Green water in your hot tub is an unpleasant sight that can indicate several issues, ranging from poor water chemistry to contamination by algae or bacteria. If you find that your hot tub water has turned green, don’t worry! It’s possible to fix this problem with the right steps. Here’s a guide on how to fix green water in your hot tub and get your spa back to its clean, sparkling state.
Why Does Hot Tub Water Turn Green?
Green water in a hot tub is typically caused by algae growth, poor water circulation, or an imbalance in water chemistry. Algae thrive in warm, stagnant water and can multiply quickly if the sanitization levels aren’t optimal. Here are some common causes of green water:
- Low Chlorine or Bromine Levels: These sanitizers are crucial for keeping algae and bacteria in check. Low levels can allow algae to grow.
- High pH or Alkalinity: Water that’s too alkaline or with a high pH can make sanitizers less effective.
- Poor Water Circulation: Without proper circulation, the sanitizer can’t reach all areas of the hot tub, allowing algae to flourish in certain spots.
- Contaminated Water: Dirty swimsuits, oils, lotions, and debris can contribute to algae growth, especially when the water isn’t properly treated.
Steps to Fix Green Water in Your Hot Tub
1. Test the Water
Before you can fix the issue, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. Use a water test strip or a liquid test kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine).
- Action: Check the pH and alkalinity first. The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm. Chlorine or bromine levels should be in the recommended range (3-5 ppm for chlorine or 4-6 ppm for bromine). If your sanitizer levels are low, you’ll need to add more.
2. Shock the Hot Tub
Shocking your hot tub is essential to kill any algae or bacteria in the water. This process involves adding a large dose of sanitizer to the water, which can quickly eliminate contaminants.
- Action: Add a non-chlorine shock or chlorine shock to the hot tub according to the product’s instructions. Wait for the shock to dissolve completely, and allow the water to circulate for 15-30 minutes.
3. Adjust the pH and Alkalinity
If your pH or alkalinity levels are too high, it can prevent your sanitizer from working effectively. Adjusting the pH and alkalinity will help restore proper water chemistry and improve sanitizer efficiency.
- Action: Use a pH reducer (usually muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate) if the pH is too high. If the alkalinity is high, use an alkalinity reducer. Add these chemicals slowly, and retest the water after a few hours to ensure the pH and alkalinity are in the ideal range.
4. Clean or Replace the Hot Tub Filter
A dirty or clogged filter can contribute to poor circulation and prevent the sanitizer from reaching all parts of the hot tub. Clean your filter thoroughly or replace it if necessary.
- Action: Remove the filter from your hot tub and rinse it with a hose to remove debris. If the filter is heavily soiled or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Make sure to reinstall the filter properly before moving on to the next step.
5. Run the Jets
After shocking the water, adjusting the chemicals, and cleaning the filter, turn on the hot tub’s jets to circulate the water thoroughly. Proper circulation helps evenly distribute the sanitizer and clears out any lingering debris.
- Action: Let the jets run for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the chemicals mix properly throughout the water.
6. Add Algaecide (Optional)
If algae is the primary culprit behind the green water, adding an algaecide can help kill any remaining algae. This step is usually recommended if the problem persists after shocking and adjusting the water chemistry.
- Action: Add an algaecide to the water according to the instructions on the bottle. Make sure the water is well-circulated so that the algaecide reaches all parts of the spa.
7. Retest the Water
Once the water has been circulated and the chemicals have had time to work, retest the water again to ensure the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels are within the proper range.
- Action: If the water is still green, you may need to shock it again or adjust the chemicals further. In severe cases, you might need to drain and refill the hot tub to start fresh.
8. Drain and Refill the Hot Tub (If Necessary)
If the water is still cloudy or green after following all of the above steps, it may be necessary to drain the hot tub, clean it thoroughly, and refill it with fresh water. This step ensures that any residual algae or bacteria is completely removed from the system.
- Action: Drain the hot tub, clean the shell and the filter compartment, and refill the hot tub with fresh water. Then, balance the water chemistry and shock the water once more to get it back to normal.
Preventing Green Water in the Future
Once you’ve fixed the green water problem, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips for keeping your hot tub water clean and clear:
- Regularly test the water: Check the water chemistry at least once a week to ensure that your sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity levels are balanced.
- Maintain proper filtration: Clean your filter regularly and replace it every 12-18 months, or sooner if it shows signs of damage.
- Shock the water regularly: Even if you don’t see any issues, it’s a good idea to shock your hot tub every 1-2 weeks to keep bacteria and algae at bay.
- Cover the hot tub: Use a hot tub cover when not in use to keep debris out and protect the water from contamination.
Conclusion
Green water in your hot tub can be a frustrating issue, but with the right approach, it’s possible to restore your spa to its clean and clear state. By testing the water, shocking the hot tub, adjusting the pH and alkalinity, and maintaining proper filtration, you can eliminate algae and prevent it from coming back. Regular maintenance and water care are essential for keeping your hot tub water healthy and inviting.