Problem Probable Cause Solutions
Cloudy Water
  • Dirty Filters
  • Excessive oils/organic matter
  • Improper sanitization
  • Suspended particles/ organic matter
  • Overused or old water
  • 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 pH/Alkalinity Down
  • Run jet pump(s) and clean filters with FreshWater Instant Filter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
  • Drain, clean and refill the spa
Water Odor
  • Excessive organics in water
  • Improper sanitization
  • Low pH
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Add sanitizer
  • Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range
Chlorine Odor
  • Chloramine level too high
  • Low pH
  • Shock spa with sanitizer
  • Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range
Musty Odor
  • Bacteria or algae growth
  • Shock spa with sanitizer—if problem is visible or persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa
Organic Buildup / Scum Ring Around Spa
  • Buildup of oils and dirt
  • 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
  • High pH
  • Low sanitizer lever
  • Shock spa with sanitizer, and adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down to recommended range
  • Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
Eye Irritation
  • Low pH
  • Low sanitizer lever
  • Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up
  • Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
Skin Irritation / Rash
  • Unsanitary water
  • Free chlorine level above 5 ppm
  • Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer level
  • Allow free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm before spa use
Stains
  • Total alkalinity and/or pH too low
  • High iron or copper in source water
  • Adjust total alkalinity and/or pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up
  • Use FreshWater Stain & Scale to inhibit metals
Scale
  • Total alkalinity and/or pH too high
  • High calcium content in water
  • 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