Common Hot Tub Water Quality Issues and how to fix them!

Possible Causes:

• Dirty Filters: Clogged or dirty filters can significantly affect water quality.
• Swimwear and Lotions: Residues from detergents on swimwear and body lotions or fake tan can contaminate the water.
• Improper Sanitising: Not maintaining proper sanitiser levels can lead to water issues.
• Overused or Old Water: Water that has been in use for too long can degrade in quality.

Solutions:

• Shock the Spa: Use a non-chlorine shock treatment to rejuvenate the water.
• Check Chlorine Levels: Ensure your chlorine levels are between 3-5 ppm for optimal sanitation.
• Adjust pH Levels: The pH should be balanced between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Clean Filters Regularly: Clean your filters once a week with AquaFinesse Filter Cleaning Tablets.
  • TIP: Keep a spare set of filters to alternate usage—one set in use while the other set is clean and drying.

If your water is older than three months, it might be time to drain, clean, and refill the spa using AquaFinesse Spa Clean for a fresh start.

Probable Causes:

• High pH Levels: Elevated pH can cause several water quality issues.
• High Calcium Content: Excess calcium in the water can lead to scale formation.

Solutions:

• Adjust pH: Use freshwater and a pH reducer (pH-) to bring the pH levels within the ideal range.
• Deep Clean Every 3 Months: It’s recommended to empty your spa every three months. Use the AquaFinesse Spa Clean Puck to deep clean your pipework and surfaces, and to loosen any calcium and scale build up before emptying.
  • Preparation: With the water still in the spa, open all valves, jets, blowers, waterfalls, etc. High water temperature is not necessary.
  • Dissolve Spa Clean Puck: Place the Spa Clean Puck in the basket above the filter or use a floating dispenser to dissolve it, or pre-dissolve in warm water before adding to the spa.
  • Run Pumps: Run the pumps on full power for at least 20 minutes, as much as possible for a 12-to-24-hour period, depending on the severity of the problem.
  • Empty and Rinse: Empty your spa and rinse the walls with fresh water.
• Refill and Resume Normal Treatment: Refill your spa with fresh tap water and resume your normal treatment routine with AquaFinesse. AquaFinesse will help soften the water, prevent future calcium and scale build up, and stabilise the levels in your spa.

Probable Causes:

• • New Spa: Often seen in newly filled spas, especially if the water is more than six weeks old.
  • Care Products: Residues from body lotions, hairsprays, gels, and makeup can lead to foam formation.
  • Organic Contamination: Presence of organic materials in the water.
  • Old Water: Water that has been in the spa for too long.

Solutions:

• • Water Replacement: If it’s the first fill and the water is over six weeks old, replace it.
  • Regular Cleaning: Use AquaFinesse to maintain clean water and reduce the build up of residues from care products. AquaFinesse helps to soften water and stabilize levels, reducing the likelihood of foam.
  • Deep Clean: Use AquaFinesse Spa Clean Puck to deep clean the pipework and surfaces, eliminating organic contaminants.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Resume normal treatment with AquaFinesse to prevent future organic build up and maintain water quality.

Probable Cause:

• High Chloramine Levels: Chloramines form when chlorine combines with organic waste such as body fluids and dead skin, producing a strong chlorine odour.

Solutions:

• Understanding Chloramines: Chloramines can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. They reduce the effectiveness of chlorine in sanitising your spa.
• Shock Treatment: Perform a shock treatment to break down chloramines, making it easier to remove them from the water and allowing your chlorine to work more effectively.
• Dilution: A partial water change can help dilute chloramines. Consider emptying half the water from your spa.
• Fresh Start: For best results, drain and clean the spa using AquaFinesse Spa Clean, then refill with fresh water.
• Use AquaFinesse: AquaFinesse helps maintain low, safe chlorine levels by preventing biofilm formation. This reduces the need for excessive chlorine, keeping your water clean and balanced without the constant struggle to maintain chlorine levels.

Probable Cause:

• Build-Up of Oils and Dirt: Accumulation of oils and dirt from body lotions, sunscreens, fake tans, and detergent residues on swimwear.

Solutions:

• Wipe Off Scum: Use a clean rag to remove any visible scum from the water surface.
• Avoid Contaminants: Do not wash swimwear with detergent and avoid wearing lotions, sunscreens, or fake tan before using the spa.
• Increase Filter Cycles: Run your filter for two hours twice a day to improve water circulation and cleanliness.
• Deep Clean: If the build-up is severe, use an AquaFinesse Spa Clean Tablet to thoroughly clean the spa then drain the spa. Clean your filters with AquaFinesse Filter Cleaning Tablets.
• Consider AquaFinesse: AquaFinesse can help maintain your spa by preventing the build-up of oils and dirt, ensuring softer, cleaner and healthier water with less effort.

Probable Causes:

• Unsanitary Water: This could potentially cause skin issues and be hazardous for health. While we can’t diagnose medical conditions, unsanitary water is a possible culprit.
• High Free Chlorine Levels: Free chlorine levels above 5 ppm can be problematic.

Solutions:

• Shock Treatment: Consider shocking the spa to address unsanitary water.
• Lower Chlorine Levels: Ensure free chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm before using the spa.
• Switch to AquaFinesse: AquaFinesse is perfect for customers with sensitive skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Here’s a recommended approach:
  • Deep Cleaning: Clean the spa with a tough deep cleaning product like AhhSome or AquaFinesse Spa Clean and get new filters.
  • Switch to AquaFinesse: Once the spa is clean, switch to AquaFinesse. Use AquaFinesse Spa Clean Tablets for future deep cleans.
  • Try a Switch Kit: The AquaFinesse Switch Kit includes a Spa Clean Tablet and everything you need to get started.
  • For Extremely Sensitive Skin: Try AquaFinesse Dead Sea Salts and minerals mix, which is highly beneficial for sensitive skin. The kit includes everything you need for this treatment.