There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long, hard day at work, eager to relax in your hot tub, only to find that when you remove the top cover, the water is all cloudy or even green! Yikes, your hot tub water turned green.

Why does this happen?

The most common reason is chemical imbalance from excessive metal content. Water from a well or even town or municipal water systems can contain high levels of metals, such as copper or iron. Hot tub water turns green because of oxidization – the water reacts with the metal (the copper or iron) and gives the water a green tint.

To undo excessive metals, test the levels of total alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness and return them to their proper levels. Using minimal amounts of stain remover will also clear up the hot tub water. Using a skimmer filter will also help, as will testing sanitizer chemical levels.

Other less common reasons for discolored hot tub or spa water are:

• Algae
• Low pH / Alkalinity
• Low sanitizer levels

Algae

Algae is a very rare reason because most people keep their hot tubs covered. But, if the cover is left off, algae can spread if filters are dirty or if sanitizer levels are low. If the inside of the spa feels slimy, it’s probably due to algae.

Chemical treatments, system flushes, and filter changes are all effective ways to prevent algae from spreading in your hot tub or spa.

Low pH Levels

Low pH levels are another reason for green-colored water. When pH is imbalanced, bacteria can grow and cause the water to become acidic which can ruin the entire spa or hot tub by destroying the heating system. 

Alkalinity levels significantly affect pH levels. When alkalinity is low, the pH level can be challenging to maintain. When alkalinity levels are high, pH levels rise and make matters even worse.

To adjust pH levels, start by using test strips to determine accurate pH levels. Then test for alkalinity, and adjust as necessary. Once accurate levels are achieved, continue to test and retest spa water weekly to maintain proper chemical balance.

Proper Levels of Sanitizer

Proper levels of sanitizer should be maintained at all times. Chemicals like bromine and chlorine are a must for clean, safe hot tub or spa water. Without sanitizer, water will eventually become green or discolored.

Weekly ‘shocking’ of your hot tub or spa water by adding new sanitizer is one of the best ways to keep the water clean, even though this will gradually alter the pH level. Both chlorinated and non-chlorinated shock sanitizers are available.

What can you do to prevent all of this from happening in the first place?

– Keep your Hot Tub or Spa covered when not in use

– Keep Hot Tub or Spa pH, alkalinity, sanitizer and the overall temperature in balance

– Make sure all filters are maintained and 

– Use a Hot Tub or Spa algaecide weekly

Your hot tub water turned green?

For assistance with your Hot Tub or Spa, please contact Skovish Pools & Spas!

Two store locations!

OUR LUZERNE OFFICE                                                                             
369 Main Street, Luzerne, PA 18709                                        
(570) 288 – 1025
info@skovishpools.com 
FAX: (570) 288 – 2169
BUSINESS HOURS                                                                                       
Monday-Friday: 9 am to 6pm                                                            
Saturday: 9am to 5pm                                                                           
Sunday: 10am-1pm

OUR SHICKSHINNY OFFICE  
10 E. Union St., Shickshinny, PA 18655                                    
(570) 542 – 4281
info@skovishpools.com
FAX: (570) 542 – 2405
BUSINESS HOURS                                                                                       
Monday-Friday: 9 am to 6pm                                                            
Saturday: 9am to 2pm