Spa InfoSpa Info

Note: The following information is given as a guide only. Specific answers to your problems can be given by your retailer, who can advise on the best chemicals and products for your spa.

Problem Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Algae Growth

  • Green or brown water
  • Small black spots on the spa sides
  • Slimy surfaces
  • High pH
  • Low sanitizer level
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Adjust pH levels
  • Scrub sides of spa

Eye Irritation

  • Red or irritated eyes
  • Low pH
  • Low sanitizer level
  • Adjust pH
  • Shock spa with sanitizer

Skin Irritation

  • Red or irritated skin
  • Unsanitary water
  • Free chlorine levels above 5 ppm
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Allow free chlorine levels to drop below 5 ppm before spa use

Cloudy Water

  • Dull, hazy water
  • bottom of spa not clearly visible
  • Early algae growth
  • Dirty filters
  • High pH
  • Excessive oils or organic matter
  • Improper sanitization
  • Overused or old water
  • Clean filters
  • Check filters and pump for faulty operation
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Adjust pH levels
  • If persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa

Coloured Water

  • Water is clear, but tinged with a colour
  • Dissolved metals – brown water indicates iron, blue green means copper, black is manganese or silver
  • Adjust pH levels
  • Shock spa with sanitizer

Scale

  • Scale developing on walls and fixtures
  • Total alkalinity and/or pH too high
  • High calcium content in water
  • Adjust total alkalinity and pH levels
  • To remove scale, drain, scrub, and refill the spa

Slimy Surfaces

  • Sides of the spa become slippery and feel slimy

Early algae growth.

  • Adjust pH levels
  • Add chlorine
  • Brush spa walls

Water Odour

  • Unpleasant smell
  • Excessive organics in water
  • Improper sanitization
  • Low pH
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Adjust pH

Chlorine Odour

  • Unpleasant chlorine smell
  • Sore eyes

Chlorine smells are caused by not enough chlorine. The smell is caused by chloramines – chemical substances formed when chlorine combines with the contaminants (urine, body fats etc)

  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Adjust pH

Musty Odour

  • Unpleasant, musty smell
  • Bacteria or algae growth
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • If problem is persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa

Organic build-up

  • Scum ring around the spa
  • Build-up of oils and dirt
  • Wipe off scum with a clean rag
  • If severe, drain spa and clean with an available spa cleaner

Black Spot

  • Small black spots on spa sides
  • Black spot algae
  • Lower pH to 7.2, add Citric Acid 10g per 200 litres
  • Brush walls and floor
  • Add 20g chlorine to every 10g Citric Acid

Foamy Water

  • Soapy foam on the surface of the water
  • Excessive algicides
  • Organic waste in the water
  • Add defoamer
  • Adjust pH level
  • Add Clarifier
  • Chlorine shock the spa

Corrosion

  • Metal fixtures in contact with the water start corroding abnormally
  • Rust stains appear and can colour the water
  • Low pH
  • High levels of metals and contaminants
  • Adjust pH levels