Why Is My Hot Tub Water Cloudy? 3 Ways To Fix It

If you own a hot tub and notice the water is cloudy, you may get worried and wonder “why is my hot tub water cloudy?”. Whether you’re using your hot tub alone or inviting guests, you want the water to be crystal clear. If you have cloudy hot tub water, no one is going to want to go in it, not even you!

But, just like pool water, the water in your hot tub can look less than inviting at times. The important thing is to recognize when something is wrong and fix it right away.

When it comes to cloudy hot tub water, some easy fixes will have you relaxing again in no time. But, first, let’s take a look at why your water gets cloudy in the first place.

Why Does My Hot Tub Water Get Cloudy?

No matter how clean you try to keep your hot tub water, cloudy water happens to all of us. There are several reasons why this is happening:

High pH and Alkalinity

Your alkalinity levels measure a variety of substances in your water like carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides. When alkalinity is properly balanced, your sanitizer will be most effective at fighting off bacteria and cloudiness. As they get high, you’ll notice things getting cloudy. Using a simple water test strip can help you determine your alkalinity level. It should be between 80-120 parts per million. If it’s any higher, you’ll need to take action.

When it comes to your water’s pH, you want the level to be between 7.2-7.8. When the levels are between these two numbers, your water is in good shape. If it creeps up, you may notice cloudy water that can also irritate eyes and skin and make your chlorine less efficient.

High Calcium Hardness

Similarly to having high alkalinity and pH, high calcium hardness can cause cloudy water and even scaly buildup. To prevent this, calcium levels should be maintained between 150-250 parts per million. Using a water softener when refilling or a water softening chemical once filled will help to keep your calcium hardness level within range.

Body Care Products

Soaps, shower gels, and other body care products can lead to cloudy water, especially if you have a lot of people using your hot tub. Asking people to rinse off before they hop in can help alleviate this problem. 

Spa Salts

Like body care products, spa salts can also lead to cloudy hot tub water. Although they may be used to add another element of relaxation, adding too much or mixing different salts can cloud your water. As much as you may like the idea of using spa salts, you should like the idea of clear hot tub water better. 

Low Sanitizer Levels

Hot tubs need chlorine and bromine to prevent bacteria and other harmful things. When these levels are low, cloudy hot tub water can settle in.

Clogged Filter

Your filter’s job is to keep your water clean and get rid of algae, dirt, and other particles. If it becomes dirty or clogged, it’s not going to be able to do that which can lead to cloudy water. Keep your filter clean and make sure it’s working correctly to keep cloudy water away.

If you have one or more of these issues, they could be to blame. Once you’ve pinpointed the source, it’s time to fix it and say goodbye to cloudy hot tub water.

Fixing Cloudy Hot Tub Water

While cloudy water can be a nuisance, it’s usually pretty easy to fix. Follow these simple steps:

Balance & Sanitize Your Water

As we mentioned above, high alkalinity and pH levels can wreak havoc on your tub water. Once you find out what your hot tub needs, balance the water with the appropriate chemicals. You’ll also want to add a sanitizer and shock to get on the path to clearer water.

Clean the Filter

Take the filter out and rinse and clean it. You should soak your filter in a special cleaning solution at least once a month. If you notice cloudy hot tub water is happening often, you’ll want to clean it more frequently.

Use a Clarifier

A clarifier will also be helpful because it can help to get rid of cloudy water by attracting dirt particles together so that the filter can more easily remove them. 

Doing these things should get rid of your cloudy water, but if it doesn’t, you can always drain it and refill it. This can ensure that you’re starting off with fresh, clean water.

Learn More About Hot Tub Maintenince in the Raleigh Area

Remember, if you’re shopping around for a new hot tub, Epic Hot Tubs is your source for great hot tubs at fair prices. Check out our selection so that you can add a new hot tub to your backyard space! Please call 888-884-3742 or contact us to learn more.

About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.