Green hot tub water is one of the most common issues hot tub owners encounter. Thankfully, it is also the easiest to treat and you can fix green hot tub water in a few simple steps.
Identify the source of the problem
Dipping a test strip into the water can quickly reveal the culprit of dirty water. Most likely, your chemical balances are off and the water needs a shock treatment.
Give your water a shock treatment
New hot tub owners will almost always experience green water from chemical imbalances. Getting the right mixture is difficult, especially if your use is sporadic. But a little extra chlorine or bromine will do the trick every time.
A water shock treatment should help filter out dead algae and clear up the greenish tint of the water.
Note: If the water proves too acidic, then the greenish tint may indicate oxidized metals in the tub.
In such cases, shocking the water will only worsen the problem. To eliminate metals, you will need to replace the source of corrosion. In older tubs, copper elements like heaters cause the greatest risk.
Keep Your Filters Clean
Green water can also come from pollen. It is harmless but may suggest an under-performing filter. Worn-out filters also contribute to general cloudiness in the water.
Filters, however, cannot remove contaminants like hair and skin products, detergents and other outside elements that bathers bring into the tub. Having your guests and hot tub users shower before entry is one way to reduce the number of contaminants that are carried into a hot tub.
Bad filters risk more than just gnarly water. A clogged filter strains the pump and can cause unnecessary costly damage. This is why regular maintenance is important along with house rules like showering before using the spa.
You can keep pollen, leaves and other debris out of your tub with a good cover. Investing in a cover can help significantly with keeping your water sanitary and balanced. If your tub does not come with one at purchase, make sure to budget it.
Frequently asked Questions
What does algae look like?
Algae can take on many different colours including green, yellow and black. It forms in a hot tub from the incorrect balance of chemicals and pH balance.
How do I get rid of algae in the hot tub?
Getting rid of algae can be as simple as giving your water a shock treatment. This means adding more chlorine or bromine and filtering out the algae. You can brush algae off of your spa manually as well, but it will return if the chemical levels are not corrected.
How often should you clean hot tub filters?
You should keep a regular maintenance schedule of every two weeks or as needed. If you have people over more than usual you may need to clean your filters more frequently due to the increase in hot tub traffic and additional contaminants being carried into the spa.
How long does it take for the green water to clear up?
It can take up to 24 hours to see the difference in water colour go from green to clear. If the water is still cloudy after shocking, use oxidizer to get your water to crystal clear status. With the cover off, run the jets for 20 min and wait an additional 24 hours for the oxidizer to take effect.
