• Dirty filter
• Excessive oils or organic matter
• Improper sanitization
• Suspended particles or organic matter
• Overused or old water

• Clean or replace filter
• Shock the spa with a sanitizer
• Add sanitizer
• Adjust the pH and/or the alkalinity
• Run the jet pump(s) and clean the filter

Water Odor

• Excessive organics in the water
• Improper sanitization
• Low pH

• Shock the spa with sanitizer
• Add sanitizer
• Adjust the pH to the recommended range

Chlorine Odor

• Chloramine level is too high
• Low pH

• Shock the spa with sanitizer
• Adjust pH to recommended range

Musty Odor

• Bacteria or algae growth

• Shock the spa with sanitizer
• If the problem is visible or persistent then drain, clean and refill the spa

Organic Buildup
Scum
Ring Around the Spa

• Build up of oils and dirt

• Wipe off the scum with a clean rag
• If the build up is severe, drain the spa and use a spa surface and tile cleaner to remove and then refill the spa

Algae Growth

• High pH
• Low sanitizer

• Shock the spa with sanitizer and adjust the pH
• Shock the spa with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level

Eye Irritation

• Low pH
• Low sanitizer level

• Adjust the pH
• Shock the spa with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level

Skin Irritation
Rash

• Unsanitary water
• Free Chlorine level above 5 parts per million (ppm)

• Shock the spa with sanitizer and maintain the sanitizer level
• Allow the free chlorine level to drop below 5 parts per million (ppm)

Stains

• Total alkalinity and/or pH is too low
• High iron or copper in the source water

• Adjust the total alkalinity and/or the pH
• Use a metal deposit inhibitor

Scale

• High calcium content in the water
• Total alkalinity and pH are too high

• Adjust the total alkalinity and pH
• If the scale requires removal, drain the spa, scrub off the scale, refill the spa and balance the water