While portable hot tubs contain far less water than full size pools, their water still needs to be treated properly. Spa water care is very similar to pool water care: you need to carefully watch the water’s PH level as well as its sanitizer lever (usually chlorine in pools and bromine in spas). What many do not realize is that the chemical balance in hot tub water needs more attention for two reasons: the smaller amount of water means that usage has a larger effect on the balance; and that the warm water promotes bacteria growth if not kept in check.
If your spa water turns green or cloudy, you need to realize that if the water is not treated quickly, the water quality can go south very quickly. If the water does become green or cloudy, do not panic, simply test the water balance and add the appropriate chemicals as soon as possible. You should know that you always want to balance your PH level before you adjust your sanitizer level. You will also have the option of “shocking” the water with a concentrated amount of bromine or chlorine to bring the sanitizer level up to where it needs to be fast. Remember to check the chemical balance shortly after adding chemicals to the water.
If your water is not green, but somewhat cloudy, check the water balance in the same way. If the chemical balance is acceptable, then you may want to consider adding a small amount of water clarifier. Water clarifiers act as a coagulant and pull together the tiny particles that are making the water cloudy. Once the particles are bunched together, they are more easily filtered out of the water by your tubs filtration system. Hot tub accessories like water clarifiers should only be used if the water is chemically balanced.