Are you tired of cloudy or murky water in your hot tub? It can be frustrating to constantly deal with uninviting water that takes away from the relaxation experience. But the good news is there are simple steps you can take to keep your hot tub water crystal clear.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about maintaining clear and sparkling hot tub water. From routine maintenance to proper chemical balancing, I’ll share some tips and tricks to help you achieve crystal-clear water quickly.

Say goodbye to murky water and hello to a rejuvenating and luxurious soak every time!

9+ Ways To Keep Hot Tub Water Crystal

1. Keeping the Chemicals Balanced

Checking chemical balance now and then is crucial to maintain crystal clear water that you like in your hot tub.

I recommend using test strips on a regular basis to check the pH balance and chlorine levels. Finding them at your local hot tub and spa accessories store is easy.

Do not forget to follow the directions carefully. Aim for a pH level between 7.4-7.6 and chlorine levels between 1.5-3 parts per million.

Here’s more to the chemical balance check.

2. Alkalinity & pH/ Balancing Calcium Hardness

Maintaining the pH balance not only prevents cloudiness but also ensures that your sanitizer is working efficiently. As mentioned earlier, the pH level should be between 7.4 to 7.6.

An imbalance of the pH level disrupts the clarity. Besides, it causes skin irritation and premature corrosion and affects chlorine efficiency. The total alkalinity, once again, should measure 80 – 150 parts per million.

I check my hot tub water at least once a week to ensure the pH levels and alkalinity. I always use a pH increaser and decreaser to maintain pH balance as needed.

A quick way to fix low pH is to add one tablespoon of Sodium Bicarbonate or baking soda for every 100 gallons of water while keeping the jets running. I let the hot tub water circulate for 20 minutes and then test again. If necessary, I may repeat the steps.

To treat high pH, I use granular products, for example, Sodium Bisulfate or citric acid, and follow the instructions. You may also go for liquid acid. But remember to be extra cautious.

I also keep my hot tub chlorine levels between 1.0-3.0 parts per million (PPM). It’s important to note that higher chlorine levels can cause redness and irritation in your skin.

3. Sanitize With Chlorine Or Bromine

Now that I’ve covered the importance of regularly checking chemical levels let’s talk about how to sanitize hot tub water properly. The two most commonly used sanitizing agents are chlorine and bromine. These chemicals prevent bacteria growth and effectively kill other contaminants.

I recommend starting with a smaller sanitizer and then testing the water. If necessary, you can add more. This way, you can prevent overdosing.

Now if you are wondering which chemical to go for, between, Chlorine or Bromine, you can get your answer below. The table will give you an overall view of their performance and effectiveness.

However, never try to mix both chemicals, no matter the amount of concentration or the state. It may pose a serious threat to health as the reaction that happens is dangerous.

4. Shock Your Hot Tub

Now, let’s talk about the shock treatment at the spa. Experts recommend shocking hot tubs once a week to keep them hygienic.

This process involves adding a high sanitizer concentration to the water to oxidize any organic material that was not filtered out during regular use, such as dead skin cells, bacteria, or other debris.

Once I shock my tub, I generally wait at least 24 hours before testing the chlorine level. Within this period, the filtration system has enough time to circulate and remove dead algae. You can read what are the reasons to green your hot tub.

When it comes to shock treatments, remember to use a non-chlorine shock. Also, test and adjust the pH level in preparation for shocking the water.

Why I don’t recommend Chlorine shock? Well, it raises chlorine levels to a high amount. You may need to wait for the level to reduce naturally before using the hot tub.

Besides, chlorine shock is ideal for excessively used tubs and when changing water. While nonchlorine shock removes contaminants and clears cloudy water, it does not disinfect water.

Things to remember:

• To avoid damage to the tub and accessories, I keep the cover off for 20 minutes while running the jet cycle after the shock treatment.
• When using bromine sanitizer, you may use both chlorine and non-chlorine for shock. But don’t mix the dry chemical to avoid a risky chemical reaction

5. Limit the Use of Defoamer

One of the biggest issues we may face is foam buildup in the water, making it look cloudy. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to this problem – the use of a defoamer.

A defoamer is a product that reduces the amount of foam in hot tub water and keeps it sanitary by eliminating gunk buildup caused by lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics, and other products. So why do we need to limit the use of a defoamer then?

It’s because the overuse of defoamer may cause tub water to become milky or cloudy. So it’s recommended that you do not go overboard with the defoamer and use the amount as suggested.

Another helpful tip is to use Scumballs, which are round sponges that float over your water to keep foam at bay.

6. Use Clarifier

A clarifier could be essential to keep the hot tub water crystal clear. This amazing product works by rounding up all the contaminants that the filter may not be able to catch.

