Why Does My Hot Tub water Look Green?

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No one wants their hot tub to have dirty or discolored water. If you see that your hot tub water is green or looks like there is a bit of green to the water, it’s likely due to algae. Algae in the hot tub occurs due to low or insufficient levels of chlorine and bromine. 

Another reason why your spas water can look green is due to higher levels of minerals in the water. Sometimes, higher levels of iron, copper, or manganese can turn water greenish. Additionally, if your hot tub is older or if you have copper pipes that are corroded, you may be experiencing discolored water as a direct result. 

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Is green water in a hot tub safe?

If the water in your hot tub is green, it’s likely caused by algae. When this occurs, it’s not advisable to take a relaxing swim in. Of course, nothing too serious will happen if you do choose to use a hot tub with dirty water, but it’s typically not recommended. 

How do I clear up green water in my hot tub?

If you go to take a dip in your hot tub, and find that the water is slightly discolored, there’s nothing to worry about. There likely is a lack of proper chemicals. When this is the case, there are a few things you can do to alleviate this issue. 

You can always drain and thoroughly clean your hot tub or replace the filters. This will ensure that your hot tub’s shell is clean and the filters are functioning properly. If you would rather add chemicals and clean your tub without draining it, this can also be done. 

While your hot tub is in use, you can add chlorine and bromine sanitizing solutions and run the jets. When this is done, it’s recommended to wait at least 12 hours to see if the problem has gone away. If your tub still is green or discolored, then this may be a sign of a more serious issue. 

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Will Shock clear a green hot tub

Yes, if your tub looks a bit green, it’s entirely possible to fix this problem by shocking your hot tub. As we stated above, you can add the proper amounts of chlorine and bromine. After letting your tub sit with the lid off, during at least one jet cycle, you will be able to see whether the shock treatments worked. 

When you shock a hot tub or pool, your spa can reset and function properly with clean water and proper levels of cleaner. If you find that shocking your hot tub hasn’t completely gotten rid of your green water, this could be a sign of a more serious issue. 

If you have corroded pipes or faulty filters, then speaking with professionals may be the next best thing. By reaching out to a professional team, they will check all aspects of your hot tub and find the best course of action to get your hot tub back functioning properly in no time. 

Author

  • Jason

    Jason is an experienced writer, having contributed to many popular websites over the years. He currently writes for Big Hot Tub, a blog about everything hot tubs. When he's not writing or working on his blog, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.