Troubleshooting/FAQ

The water in my hot tub is cloudy

Cloudy water can be caused by multiple things. The following list includes causes followed by its solution.

1. Excessive organic contamination, or lack of sanitizer.
   • Shock treat with non-chlorine shock and adjust sanitizer level.
2. Dissolved chemical solids.
   • Use clarifier to help remove small particles
3. pH balance or total alkalinity is incorrect.
   • Test total alkalinity and pH.
   • Correct with pH increaser or pH decreaser.
4. Calcium too high (hard water).
   • Use a sequestering agent weekly.
   • Replace some water with softer water.
5. The filter is dirty.
   • Clean filter with filter cartridge cleaner.

Chalky, white scale(mineral) deposits in water

Use a sequestering agent. Check water balance and adjust as necessary.

Clear, green water in my hot tub

Cause: High iron or copper content.

Solution: Use a sequestering agent.

Cloudy, green water in my hot tub

The following lists possible causes.

1. Alkalinity levels are low.
   • Use a pH increaser.
2. Sanitizer levels are low.
   • Test the sanitizer level.
   • If needed, show with non-chlorine shock.

Brown water in my hot tub

Cause: High iron or manganese level.

Solution: Use a sequestering agent.

Chlorine odor

Cause: Chloramines (the combined chlorine level) is high.

Solution: Shock with non-chlorine shock.

Eye/skin irritation

Cause: Organic contaminants, chloramines or pH is out of balance.

Solution: First, shock with non-chlorine shock. Then test it again, and adjust pH level as necessary.

Foaming

Cause: High concentration of chemicals due to evaporation and build-up of body oils, cosmetics and other contaminants

Solution: Use foam reducer. Shock treat with non-chlorine shock. Use enzyme reducer weekly as part of regular maintenance

Pitting of metal fixtures

The following list includes causes followed by its solution.

1. pH or total alkalinity levels are too low.
   • Test and adjust pH and total alkalinity by adding pH Up.
2. Improper sanitizer levels.
   • Regularly test and maintain proper sanitizer.
3. Not rinsing or cleaning metal fixtures regularly.
   • Rinse metal fixtures with non-chlorinated water and wipe with soft cloth. See additional stainless steel care instructions in the Regular Maintenance Procedure section of your owner’s manual.

Nothing on the spa operates

1. Check the control panel display for any messages. If there is a message, refer to the diagnostic section on that model hot tub. There you will find the meaning of the message and what action is to be taken.
2. If there is no message on your control panel, check and reset the GFCI* and house breaker. (*The GFCI should be located in a weatherproof box close to the spa, but no closer than 5 ft.)
3. If the spa does not respond, contact your dealer for service.

Pumps do not operate

1. Press the "Jets" button on your control panel.
2. If you hear the pumps trying to operate:
   • Check that all the slice valves are open.
   • The pump(s) may need to be primed.
   • Check that the air controls are open.
3. If you do not hear anything from the pump, contact your dealer for service.

Poor jet performance

1. Make sure pump is operating.
2. Check that the water level is adequate (up to minimum safe water level).
3. Make sure the jets are open and the air controls are open.
4. Check for dirty filters. Clean if necessary.

Hot Tub not heating

*If the hot tub heater has failed, the majority of the time it will trip the GFCI breaker. If the hot tub is not heating and has not tripped the breaker, please follow these steps:

1. Check the control panel display for any messages. If there is a message, refer to the diagnostic section in the Spa Controls section of your owner's manual. There you will find the meaning of the message and what action is to be taken.
2. Check water set temperature at control panel.
3. Check for dirty filters. Clean if necessary.
4. Check "heat mode" the hot tub is set in. Hot tub should be in ready/standard mode.
5. Check the control panel for heater light indicator and/or thermometer icon. If the light is on or the indicator icon is moving, the hot tub should be heating. Wait a reasonable amount of time (approximately 1 hour) to see if the water temperature is changing. During this time, make sure the insulating cover to your spa is on and secured.
6. Reset power to the spa at GFCI breaker.
7. If hot tub is still not heating, contact your dealer for service.

GFCI is tripping

The tripping of the GFCI may be caused by a component on the spa or by an electrical problem. Such electrical problems include, but are not limited to, a faulty GFCI breaker, power fluctuations or a simple miswire. It may be necessary to consult an electrician if your local dealer recommends doing so.

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