Frequently Asked Questions: Probable Cause and Solutions
Cloudy Water
Probable Cause:
- Dirty Filters
- Excessive oils/organic matter
- Improper sanitization
- Suspended particles/organic matter
- Overused or old water
Solution:
- Clean Filters with FreshWater Instant Filter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Add sanitizer
- Adjust pH and/or alkalinity with FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up or FreshWater pH/alkalinity Down
- Run jet pump(s) and clean filters with FreshWater Instant Filter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
- Drain, clean and refill the spa
Water Odor
Probable cause:
- Excessive organics in water
- Improper sanitization
- Low pH
Solution:
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Add sanitizer
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up to recommended range
Chlorine Odor
Probable cause:
- Chloramine level too high
- Low pH
Solution:
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up to recommended range
Musty Odor
Probable Cause:
- Bacterial or algal growth
Solution:
- Shock spa with sanitizer – if problem is visible or persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa
Organic build up/ scum ring around spa
Probable cause:
- Buildup or oils and dirt
Solution:
- Wipe off scum with clean rag – if severe, drain the spa, use FreshWater Spa Shine after cleaning to protect the spa shell, and refill the spa
Algae Growth
Probable cause:
- High pH
- Low sanitizer lever
Solution:
- Shock spa with sanitizer, and adjust pH with FreshWatr pH/alkalinity Down to recommended range
- Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
Eye Irritation
Probable cause:
- Low pH
- Low sanitizer lever
Solution:
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up
- Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
Skin Irritation/ Rash
Probable cause:
- Unsanitary water
- Free chlorine level above 5 ppm
Solution:
- Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer level
- Allow free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm before spa use
Stains
Probable cause:
- Total alkalinity and/or pH too low
- High iron or copper insource water
Solution:
- Adjust total alkalinity and/or pH with FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up
- Use FreshWater Stain & Scale to inhibit metals
Scale
Probable cause:
- Total alkalinity and/or pH too high
- High calcium content in water
Solution:
- Adjust total alkalinity and pH with FreshWatr pH/Alkalinity Down – if scale requres removal, drain the spa, scrub off the scale, clean spa shell with FreshWater Spa Shine, and refill the spa. Add FreshWater Stain & Scale and balance the water using FreshWater pH/alkalinity Up or FreshWater pH/alkalinity Down.
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