to do when water is still cloudy after several shocks?
Check circulation, filter efficiency and water chemistry. Empty and fill (where needed).
