SPA WATER MAINTENANCE
TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
27
PROBLEM
Chlorine / Bromine Odor
Water Odor
Cloudy Water
Scum Ring Around Spa
Eye / Skin Irritation
Foaming
POSSIBLE CAUSES
• Excessive Chlorine or
bromine levels
• Low pH
• Low levels of sanitizer
• pH out of range
• Bacteria or algae growth
• Dirty filters or
inadequate filtration
• Water chemistry
not balanced
• Suspended particles or
organic materials
• Old water
• Build up of oils, dirt and
organic elements
• Unsanitary water
• Free chlorine level
above 5 ppm
• Poor sanitizer / pH levels
• High levels of body oils,
lotions, soap, etc.
HOW TO FIX IT
• Shock water with non-
chlorine shock treatment
• Adjust pH if necessary
• Shock water with non-
chlorine shock treatment
or adjust sanitizer levels
•
Adjust pH level if necessary
• Adjust sanitizer if necessary
• Clean filters and adjust
filtration times
• Adjust chemistry
levels
• Add spa clarifier
(see dealer)
• Change spa water
• Wipe off with
a clean towel
• Shock spa with
non-chlorine shock
• Allow level to drop
below 5 ppm
• Adjust according to spa
test strip results
• Add small amount
of defoamer
RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF CHEMICAL
Chlorine 1.0 - 3.0 ppm
pH 7.2 - 7.8
Total Alkalinity 80 - 150 ppm
Calcium Hardness 180 - 250 ppm