Chances are, if you’ve owned a hot tub for any length of time, you’ve experienced brown water at some point. While it’s not always the most pleasant sight, there are ways to fix the issue and get your water back to its crystal clear state in no time. In this blog post, we’ll look at what causes brown water in hot tubs and some tips on how to fix brown water in hot tub. So read on to learn more!
Summary:
Brown water in a hot tub can mean a variety of different things, from excess metals and minerals in the water to bacteria and algae. To fix brown water, you should first check your chemical levels to make sure they are balanced.
If the chemical levels are off, then you will need to balance them back to their proper levels. You should also clean out any debris that may have built up in the filter and pump system, as this can affect the water quality. Finally, it may be necessary to shock the hot tub with chlorine or bromine in order to sanitize it and clear up the brown discoloration.
What Causes Brown Water in Hot Tubs?
There are a few different things that can cause brown water in hot tubs. One of the most common causes is the hot tub filter needs to be cleaned. When the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can cause the water to become brown. Another common cause of brown water is high levels of iron in the water.
This can be caused by several things, including rust from pipes or runoff from nearby wells. If you have high levels of iron in your water, you’ll likely notice a metallic taste as well.
Additionally, brown water can also be caused by algae. This is more common in hot tubs that are not used regularly, as algae can grow quickly in stagnant water. The other main cause of brown water is simply dirt and debris that has made its way into the hot tub. This can happen if the hot tub is not covered when not in use or if people are getting in and out without showering first.
Why Is Brown Water in Hot Tubs a Problem?
There are a few reasons why brown water in hot tubs can be problematic. First, it’s not very pleasant to look at! Second, Brown water can make it seem like your hot tub is dirty, even if it’s not. Additionally, brown water can also cause skin and eye irritation. This is because of the high chlorine levels needed to disinfect the water. When the water is brown, it means that the chlorine cannot do its job properly and is not as effective at disinfecting the water.
Another reason brown water can be a problem is that it can cause staining on the hot tub. This is especially true if the water is high in iron. If you have brown water in your hot tub, it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further problems. Finally, if algae cause brown water, it can release toxins into the air that can harm your health. So it’s important to immediately take care of the problem for your health and safety.
A Complete guide on How to Fix Brown Water in Hot Tub
1. Clean Hot Tub Filter
A dirty hot tub filter is one of the most common causes of brown water. If your filter hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it’s likely full of dirt and debris. This can cause the water to become brown and cloudy. To clean your filter, first, remove it from the hot tub. Then, rinse it off with a hose to remove any large pieces of dirt and debris. Next, soak the filter in a filter cleaning solution overnight.
Finally, rinse the filter off again and put it back in the hot tub. If you have a disposable filter, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Avoid using a pressure washer to clean your filter, as this can damage it.
2. Use a Hot Tub Clarifier
If your hot tub water is murky or cloudy, you can use a clarifier to help clear it up. Clarifiers work by binding together small particles in the water, making them easier to filter out. First, add the clarifier to your hot tub according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, run the filter for 24 hours to help remove the particles from the water. After 24 hours, you should notice a significant difference in the clarity of your water. If the water is still cloudy, you can repeat the process.
3. Try a Hot Tub Enzyme Treatment
If you have high levels of organic matter in your water, such as algae or bacteria, an enzyme treatment can help. Enzyme treatments break down organic matter, making removing it from your hot tub easier. This can help to improve both the look and quality of your water. To use an enzyme treatment, first, clean your hot tub filters. Then, add the recommended amount of enzyme treatment to your hot tub water.
You will need to run your hot tub for a few hours to allow the treatment to work. After that, you can test your water quality and adjust it as needed. If your water quality is still not up to par, you may need to repeat the enzyme treatment.
4. Use a Hot Tub Flush
If you have a lot of dirt and debris in your hot tub, a hot tub flush can help to remove it. A hot tub flush involves running a hose into your tub and circulating the water for some time. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing your brown water problem. First, attach a hose to your tub’s drain valve to do a hot tub flush. Next, turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes.
Then, turn off the water and let the hose circulate the water for a few more minutes. Finally, turn on the pump and let it run for a few minutes to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
5. Shock the Hot Tub Water
If you have high levels of chlorine in your water, it can cause the water to become brown. To fix this, you’ll need to “shock” the water, adding a large amount of chlorine all at once. This will kill any bacteria in the water and make it safe to use again. You’ll need to purchase a chlorine shock product from a pool or hot tub store to shock the hot tub water. First, test the water to see how much chlorine is already in it.
Then, follow the directions on the shock product to add the correct amount of chlorine. After shocking the water, run the jets for a few minutes to circulate the chlorine. Then, test the chlorine levels again and make sure they’re within the normal range. If they’re not, you may need to shock the water again. Avoid using the hot tub until the chlorine levels are back to normal.
6. Add an Algaecide
If you have algae in your hot tub, you’ll need to use an algaecide to remove it. Algae can cause the water to become brown, and it can also be harmful to your health. There are many different types of algaecides available, so be sure to read the label carefully to choose the right one for your hot tub. To use an algaecide, test the water to ensure it’s safe to use. Then, follow the instructions on the label.
Be sure to add the algaecide to the hot tub while the pump is running to ensure it’s evenly distributed. After you’ve added the algaecide, run the hot tub for at least 20 minutes to allow the chemicals to work. Then, test the water again and drain it if necessary. Avoid using the hot tub until the water is clear.
7. Clean Your Hot Tub Cover
If your hot tub cover is dirty, it can cause the water to become brown. This is because the dirt and debris on the cover can fall into the water, discoloring it. To prevent this, be sure to clean your hot tub cover regularly. To clean your hot tub cover, start by removing it from the hot tub. Then, use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt and debris from the surface of the cover. Once you’ve removed all the dirt and debris, rinse the cover off with clean water. Finally, dry the cover thoroughly before putting it back on the hot tub.
8. Run the Jets
If your hot tub has jets, run them daily for a few minutes. This will help to circulate the water and keep it from becoming stagnant. You may also want to consider running the jets on a timer so that they automatically turn on for a few minutes each day. To do this, consult your hot tub’s manual to see if it has this feature. If not, you can purchase a timer at most hardware stores.
How Often Should You Drain Your Hot Tub?
It would be best to drain your hot tub every 3-4 months to keep the water clean and fresh. This will also help to extend the life of your hot tub. To drain your hot tub, turn off the power and remove any chemicals from the water. Next, attach a hose to the drain valve and open it up.
Be sure to place the other end of the hose in a drain or bucket so that the water can be properly disposed of. Once the water has been drained, close the valve and remove the hose. Finally, turn on the power and fill the hot tub back up with clean water.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to fix brown water in hot tub. Following these tips, you can enjoy clean and clear hot tub water all year. With a little bit of care and maintenance, you can keep your hot tub in tip-top shape for years to come. Thanks for reading!