How to Fix Green Water
Green or discolored hot tub water is typically caused by metals in the water or improper water chemistry.
- Metals such as copper, iron or manganese can cause the water to appear green, blue, brown or even black, especially after adding sanitizer or shock.
- Low sanitizer levels can allow algae or bacteria to grow, although algae is less common in hot tubs than in pools.
- Unbalanced pH or alkalinity can cause metals and other contaminants to come out of solution, resulting in cloudy or discolored water.
If your water changes color suddenly after refilling, shocking or adjusting chemicals, metals are often the cause. Regular water testing and maintaining proper sanitizer levels and water balance can help keep hot tub water clear and inviting.
How to Fix Algae
- Maintain a 24 hour circulation of the swim spa water while fighting the algae problem.
- Raise the free chlorine/bromine level to at least 3-5 ppm with a chlorine shock.
- Make sure the water is properly balanced with pH at 7.2-7.6, Total Alkalinity at 80-120 ppm and Total Hardness at 150-250 ppm. FROG Balancing Basics® Kit includes everything you need to balance your water.
- Brush and vacuum the algae off of the surfaces at least twice a day.
- Clean or backwash the filter of dead algae each time you brush or vacuum.
- Continue this process until water clarity returns.
- If algae is persistent and it’s been more than 6 months since the swim spa was drained, it’s time to drain and refill.
Algae Prevention Tips
- Maintain proper water balance at all times. pH should be 7.2-7.6, Total Alkalinity 80-120 ppm and Total Hardness 150-250 ppm. FROG Balancing Basics Kit includes everything you need to balance your water.
- Maintain the proper chlorine/bromine level of 2-4 ppm at all times.
- Clean your filter cartridges regularly.
- Try to keep organic matter like leaves and bugs out of the swim spa (cover it if outdoors).
- Always shock after heavy use (more people than usually use the swim spa at one time) with a non-chlorine shock like FROG StoMPS®.
- Consider draining and refilling the swim spa more often.
- Consider lowering your temperature if over 100º as algae grows faster in hotter water.
