BBBOnLine Reliability Seal
Spa Chemical Troubleshooting Guide


Problem: Cause: Solution:
Cloudy Water Excessive organic contaminants or lack of sanitizer

Buildup of unfilterable material

PH or total alkalinity out of balance



Dirty filter



Calcium too high

Shock with Renew or OZ. Check and adjust sanitizer level.


Use Bright & Clear.


Test water and adjust pH and total alkalinity as necessary using Spa Up, Spa Down or Alkalinity Increaser.

Use Instant Cartridge Clean on a monthly basis, or use Filter Clean for deep cleaning.

Use Defender on a weekly basis.
Chalky, white scale deposits (Calcium buildup) High mineral content in water

Water out of balance
Use Defender on a weekly basis.


Check water balance and adjust as necessary.
Cloudy green water Low sanitizer level

Shock with Renew or Oz. Check and adjust sanitizer level.
Clear green water Dissolved copper or iron in spa water

Add Metal Gon to sequester minerals in the water. Check pH level.
Brown water High iron or manganese content

Add Metal Gon to sequester minerals in the water. Check pH level
Odor Excessive organic contaminants Shock with Renew or Oz. Check and adjust sanitizer level.
Eye/Skin irritation Chloramines or excessive organic contaminants

PH or total alkalinity out of balance
Shock with Renew or Oz.


Test and adjust pH and total alkalinity as necessary.

Scum deposit on waterline Oils, lotions and detergents from bathers have caused buildup Use Enzyme on a weekly basis.

Excessive foaming Buildup of body oils, cosmetics and detergents from bathers

Calcium Hardness is too low


Large amount of Total Dissolved Solids
Add Foam Down. Shock with Renew or Oz.


Add Calcium Booster to obtain 150 – 400 ppm calcium level in the water.

Change water.

Click Here to shop for Chemical and Cleaners