Probable Cause:

• Dirty filters
• Excessive oils or organic matter
• Improper sanitizing
• Suspended particles or organic matter
• Overused or old water

Solutions:

• Clean filters with FreshWater® InstantFilter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
• Shock spa with sanitizer
• Add sanitizer
• Adjust pH and/or alkalinity with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up or FreshWater Alkalinity Down
• Run jet pump(s) and clean filters with FreshWater InstantFilter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
• Drain, clean and refill the spa

Water Odor

Probable Cause:

• Excessive organics in water
• Improper sanitization
• Low pH

Solutions:

• Shock spa with sanitizer
• Add sanitizer
• Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range
• Drain, clean and refill the spa

Chlorine Odor

Probable Cause:

• Chloramine level too high
• Low pH

Solutions:

• Shock spa with sanitizer
• Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range

Musty Odor

Probable Cause:

• Bacteria or algae growth

Solutions:

• Shock spa with sanitizer
• If the problem is visible or persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa

Organic Buildup/Scum Ring Around Spa

Probable Cause:

• Buildup of oils and dirt

Solutions:

• 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

Solutions:

• Shock spa with sanitizer
• Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down to recommended range
• Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level

Eye Irritation

Probable Cause:

• Low pH
• Low sanitizer lever

Solutions:

• 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

Solutions:

• 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 in source water

   Solutions:

• 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

Solutions:

• Adjust total alkalinity and pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down
• If scale requires 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

Looking for more tips on how to keep your spa water balanced? Download our simple water care tips.