Simply add the recommended amount of clarifier once a week and let it work its magic. But remember, a clarifier should not replace regular cleaning and filter maintenance. It’s just an extra step to ensure your hot tub always looks its best.

7. Add Stain & Scale Control

I recommend using stain and scale control. It may seem insignificant but believe me, it’ll save those extra hours of cleaning and brushing off the buildup from the tub’s surface.

Adding a bottle of Stain & Scale Control per 10,000 gallons of water can help fight buildups that cling to the tub shells and fixtures. Low pH levels and high alkalinity also result in unsightly scaling.

By regularly using this chemical, I’ve noticed that it’s not just keeping scaling at bay, but it’s also extending the life of my hot tub. I perform this process once a month.

8. Use White Vinegar to Clean

White vinegar is one of my favorite natural cleaning solutions for my hot tub. Not only is it easy to mix equal parts with water in a spray bottle, but it’s an all-purpose cleaner that can remove calcium deposits and scum lines.

If you want to disinfect your tub, you can soak the jets overnight in white vinegar. Just be sure to rinse them with water before reinstalling them.

9. Use A Good Cover

A good cover is crucial for keeping hot tub water clear and clean. I always use one when my hot tub isn’t in use. It helps keep dirt and debris out of the water.

But, even with a cover, it’s important to continue with regular maintenance like sanitizing, checking chemical levels, and shock treatments.

Besides, the sanitizer also lasts longer and requires fewer chemicals to maintain. Plus, using a cover is an easy way to save energy costs by preventing heat loss.

Overall, investing in a quality cover is a simple step that can greatly impact the hot tub’s cleanliness and longevity.

Best Ways to Keep Debris Away

Keeping debris from accumulating could save you much cleaning time and money. So here are a few ideas to efficiently prevent dirt and unwanted gunk.

• Shower Before Using the Tub: I always try a quick shower before using the hot tub. It keeps away the gunk, oils, bacteria, and contaminants of the personal products that we use on our bodies.
• Wipe Off Debris Above the Water Line: I’ve noticed wiping off the debris above the water line keeps the water clean for a long time.
• Clean Filters When Needed: I always check filters for clogs and rinse them with a garden hose to remove any buildup. Try soaking them overnight in a cleaning solution for a deeper clean, and then rinse before re-installation.
• Wipe Down Both Sides of the Tub: It’s quite easy. I use a simple soft cloth to wipe down both sides of the tub. Besides, remember to pay extra attention to areas prone to buildup.
• Check Water Weekly: For light usage, I recommend checking the water once a week to ensure everything is balanced and there are no contaminants.

It’s important to keep up with this routine, even if you use a hot tub less frequently. By doing so, you can find out about any issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious problems.

Maintain the Filter Regularly

By maintaining a clean filter, you can effectively reduce the amount of chemical usage in your hot tub. Check for impurity buildup and if the filter is functioning properly or not.

Clean the filter cartridge every now and then.

Besides, Try to replace your filter every year. However, based on usage and size, you may have to change it frequently.

Eco-Friendly Approaches to Keep Tub Water Crystal Clear

Here are some eco-friendly approaches to keeping your tub water crystal clear:

Ultraviolet (UV) system

One great eco-friendly approach I got introduced to is the UV system. With a UV system, you may avoid using chlorine in your hot tub.

The system uses radiation to sanitize water in a hot tub. This is excellent for removing contaminants, but you must still use shock for improved water clarity.

Non-chlorine shock

To avoid chlorine, go for Non-chlorine shock. It helps oxidize the water, Efficiently remove contaminants, and improve water clarity. However, keep in mind that it is not a sanitizer.

Natural Clarifier

I tried natural elements for clarifiers, and it was worth it! One of my favorites is grapefruit seed extract drops that I used to clarify water.

Use A Mineral Purifier

I heard about mineral purifiers such as copper or silver. They clear the water by releasing the copper and silver into the water.

Rinse off Before Entering

I encourage everyone who uses the tub to rinse off before getting in.

Use A Natural Sanitizer

I think instead of using chlorine or bromine, you could opt for natural sanitizers such as hydrogen peroxide or salt water.

I Shocked My Tub But The Water is Still Cloudy, What Should I Do?

Sometimes the cloudiness may still persist even after the shock. In that case, try running the filter for several hours or even overnight. You can also add a clarifier to help clear up the water.

If the cloudiness is still there, test the water to properly balance the pH and alkalinity levels. If these levels are imbalanced, adjust them accordingly.

Conclusion

Maintaining a hot tub is crucial if you want to experience the best. You want to avoid hopping in water that is cloudy and smooth. Keeping the water crystal clear and clean requires regular maintenance and attention to detail.

Remember to test the water regularly, balance the chemicals, clean and replace the filters, and drain and refill the tub as needed. A well-maintained hot tub can provide you and your family with years of relaxation and enjoyment.