Subject: Water Quality Troubleshooting For Soft Soak Water Chemistry

Q. What should I do if I find that my spa water is dull, cloudy, hazy, foamy or foul smelling?

A. Improper filtration, an accumulation of bather waste, Total Dissolved Solids above 1500 ppm, and/or high pH are the most common causes of dull, cloudy, hazy, foamy, or foul smelling water. To bring your spa water back to a clean, clear, and safe to use condition check the following.

STEP1: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

The chemical saturation point of spa water is measured as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Your monthly AnalyzePlus™ water analysis from Aqua Vita Spas indicates the level of TDS in your spa water. Total Dissolved Solids of 1500 ppm or higher inhibit the ability of water maintenance chemicals to maintain clean, clear spa water. Properly maintained spa water can last up to 4 months before reaching 1500 ppm TDS. If your spa water has reached a level of 1500 ppm TDS, it is time for a Drain, Clean and Fill or a Water Change to be performed. Refer to the SpaCare™ section of this manual for step by step instructions for these procedures. After re-filling, follow the Start-Up instructions found in this section.

If the Total Dissolved Solids are below 1500 ppm proceed to the next step.

STEP 2: Filtration

Achieving and maintaining spa water clarity is largely the result of proper filtration. If your spa water is dull, cloudy, or hazy check the following items that can affect filtration:

1) Is the spa filled to the proper water level?

2) Has the filter been chemically cleaned within the last 4-6 weeks?

3) Is the filter cartridge older than 12 months? (The service life of a properly maintained filter cartridge is approximately 12 months.)

4) Does the filter cycle duration match the typical bather load of your spa?

5) Are the plumbing line valves fully opened?

6) Is the skimmer free from obstructions?

7) Are the bottom suction screens clean and free from obstructions?

If your filtration system appears to be working properly, proceed to the next step.

STEP 3: High pH

Maintaining pH at the proper level (7.2-7.6) is critical to the SpaGuard SoftSoak Program. If your spa water is dull, cloudy, or hazy; it may be due to high pH. To restore the water to a clean, clear condition perform or re-perform all of the steps outlined in the Weekly Care portion of the Quick Reference Guide found in this section.
If pH is at the proper level, proceed to the next step.

STEP 4: Bather Waste

Bather waste is introduced into the water during normal spa use and needs to be eliminated. If bather waste is allowed to accumulate, the water will become dull, cloudy, hazy, foamy, or foul smelling. To restore the water to a clean, clear condition perform or re-perform all of the steps outlined in the Weekly Care portion of the Quick Reference Guide found in this section.

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