W
ater Clarity
28
OC Hot Tubs Owner’s Manual
LTR50001045, Rev. N
Problem
Probable Causes
Possible Solutions
Cloudy Water
Dirty filter
Clean filter and run jet pump
Excessive oils / organic matter
Shock spa with sanitizer
Improper sanitization
Add sanitizer
Suspended particles / organic
matter
Adjust pH and/or alkalinity to recommended range
Overused or old water
Drain and refill the spa
Water Odor
Excessive organics in water
Shock spa with sanitizer
Improper sanitization
Add sanitizer
Low pH
Adjust pH to recommended range
Chlorine Odor
Chloramine level too high
Shock spa with sanitizer
Low pH
Adjust pH to recommended range
Musty Odor
Bacteria or algae growth
Shock spa with sanitizer – if problem is visible or
persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa
Organic Buildup /
Scum Ring Around
Spa
Buildup of oils and dirt
Wipe off scum with clean rag – if severe, drain the
spa, use a spa surface and tile cleaner to remove
the scum and refill the spa
Algae Growth
High pH
Shock spa with sanitizer and adjust pH
Low sanitizer level
Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer
level
Eye Irritation
Low pH
Adjust pH
Low sanitizer level
Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer
level
Skin Irritation /
Rash
Unsanitary water
Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer
level
Free chlorine level above 5 ppm
Allow free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm
before spa use
Stains
Total alkalinity and/or pH too low
Adjust total alkalinity and/or pH
High iron or copper in source water
Use a stain and scale inhibitor
Scale
High calcium content in water –
total alkalinity and pH too high
Adjust total alkalinity and pH – if scale requires
removal, drain the spa, scrub off the scale, refill the
spa and balance the water
Use a stain and scale inhibitor
Troubleshooting Water Clarity Problems