Fix Green Water
1. Test Your Water
Start with a water test to check the following:
Sanitizer (Chlorine or Bromine): Should be 3–5 ppm for chlorine or 1-3 ppm for bromine.
pH: Should be 7.2–7.8.
Alkalinity: Should be 80–120 ppm.
Calcium Hardness: Should be 150–250 ppm.
Use a test strip or liquid test kit, which provides more accurate results. If your levels are off, proceed to balance them (we’ll cover that below).
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2. Shock the Water
Shocking oxidizes contaminants, kills algae, and clears up cloudy water.
Use Spa Shock (Chlorine or Non-Chlorine): Add 1–2 tablespoons of spa shock per 250–300 gallons, following your product’s instructions.
Turn on the Jets: Let the shock circulate for 15–30 minutes.
Note: If the green tint persists, it could be due to metals in your water.
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3. Balance pH and Alkalinity
Unbalanced pH and alkalinity can reduce the effectiveness of your sanitizer.
High pH (above 7.8): Add a pH reducer.
Low Alkalinity (below 80 ppm): Add an alkalinity increaser.
Always balance alkalinity first, then adjust pH as needed. Properly balanced water will help prevent future issues with part breakdowns and help your sanitizer work at its best.
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4. Clean or Replace Your Filter
A dirty filter can trap contaminants, making the water worse.
Rinse the Filter: Use a garden hose to spray off debris.
Deep Clean: Soak the filter in a filter cleaner solution overnight if it’s slimy or discolored.
Replace if Necessary: If the filter is over a year old or damaged, it may be time for a new one.
Recommended Products:
SpaGuard Filter Cleaner (a quick spray on solution)
Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner (a deep clean option)
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5. Address Well Water Issues
If you’re on well water, metals like iron and copper may be the culprit.
Use a Metal Sequestering Agent: Products like Metal Gon or Stain & Scale Control neutralize metals and prevent staining.
Pre-Filter Your Water: Use a hose filter when refilling your spa to reduce metals and impurities.
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6. Do a Water Change if Necessary
If the water has been green and slimy for too long or the buildup is severe, you may need to drain and refill your spa. This is especially true if shocking and balancing doesn’t resolve the issue.
Before draining, use a purge product to clean out biofilm and other gunk from the plumbing.
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Long-Term Hot Tub Maintenance Tips
Green water can be avoided with consistent maintenance. Follow these steps to master hot tub care:
Weekly Maintenance:
Test water chemistry and adjust alkalinity, ph, and sanitizer levels.
Add a small amount of shock, especially after heavy use.
Rinse and or rotate the filter(s) every 1–2 weeks to ensure proper circulation.
Monthly Maintenance:
Use a clarifier to help your filter trap fine particles.
Check calcium hardness and add a hardness increaser if needed (especially with well water).
Every 3–4 Months:
Drain, clean, and refill your hot tub.
Use a purge product like Ahh-Some before draining to remove buildup in the plumbing and jets.
Pro Tips for Hot Tub Beginners
Sanitizer Choice: Spa-grade chlorine or bromine is more effective than pool-grade products. Bromine is also less sensitive to pH changes and more stable at higher temps, making it easier to manage though often more expensive and harder to balance initially.
Shock After Heavy Use: Anytime your spa sees heavy usage, add shock to prevent cloudiness and slimy buildup.
Invest in a Pre-Filter: It’s a small cost that saves you from big headaches, especially with well water.
Conclusion
Green, slimy water is frustrating but entirely fixable! By balancing your water chemistry, maintaining your filter, and addressing any unique challenges like well water, you can enjoy a crystal-clear hot tub all year round.
